Stykkisholmur

Stykkishólmur is located by Breiðafjörður Bay on the north of Snæfellsnes peninsula, and is surrounded by wonderful views of the innumberable islands. One of the defining landmarks in Stykkishólmur are the old houses which reside in the old city center and this is reflected in the atmosphere – it sometimes feels like a place from a different time. In 2008 Stykkishólmur was presented with a planning award in part for its renovation of the old houses. The town and its inhabitants have systematically rehabilitated the houses, and they have gained new and exciting purposes – what once was a library is now an art installation, a fish packing house is now a restaurant, the old recreation center is now a volcano museum!  The church in Stykkisholmur is an fascinating architectural structure. It makes a beautiful landmark both from land and sea. The view from the church over Breidarfjordur is spectacular.

Stykkisholmur is, as we mentioned above, known as the gateway to the innumerable islands of Breidafjordur bay, which is renowned for its natural beauty and remarkable wildlife. We have plenty of ways to explore these sight on different levels via kayaking and tour boats of all sizes.

Stykkishólmur boasts of a great swimmingpool, that includes an indoor and outdoor pool, a large water slide and hot tubs with water with healing properties certified by the Institut Fresenius. In Stykkishólmur we have open wi-fi access for tourists, numerous hotels, youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, a large camping site and a 9-hole golf course. In Stykkishólmur everyone should be able to find a restaurant to their liking as there is not only many of theme here, but they also cater to diverse tastes.

Within the city center you can visit three unique museums: The Volcano museum, The Library of Water and The Norwegian House.

The Volcano museum is The private collection of Haraldur Sigurðsson, a renowned volcanologist who has carried out research on colvanoes worldwide. Aunique exhibition of international art and objects related to volcanoes and their impact on our historu. Enjoy or movies of volcanic eruption all aroud the world

The Library of Water is an istallation of 24 glass columns, by the artist Roni Horn, containing melted ice from some of the major glaciers around iceland. The glass colums refract and reflect the light onto a rubber floor embedded with a field of words that concern with weather, water, words and identities.

The Norwegian house serves as the regional museum for the Snæfellsnes area. The house has been renovated back to it original style, with an open storage on the top floor. Rotating exhibiton as wrll as a museum shop with handicraft, sweets, coffee from the area.

Stykkisholmur has been the frontrunner in environmental consciousness in Iceland and along with the four other municipalities on the Snaefellsnes peninsula it is the first community in Europe to get  the EarthCheck environmental certification. The town is operated in as environmental friendly way as possible continually measuring various environmental indicators. The town was also the first municipality in Iceland to start fully sorting its waste as well as the first town in Iceland to receive the prestigious Blue flag eco-label for its harbour, and has been an European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), since 2011.