About

Breiðdalsvík is a small fishing village located at the mouth of Breiðdalur valley in East Iceland, approximately 60 km south of Egilsstaðir along Route 1. The population is around 150, making it one of Iceland's smaller settlements. The village's economy is based on fishing, fish processing, and increasingly tourism. The harbor is active year-round, and cod fishing remains important. Breiðdalsvík has basic services including fuel, supermarket, accommodation, and restaurants. Breiðdalur valley is renowned for its natural beauty: - Steep mountains rising 700–1,000 metres directly from the valley floor - Geological layering visible in mountain walls — millions of years of volcanic history - Waterfalls cascading from hanging valleys - Rich birdlife and flora in summer The valley is part of Iceland's East Fjords, a region known for dramatic coastal mountains and quiet villages. Unlike the more famous Westfjords, the Eastfjords remain relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. Nearby attractions include mineral and rock collecting sites (Breiðdalur is famous among geologists), hiking trails, and the winding mountain road over Breiðdalsheiði pass connecting to Berufj örður. The village hosts a small cultural center and swimming pool. Breiðdalsvík makes an excellent quiet stopover when driving the East Iceland coast.

📖 Story

Breiðdalur ('Broad Valley') is one of Iceland's most beautiful but least visited valleys — a long, glacially-carved fjord lined with layered mountains that seem to rise straight from the sea. The village of Breiðdalsvík sits at the valley mouth, population around 150, quietly living off fishing and tourism. The valley is famous for its geology: the mountains display millions of years of volcanic history in horizontal bands of lava and ash visible from the road. This is Iceland at its most peaceful and unspoiled.

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