Stykkisholmur: Best Things to Do
Stykkisholmur is the biggest town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and it is worth it to put this picturesque place on your itinerary. Read our travel guide on the best things to do in Stykkisholmur and other reasons to visit. Including tips on how to get there and where to stay.
Have you decided to travel to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? Awesome! Now there is only one question remaining.
What should you do when you get there, and what are the best things to do on Snaefellsnes?
We know there are so many sights and activities as this western part of Iceland is rich in various natural attractions, but even if you have only one day, make sure Stykkisholmur will be on your list underlined twice.
Stykkisholmur, the largest town on Snaefellsnes Peninsula (no worries, it is still a very small town), lies in a wonderful location surrounded by Breidarfjordur Bay that basically shaped the town's past and even the present.
The natural harbor defined the way of living in Stykkisholmur as the first trading post dates back to the mid-16th century, and it does not come as a surprise that inhabitants have always been working in the fishing industry.
Well, until today, when tourism has taken over.
Even though Stykkisholmur is on the northernmost tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and to visit it, travelers must for a while leave the main road 54 that is circumnavigating the big part of the peninsula; it is no longer an off the beaten path destination.
Reasons to Visit Stykkisholmur
The word about the unusual beauty of this town has spread, and the increasing number of travelers have been heading to Stykkisholmur to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Some of them have no other choice because a ferry to Westfjords and Flatey Island leaves from Stykkisholmur.
But most of the travelers, like us, arrive in Stykkisholmur just to enjoy the vibe and take a few photos of the harbor.
For sure, you won't make a mistake when you include it in your Iceland itinerary.
In this travel guide, we would like to share with you our tips for visiting Stykkisholmur, including the best things to do, altogether with practical information on how to get there and where to stay.
Things to Do in Stykkisholmur
Similar to Diamond Circle, East Fjords, or Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes Peninsula is possible to be explored in one day.
Except for the fact that Stykkisholmur is an important transportation hub, there are a few more reasons why to include this town in your packed schedule.
The reason number one is the settings, then there is the traditional architecture, and last but not least, locals are aware that the harbor flourishes thanks to tourism, so new businesses and culture are booming here.
No matter if you decide to base yourself in the town for a while or it is just a short stop on your road trip, get inspired by the best things to do in Stykkisholmur, Iceland.
Base Yourself in Stykkisholmur
One of the options to enjoy the town the best is to base yourself here for a while or use it as a point from where it is possible to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
The peninsula can be traveled in one day; only a short drive away is the most photographed mountain Kirkjufell, so why not spend a night in Stykkisholmur?
If you have a ticket for a ferry to Westfjords, it is another reason to arrive in Stykkisholmur one day early, check-in in the hotel, and explore the surroundings.
Sugandisey Island
For us, an island connected to the mainland was the main reason we arrived in Stykkisholmur.
We parked the car in the harbor (it might be busy if you arrive when a ferry is about to leave) and set off for a short stroll.
A flight of stairs led us to the top of the island, where we found a narrow path that led us around the edge of steep rock to a red-colored Súgandisey Island Lighthouse.
The views from the island are wonderful; just make sure you have a windbreaker because the wind was here even stronger than anywhere else in Iceland.
When you look around yourself, you will instantly understand that this place is special. By the way, it is not just your feeling.
Nature here is pristine, well taken care of; therefore, the whole Snaefellsnes Peninsula got a prestigious environmental certification called EarthCheck.
Visit Swimming Pool
After traveling to Iceland for two weeks, we now believe that even the smallest village is a place where you will find a swimming pool.
The tradition of bathing is very strong in Iceland, so if you have time to spare, the Stykkisholmur swimming pool is definitely worth visiting.
It is possible to swim here, dip in hot pools, or go crazy on waterslides.
Do not expect spa-type experiences such as in the Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Baths, or superb views as in Hofsos Infinity Pool we discovered on Trollaskagi Peninsula, but a rather pleasant family-like experience.
Water Activities
The harbor is a point from where you can take many boat tours that will show you the best of the area from a different angle.
However, the most popular activity is a Stykkisholmur Sea Kayaking Tour.
Always make sure you dress accordingly to the weather because Iceland is certainly not a destination where you can jump on a boat recklessly, only in a swimsuit.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Volcano Museum & Culture
Haraldur Sigurdson, a famous volcanologist and Stykkisholmur native, is the main reason the Volcano Museum's idea came to life.
