Breiðdalsvík: Beach, Geology and Local History

Breiðdalsvík in the Eastfjords

Breiðdalsvík is a small village in Iceland’s Eastfjords, on Route 1 and at the end of Breiðdalsfjörður. Mountains and unspoiled rivers surround the village. Local highlights include Meleyri, a beach just inside the village; Breiðdalssetur, with its exhibition on Iceland’s geology; and the former grocery store Kaupfjelagið, now used as a café and shop. The landscape, nature and visible local history all offer ways to get to know Breiðdalsvík.

Meleyri: Beach, Birdlife and Walks

Meleyri is a beach within the village and is home to a rich variety of birdlife. The area is well suited to walks and other outdoor activities. For travelers interested in nature and being active, these are two distinct features of the same place: birdlife as a nature highlight and time for a walk. Meleyri gives the landscape in Breiðdalsvík a clearly identifiable landmark. If you are planning your stay around particular interests, nature watching and outdoor activities are the main draws here.

Geology at Breiðdalssetur

At Breiðdalssetur, drill cores are used to bring Iceland’s geology to life. The exhibition covers the volcanic island of Surtsey and the extensive lava sequence of East Iceland. These two subjects offer contrasting scales: a single volcanic island and a far-reaching lava sequence. Breiðdalssetur is located in the former Kaupfélag at 760 Breiðdalsvík. Alongside Meleyri, the exhibition offers a different way to explore the area, focusing on geological connections and how they are presented through drill cores.

Kaupfjelagið: Former Use, Café Today

Kaupfjelagið is Breiðdalsvík’s former grocery store and is now a cozy café and shop near Hótel Breiðdalsvík. Visitors can enjoy coffee and freshly baked cakes there, as well as buy local goods. Opening hours vary by season. The building was constructed in 1956; its interiors preserve the original design, with wooden shelves. Some original products from the 1950s and 1960s are still on display. The building date, furnishings and goods each convey a different aspect of its history: the date places the building in time, while the shelves and products illustrate its former use as a grocery store.

Beljandi Brewery

A local craft brewery is also part of the village’s character: Beljandi Brewery is based in Breiðdalsvík and brews beer with pure glacial water from East Iceland.

Getting There and Charging Points

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) is about 75 kilometers from Breiðdalsvík. It can be reached by car via Route 1 in approximately one hour. Check journey times again before traveling. Strætó route 62 runs between Höfn and Egilsstaðir via Breiðdalsvík; check the current timetable before departure. You can use the approximate driving time and bus connection to plan your journey.

Breiðdalsvík has public fast-charging stations, and Hótel Breiðdalsvík also has charging points for electric vehicles. If you plan to use them on your journey, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hof, þÓrshöfn, Brunnholl, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Svartiskogur, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Eskifjorður, Borgarfjörður.

For the full travel overview: Austurland.