Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður, located north of the Snæfellsjökull peninsula, about 177 km from Reykjavik, is famous not only for its pristine natural beauty, trade and commerce, but also interesting history and tales that are reflected in the Sagas. In fact, Eyrbyggja Saga is one of the popular sagas that narrate historical accounts of the ‘people of Eyri,’ settlement in the region and even how the town derived its name. 

Grundarfjörður, located north of the Snæfellsjökull peninsula, about 177 km from Reykjavik, is famous not only for its pristine natural beauty, trade and commerce, but also interesting history and tales that are reflected in the Sagas. In fact, Eyrbyggja Saga is one of the popular sagas that narrate historical accounts of the ‘people of Eyri,’ settlement in the region and even how the town derived its name.

Archeologists have discovered ruins of dwelling places which they claim belong to the Viking settlement of Öndverðareyri. Blessed with a natural harbor, Grundarfjörður was the hub of commercial activities which date back to the settlement period, around the 15th century at Hálsvaðall, which was then known as Salteyrarós. Again, during restrictions in 1602, when Iceland was under Danish rule, Grundarfjörður was selected as one of the key trading points and the only trading port in the western region. Few centuries later, from 1800 acclaimed friendship with French fisherman earned Grundarfjörður residents not only monetary gains, but also strong historical connections that remain intact to this day – specially between Grundarfjörður and Paimpol in Brittany, France, which are referred to as twin towns since 2004.

The French sailors who settled here are also said to have built a church and a hospital. There are umpteen exciting things to see and visit in the area, including Kirkufell, waterfalls Kirkjufellsfoss and Grundarfoss, harbor, Saga Center, stone sculptures, Grundarfjörður church, swimming pool, museums, Liston art gallery, statue Sýn etc.

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