Books, Libraries & Book Cafés in West Iceland

Libraries and literary spaces

In Borgarnes, Héraðsbókasafn is part of Safnahús Borgarfjarðar, where visitors can explore books alongside the cultural heritage of the Borgarfjörður region. The town is also home to the Settlement Centre, where visitors can learn more about Iceland's settlement and Saga history.

In Akranes, Bókasafn Akraness is a welcoming stop during the colder months. Founded in 1864, the library has a broad collection of books, magazines and other media, as well as archives and photographic collections. It offers a glimpse into both everyday Icelandic life and the history of the local community.

Stykkishólmur offers a more unusual literary and artistic experience. Vatnasafn, or the Library of Water, occupies a former library overlooking the town and Breiðafjörður. The installation explores Iceland through water, weather, landscape and local voices, creating an atmospheric cultural experience that feels particularly fitting during the darker months.

For those who would rather browse the shelves of a bookshop, Penninn Eymundsson Akranesi offers books, magazines and gifts.

And perhaps that is one of the nicest things about travelling in West Iceland: a visit to a library or bookshop does not have to be a separate activity. It can simply become part of the journey — a quiet stop between mountains, coastlines and small towns.

Cosy cafés in West Iceland

When autumn arrives, West Iceland takes on a quieter and more atmospheric character. Shorter days, colourful hillsides and crisp air make it the perfect time to seek out a cosy café. Whether you are travelling around Snæfellsnes, exploring Borgarfjörður or stopping in one of the region's small towns, a warm cup of coffee and something freshly baked can be the perfect break from the Icelandic weather.

West Iceland has a lovely selection of cafés and bakeries, from intimate local coffeehouses to places where you can sit with views of harbours, mountains and fjords.

In Borgarnes, Blómasetrið – Kaffi Kyrrð offers a particularly cosy atmosphere in the old town, close to Englendingavík. Another popular stop is Geirabakarí Kaffihús, where visitors can enjoy coffee, pastries, cakes and sandwiches while taking in views towards Borgarfjörður.

Another distinctive stop is Rock ’n’ Troll Bistro Café, which is open year-round. The menu combines local and international dishes, with breakfast, dinner and coffee refreshments available throughout the year. Lunch is served during the main season.

As the name suggests, music and trolls are an important part of the experience. The restaurant features a large vinyl record collection, troll books written by the owner and colourful troll illustrations decorating the walls. Its unique setting is another highlight, with views towards the Troll Waterfalls. It is a memorable place to stop for a meal or coffee while exploring the area.

A little further west, Vínlandssetrið Leifsbúð offers a fascinating combination of history, art and hospitality. The exhibition tells the stories of Eiríkur rauði (Erik the Red) and Leifur Eiríksson and their journeys and discoveries in Greenland, Canada and North America. The exhibition features works by ten well-known Icelandic artists, creating an imaginative and atmospheric way to experience these famous stories.

Visitors can follow the history through an audio guide while exploring the magical world created by the artworks. After visiting the exhibition, the café downstairs is a welcoming place to pause for something to eat or enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Further west, Stykkishólmur is an ideal place to combine a coffee stop with a stroll around the harbour. Sjávarborg sits beside the harbour, while Nesbrauð is known for freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches and coffee.

In Grundarfjörður, Græna kompaníið offers coffee, cakes, pastries and light meals in a relaxed setting — an inviting place to pause while exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Also in Grundarfjörður, coffee lovers can visit Valería Coffee Roastery, Art & Souvenirs, a tiny specialty coffee roastery with a unique Icelandic-Colombian connection. The roastery is run by an Icelandic-Colombian family who import coffee beans directly from small farms in Colombia and roast them right here in Grundarfjörður.

The combination of Icelandic coastal surroundings and Colombian coffee culture gives Valeria a character all of its own. Alongside specialty coffee, visitors can discover art and souvenirs, making it a lovely little stop while exploring Snæfellsnes.

At the western end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Hellissandur offers another charming place to pause. Gilbakki is a cosy café and bistro located in one of the village's most beautiful old houses. Visitors can enjoy quality fish soup with bread, coffee from Icelandic coffee roaster Kaffitár and homemade cakes.

A slower way to travel

Autumn and winter may bring colder weather and fewer daylight hours, but they also offer a different way of experiencing West Iceland. After a day spent exploring waterfalls, mountains, beaches or fishing villages, there is something special about stepping inside a warm café, finding a good book and watching the weather move across the landscape outside.

Perhaps the best part is that you don't need a packed itinerary. Pick up a book, order a coffee, find a window seat and simply stay for a while.

So, when autumn and winter bring quieter days to West Iceland, take time to explore its libraries, bookshops