Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Ólafsvík is a small fishing town of around 1,100 people on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, about 187 km (around 2.5 hours) from Reykjavík. It is free to visit and walk around, open all year, and most people stop for an hour or so on their way around Snæfellsnes.
Ólafsvík has been a fishing town since at least the 17th century, when it became the first place in Iceland to receive a trading licence directly from the Danish king, thanks to its sheltered position on the fjord. Fishing is still the backbone of the town today, and its working harbour is a good place to get a feel for everyday life on the peninsula rather than just its landscapes.
The town sits with Snæfellsjökull glacier visible on the horizon on clear days, and it makes a practical base or stop for exploring the western end of Snæfellsnes, including nearby Bæjarfoss waterfall and the fishing villages further along the coast.
The town lies on the north side of Snæfellsnes, the 90 km long peninsula often called Iceland in miniature because it fits a glacier, lava fields, sea cliffs, beaches and fishing villages into a small area. Snæfellsjökull National Park begins just west of here, so Ólafsvík is the last larger place for fuel and food before the park.
It is a low-key place: green slopes behind the houses, a good natural harbour in front, and a waterfall you can walk to from the centre in a couple of minutes. Locals and travellers both use it as a place to slow down for an hour.
In the 17th century, Ólafsvík became the first town in Iceland to receive its own commerce licence from the Danish king, on account of its good, sheltered position on the fjord. That head start on trade helped establish it as one of the more significant fishing and trading posts on the peninsula, a role it has kept in a modern form ever since.
Everything in town is within a short walk of the harbour.
Ólafsvík is a practical base for the western tip of the peninsula.
In winter, pack a warm jacket and sturdy boots with good grip, and follow the forecast on vedur.is and road conditions on umferdin.is each morning before you drive.
Ólafsvík has a swimming pool, restaurants, a supermarket, fuel and accommodation, making it one of the better-equipped stops on the peninsula.
Ólafsvík has hotels and guesthouses, some with shared rooms, and makes a practical base for exploring the western end of Snæfellsnes. The town campsite is about a 10-minute walk from the centre, with hot and cold running water, electricity, cooking facilities and a place to empty waste tanks. It is a summer campsite; camping outdoors here in winter is not a good idea.
About 187 km, around 2.5 hours by car.
It is a working fishing town, historically the first in Iceland to get its own trading licence, with views of Snæfellsjökull glacier.
The harbour, the Pakkhúsið museum, a swimming pool and Bæjarfoss waterfall are the main draws; it is also a convenient stop on the Snæfellsnes loop.
Right behind the town. A small car park sits near the foot of the waterfall, and a trail leads up towards it.
Yes, about a 10-minute walk from the centre, with electricity, running water and cooking facilities. It is open in summer.
Summer has long days and the easiest driving. Winter is quiet and snowy, but you need warm clothing, good boots and a close eye on the forecast.
Tours and trips that include Ólafsvík, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.
