Dritvík, along with Djúpalónssandur, form the westernmost region of Iceland and is located about 207 km from the capital city in Hólahólarin, Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is said the first settlers found Dritvik, along with Djúpalónssandur, which has some interesting rock formations and structures. Though the cove is safe, it is precariously placed and not easy to locate from the sea and only the experienced sailors having knowledge of the region could find it.
Dritvík, along with Djúpalónssandur, form the westernmost region of Iceland and is located about 207 km from the capital city in Hólahólarin, Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is said the first settlers found Dritvik, along with Djúpalónssandur, which has some interesting rock formations and structures. Though the cove is safe, it is precariously placed and not easy to locate from the sea and only the experienced sailors having knowledge of the region could find it.
Documented history of Dritvík appeared in 1530 and some 18th century accounts narrate that about 80 ships visited Dritvik and around 50 boats could be seen in the bay. Interestingly, the region was also a hub for workers during the fishing season and it is said over 400 to 500 workers assembled here each winter during mid-February and May in search of jobs on fishing boats. And since they did not build any permanent structure here and lived in make-shift tents that would be razed at the end of the season, very little is left to trace the existence of a busy period in fishing history, except for history books and tales passed on from old timers. Perhaps that is why it is said Dritvik was often referred to as the restaurant town during the bygone era and had several restaurants for several centuries, specifically from the 17th to the 19th century.
The mention of Dritvik can also be found in the Sagas, as it features prominently in Bárðar saga, where there is a detailed explanation on how the fishing village derived its name. The 897-meter Mount Tröllakirkja is also located here.
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