About

Stöðvarfjörður is a small fishing village located on the eastern shore of a narrow fjord of the same name in East Iceland. The village has a population of approximately 200 and is one of the smallest settlements along Route 1. The village's main claim to fame is **Petra's Stone & Mineral Collection** (Steina- og Steinasafn Petru), housed in the former home of Petra Sveinsdóttir (1922–2012). Petra spent her entire life collecting stones, rocks, and minerals from across Iceland, amassing thousands of specimens. Her home became filled floor-to-ceiling with colorful minerals, crystals, basalt formations, and geological curiosities. The collection is now a popular museum open to visitors during summer. Stöðvarfjörður's economy is based on fishing and fish processing, though the industry has declined in recent decades. The village has a harbor, fish factory, fuel station, small supermarket, and guesthouse. Services are limited but adequate for travellers passing through. The fjord setting is beautiful, with steep mountains rising on both sides and a narrow entrance opening to the sea. The area offers hiking, birdwatching, and coastal scenery typical of Iceland's Eastfjords. Stöðvarfjörður is often bypassed by Ring Road traffic in favor of larger towns, but those who stop find a peaceful, authentic Icelandic fishing village and one of the country's most unique museums.

📖 Story

Stöðvarfjörður was once home to Petra Sveinsdóttir, who spent over 70 years collecting beautiful stones and minerals from around Iceland. Her home became a labyrinth of rocks — thousands of specimens filling every room, hallway and garden. After her death in 2012, the collection was preserved and opened as Petra's Stone & Mineral Collection, one of Iceland's most charming and unique private museums. The village itself is quiet and picturesque, set in a narrow fjord beneath steep mountains, with a working harbor and a handful of colorful houses.

Key Facts