Breidafjordur Attractions
The remote bay of Breiðafjörður with its maze of innumerable islets is an area known for its varieties of landscapes and bird-life. Numerous species of birds nest in the cliffs and some of the islets are literally covered in nests and eggs. Birders expect to see kittiwakes, fulmars, gulls, guillemots, puffins and cormorants. Seals are also a common sight.
The cone-shaped Snæfellsjökull glacier (1446 m) to the south was made famous by Jules Verne in his story Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
The cone-shaped Snæfellsjökull glacier (1446 m) to the south was made famous by Jules Verne in his story Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
Eric's House (Leif Eriksson Museum)
Staff dressed in Viking gear recount the lifestyle of Iceland's settlers at Eiriksstadir (Eric's Farm), where Eric the Red lived until he was exiled. His son, Leif Eriksson, was born here and was reputed to have discovered North America in the year 1000.
Hours
June 1 to September 1
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Flatey Island Excursion
Flatey is the most famous of the western islands in Breiðafjörður. Fertile and well-vegetated, the island is about 2.5km/1.5mi long and 1km/.62mi wide.
Originally a major trading center in the Middle-Ages, its population reached a peak of 120 in 1942 but few live there now.
A ferry reaches the island twice daily. Visitors can explore its heritage buildings or observe its abundant bird-life. Whale sightings in the area include minke, humpback, and orca.
Originally a major trading center in the Middle-Ages, its population reached a peak of 120 in 1942 but few live there now.
A ferry reaches the island twice daily. Visitors can explore its heritage buildings or observe its abundant bird-life. Whale sightings in the area include minke, humpback, and orca.
Haukadalur Valley
The Haukadalur contains a trout lake and the salmon river Haukadalsa. The Ofaera bird-cliffs are found in the area as is the replica of Eric the Red's Viking farm.
Whale Watching Tours
Snæfellsnes peninsula is an ideal location for whale watching.The summer months draw most species of whale found in the North Atlantic to the area, including the largest in the world: the blue whale, which has been spotted frequently in Breiðafjörður.