The collection holds exhibits of volcanic rocks, explains more the country's environment, and in a nutshell, it is one of the best places in Iceland where to learn more about volcanic activity.
The ticket costs 1300 ISK, and the museum is opened every day in the summer, while the winter hours are limited.
If the weather is tricky on the day of your visit or you like cultural activities, another interesting place to visit is The Library of Water, a visual installation inspired by Iceland's nature, and glaciers to be precise.
If you want to know more about local culture and folklore, visit the Norwegian House.
Travel to Westfjords
Only one of ten travelers make it to Westfjords. Why?
One of the reasons why most of the travelers stick to the well-trodden path of the Ring Road is the remoteness of Westfjords, a bit complicated accessibility, and the fact plenty of the roads there are not paved.
Yet, we think that the region of Westfjords is worth visiting, and Stykkisholmur is the only place in Iceland from where you can take a ferry via Flatey Island to Westfjords.
The schedule varies throughout the year, but in general, there are one to two departures daily during the summer and at least one departure during the wintertime.
The ferry usually does not run on Saturdays.
Tickets are cheaper off-season, but in the main season, be prepared to pay around 5000 ISK per person, plus a similar amount in case you travel with your vehicle.
Stykkisholmur Church & Architecture
When arriving in Stykkisholmur and driving towards the harbor, you cannot but notice an unusual church towering above other buildings.
Stykkishólmskirkja from 1990 is one of the architectural gems of the town.
With its modern design, wonderful location overlooking the ocean, this is truly a captivating landmark.
When talking about architecture, even though Stykkisholmur is a small town of 1200 inhabitants, one of the best things to do is wander off the harbor and admire the traditional Icelandic colorful houses.
The Best Time to Visit Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur is an every-season destination. Summer can get super-busy not only because the ferry usually leaves twice a day and tours are plentiful, but because Iceland's best weather coincides with holidays.
Lately, we discovered the perks of traveling in the shoulder season (or even off-season).
So visiting Stykkisholmur in May and June; eventually, September and October might be a good idea to avoid crowds.
Weather in Iceland is super-changeable, so it is necessary to realize that even the summer months won't guarantee you sunny days and high temperatures.
You can be prepared for the bad weather, though, so check out this helpful article on what to pack for Iceland.
Winter is the slowest time for visiting Iceland, days are short, and it can snow and hail, but on the other hand, your chances to see Northern Lights are great.
Stykkisholmur is actually one of the best places to see Nothern Lights on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula because of the low light pollution.
How to Get to Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur, even though it is not on the main road (some parts of the road are not paved), is well-accessible.
Car
The best way to get to Stykkisholmur is by rental car as public transport is infrequent, but it is good to know it exists - it is not a norm in Iceland.
When driving road 54, to reach Stykkisholmur, you must turn to Stykkisholmsvegur road that will lead you directly to the town.
You do not need a 4x4 car, at least during the summer.
The road is cleared in the winter, but if you plan on traveling in Iceland between October and March, it is better to have a 4WD car anyway.
Tour
In case you do not have a car or prefer taking tours, this Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik includes the visit of Stykkisholmur as well.
Where to Stay in Stykkisholmur
Despite its small size, Stykkisholmur offers a wide range of accommodation.
That's being said, the supply cannot satisfy the demand, especially in the summer months.
So if you plan on spending a night in the town, it is highly recommended to make your reservation in advance.
If you travel on a budget or sleep in a campervan, the cheapest place to stay in Stykkisholmur is the campsite.
In Stykkisholmur, as anywhere else in Iceland, it is hard to find proper budget accommodation as prices are quite high.
Here's the list of the best hotels in Stykkisholmur for every type of traveler.
Budget | Hotel Breidafjordur - Yes, we know the price of this hotel is not exactly budget-friendly, but it does not change the fact it is one of the cheapest places in Stykkisholmur. On the other hand, the rooms are worth every penny.
Mid-range | Akkeri Guesthouse - Fabulously renovated guesthouse has a great location and such superb reviews that you should better hurry if you want to stay here.
Luxury | Hotel Egilsen - Close to the harbor, Hotel Egilsen offers charming rooms, excellent breakfast, and super-cozy beds.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
