Discover Reydarfjördur: History and Trails

Reydarfjördur offers several distinct options for a stay: the history of the Second World War, a historic stone house, riverside trails and a hike to a waterfall. When looking for a hotel, you could first consider whether you want to focus on culture, outdoor activities or a combination of the two.

War history and historic buildings

The Icelandic War Museum offers insight into life during the war years and the effects of the occupation on Iceland. Visitors can enter barracks and a cinema, and view objects and numerous photographs from the war years. The museum is open daily from 1 June to 31 August, from 1 to 5 pm; check these seasonal opening times before your trip. Visible remains of the Allied base also survive outside the museum, including old barracks and small gun emplacements.

The annual town festival Hernámsdagurinn commemorates the British occupation of the town on 1 July 1940. Festival events include art exhibitions and live music at the Icelandic War Museum. Exact dates may vary from year to year; check the current programme before your visit.

Built in 1875, Sómastaðir is the only surviving house in Iceland with exterior walls made of roughly hewn grey stone blocks and glacial clay mortar. Its construction makes it a distinctive historic sight. Visits are possible from 1 June to 31 August on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 pm; check the seasonal opening times before your trip. The hike up Hólmatindur begins just outside Sómastaðir.

Trails, the quay and activities

The restored Barkurinn quay is a place to visit where you can fish, read about the quay’s history and enjoy the scenery. Its origins date back to 1884, when part of a sailing ship was sunk below Bakkagerðiseyri to support a quay that later became known as Barkurinn. At low tide and in calm seas, the original ship may be visible below the quay.

A hiking trail starts in the centre of Reydarfjördur and follows the wooded banks of the Búðará. Another footpath runs through the Búðarárgil gorge up to the Búðarárfoss waterfall and passes the Icelandic War Museum. The descriptions highlight different features: one trail follows the riverbank, while the other leads through a gorge to the waterfall and past the museum.

Nearby, Grænafell lies immediately west of Reydarfjördur’s built-up area. An easy, marked hiking trail leads up the mountain from Fagradalur. The Fjarðabyggð Golf Club’s Kollur course is situated on a hillside in town; it has nine holes and a par of 70. The third, fourth and seventh tees offer lovely views. Fishing at the local pond, Andapollur, is also considered a recreational activity in Reydarfjördur.

In the wider region

Further afield, the Geithúsaárgil gorge lies at the head of Reyðarfjörður Fjord, below Grænafell. Its steep rock walls have been shaped over centuries by the Geithúsaá River. This landscape adds another regional feature to the trails and historic sites in town.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Brunnholl, Vallanes, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Fljótsdalur, Vopnafjörður, Brekka, Seyðisfjörður, Hámundarstaðir

Return to the main travel overview: Austurland.