Stöðvarfjörður

Stöðvarfjörður is a small fishing village in the Eastfjords of Iceland, located along the fjord of the same name between Breiðdalsvík and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The village is part of Fjarðabyggð and has long relied on the sea, natural resources, and a strong sense of community.

The beginnings of permanent settlement in Stöðvarfjörður date back to 1896, when Carl Guðmundsson was granted a trading licence in the area. Long before that, coastal farmers had lived along the fjord, benefiting from rich fishing grounds just offshore.

For much of the 20th century, fishing and fish processing formed the backbone of the local economy. The village operated trawlers and a freezing plant, primarily focused on cod and other whitefish. In recent decades, employment in the fishing industry has declined, making room for new forms of economic activity.

Nature and outdoor life

The surroundings of Stöðvarfjörður are diverse and dramatic. At the head of the fjord lies Jafnadalur, home to a remarkable rock formation known as Einbúi and a striking natural stone arch in the slopes of Álftafell, considered one of the finest of its kind in Iceland.

The river Stöðvará flows into the fjord at its inner end, where several scenic waterfalls can be found. The surrounding mountains offer a wide range of hiking routes, from easy valley walks to challenging alpine ascents.

Among the most distinctive landmarks are the Súlur, the signature peaks of Stöðvarfjörður. These demanding routes are suitable only for experienced mountaineers but reward climbers with exceptional views.

Nearby peaks include Kumlafell, which features a natural hole near its summit with views toward Fáskrúðsfjörður, as well as Steðji, with mountain tarns, rock formations and ancient scree slopes in its upper reaches.

At the northern edge of the fjord lies the extraordinary natural phenomenon known as Saxa. During strong easterly winds, seaweed, driftwood and loose material are drawn into the area, crushed and hurled high into the air — a dramatic and rarely seen spectacle.

Culture and community

Stöðvarfjörður is widely known for its vibrant cultural life. The village is home to the renowned Petra’s Stone Collection, one of Iceland’s most unique museums, visited by tens of thousands of guests each year.

Facilities and visitor services

Visitors to Stöðvarfjörður will find good local facilities, including a popular camping site at the eastern end of the village. The former parish church has been repurposed and now offers accommodation for travellers.

The village also features a swimming pool next to the local school — a small outdoor pool with a hot tub, open during the summer months.

Stöðvarfjörður is a peaceful yet creative community where nature, history and contemporary culture come together. The village offers visitors an authentic experience of the Eastfjords, combining dramatic landscapes, artistic spirit and the quiet rhythm of coastal life.