Stykkisholmur: A colorful gateway between the sea and the islands — Iceland Travel Guide

A historic fishing town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Stykkisholmur is defined by its vibrant 19th-century timber houses and its role as the primary departure point for the islands of Breidafjordur.

Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and often considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland. Known as the gateway to the thousands of islands in the Breiðafjörður Bay, it is a colorful, well-preserved fishing village with a deep connection to the sea. 1. Old Town and Architecture The town is famous for its multicolored timber houses, many of which have been restored to their 19th-century glory. Norwegian House (Norska Húsið): Built in 1832, it was the first wood-framed two-story house in Iceland. It now serves as a regional museum. Stykkishólmskirkja: The town’s modern church is a striking architectural landmark. Its futuristic white design is said to resemble a whale’s vertebra or a stylized glacier, and it offers great views over the town. 2. Súgandisey Island A protective basalt island that shelters the town’s harbor. You can walk across a short causeway and hike a set of stairs to the top of the cliff. At the summit sits a small red lighthouse, providing a panoramic view of the Breiðafjörður islands and, on clear days, the mountains of the Westfjords across the bay. 3. Unique Museums Library of Water (Vatnasafn): Created by artist Roni Horn, this installation features 24 glass columns filled with melted water from every major glacier in Iceland. Volcano Museum: Founded by world-renowned volcanologist Haraldur Sigurðsson, it showcases art and artifacts related to eruptions and volcanic history. 4. Gateway to the Islands The Ferry Baldur: This is the main link between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords, stopping at the tranquil island of Flatey along the way. Viking Sushi Tours: A popular boat excursion where a net is dropped into the bay and fresh scallops and sea urchins are pulled up for passengers to eat raw right on the deck. 5. Hollywood Fame Movie buffs might recognize Stykkishólmur from the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. In the movie, the town stood in for Nuuk, Greenland—specifically the scene where Ben Stiller’s character contemplates jumping into a helicopter at the local bar. Detail Information Population Approximately 1,200 Main Industry Fishing and Tourism Location Northern side of Snæfellsnes (Route 58) Distance from Reykjavík ~2 hours 15 mins (170 km)

Charming little fishing town

Stykkishólmur is surrounded by wonderful views of the innumerable islands. A defining feature is the old houses that reside in the old city center and this is reflected in the atmosphere – it sometimes feels like a place from a different time. The church in Stykkisholmur is a fascinating architectural structure.