Flateyri: Trade, Museums and Fjord Activities

Flateyri combines a long trading history with museums, maritime activities and places on Önundarfjörður. If you are planning a stay, you can explore the town according to what interests you most: historical development, collections or time by the water. Cultural history and fjord activities offer different sides of the destination.

Trading history and old shops

Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792. In the 19th century, the town was home to a fleet of decked ships and served as a base for shark and whaling expeditions. Its historical landmarks therefore span trade dating back to 1792 and the shipping and fishing industries of the 19th century. If you enjoy understanding places through their history, this sequence offers a concrete introduction to Flateyri’s maritime past.

The history of an individual shop adds a distinctive note: The Old Bookstore is considered Iceland’s oldest original shop and has been a family business for four generations since 1914. Alongside the maritime past is the story of a shop and a family line. This perspective differs from seafaring and fishing, adding another dimension to Flateyri’s trading history.

Museums and collections

An old bookshop in Flateyri has been converted into a museum about the town’s history and an old merchant’s house. A municipal visitor brochure from 2016 presents the Nonsense Museum as a forum where collectors publicly display their collections. The International Doll Museum collection includes around 200 dolls wearing traditional costumes from around the world. The cultural themes are clearly distinct: on one side are collections and collectors, and on the other, the doll collection in international dress. If a museum visit is to be a fixed part of your trip, check visitor information in advance.

Swimming pool, kayaking and sea fishing

Flateyri Swimming Pool has a 16-metre pool, a hot tub and an indoor sauna. There are also heated outdoor paddling pools. If you want to include the swimming pool in your plans, check its operating information in advance, as details may change.

The fjord near Flateyri offers good kayaking opportunities. Flateyri has also become a very popular destination for foreign sea anglers. Kayaking and sea fishing offer different ways to spend time on the water: a trip on the fjord or fishing at sea. Together with the swimming pool, these options offer a clear choice between activities on the fjord and facilities in the pool.

Viewpoint, lagoon and beach

The campsite in Flateyri is located by an avalanche-protection embankment. On the embankment itself is a viewing platform with an excellent view over Önundarfjörður. Next to the campsite is a lagoon with Einarsbryggja, which is suitable for operating remote-controlled boats. As the condition of the facility may change, it is advisable to check before visiting.

Opposite Flateyri, on the other side of the fjord, is a white sandy beach. Every year it hosts a sandcastle competition attended by hundreds of children and adults. If you want to plan your trip around the competition, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Breiðavík, Hólmavík, Holt, Ísafjörður, Saurbær, Bíldudalur, Árnes, Reykhólar.

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.