Hólmavík: Folklore and coastal life in the eastern Westfjords

Mystical World

Hólmavík is the largest town in the Strandir region, an area with an exciting and dramatic history of witchcraft, witch-hunting, and sorcery. Inhabitants in the countryside surrounding Hólmavík live mostly on sheep farming, while economic activity in town revolves around the fisheries and the service sector. Hólmavík is the largest town in the Strandir region and serves as the primary gateway to the eastern Westfjords. With a population of approximately 400 inhabitants, it is a tranquil fishing village situated on the calm Steingrímsfjörður fjord. 1. The Capital of Sorcery The town is most famous for its connection to the supernatural and 17th-century witch hunts. Iceland Travel Iceland Travel +1 Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft: This award-winning museum details the history of local magic and the tragic Fire Century (1654–1690), when many were persecuted for occult practices. The "Necropants" (Nábrók): Its most famous (and macabre) exhibit is a replica of trousers made from human skin, believed to bring the wearer unlimited wealth. The Sorcerer's Cottage: A secondary part of the museum located 20 minutes north in Bjarnarfjörður, featuring a reconstructed turf hut showing how practitioners of magic lived. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +4 2. Wildlife and Nature Whale Watching: Hólmavík is one of the best locations for intimate whale watching because only one tour company operates in the fjord. Humpback whales are frequently seen tail-slapping and jumping close to the boat. Kálfanesborgir Hike: A popular, short hiking trail located directly above the village that offers panoramic views of the fjord and Grímsey Island. Iceland Tours Iceland Tours +3 3. Local Culture and Services Sheep Farming Museum: Located 12 km south of the town, this museum provides an entertaining look at traditional Icelandic farming, including a chance to bottle-feed lambs during the spring. Community Spirit: Every July, the town hosts Hamingjudagar ("Happy Days"), a family festival emphasizing love and peace—a deliberate contrast to its dark historical reputation. Swimming Pool: The town features a modern sports center with a 25-meter pool, saunas, and hot tubs heated with green electricity. Wikipedia Wikipedia +4 Visitor Summary Feature Details Location East side of the Westfjords (Strandir region) Primary Industry Fishing, shrimp processing, and tourism Famous Residents Poet Stefán frá Hvítadal and musician Gunnar Þórðarson Travel Note Excellent base for exploring the rugged Strandir coast further north