Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur
Because of its location, Stykkishólmur became a centre for trade, transportation and services on Breiðafjörður early on in Iceland’s history. The town is still an ideal destination for those whose who wish to experience diversity of nature and life on Breiðafjörður. In summer, daily sightseeing trips go out in the fjord on the Seatours (Sæferðir) boats, while the ferry Baldur connects Snæfellsnes with the West Fjords with daily sailings to Brjánslækur.
A great deal of effort has been put into preserving the town’s old houses, and old buildings thus have a great influence on the appearance of downtown Stykkishólmur. The oldest building, the Norwegian House (Norska Húsið), is the Snæfellsnes Folk Museum. Souvenirs and handicrafts are sold there, and there are often special exhibitions put on by the Museum or artists. Many craftspeople live in Stykkishólmur, and a crafts market there is open in summer. The Library of Water is situated at a place with one of the most beautiful views. American artist Roni Horn created and shaped the Library of Water in concert with the unique location of the building, with its view over the sea, harbour and town. The Library of Water is open daily in summer.
The new church at the Borg is a striking landmark from the sea as well as the land. It is open to tourists and, besides normal church services, is a venue for concerts at least fortnightly over the summer. Restaurants and coffee shops can be found in Stykkishólmur, as can hotels and other types of accommodation.
Transportation in Stykkishólmur is good. The distance to Reykjavík is 172 km, and scheduled buses operate daily between the two places all year round. Besides these, there are also regular trips between the towns in the north of Snæfellsnes peninsula in summer.
All general services can be found in Stykkishólmur, while famous historical places and natural monuments are within easy reach in Helgafellssveit, including horse rental, farmhouse accommodation and interesting shark processing, in Bjarnahöfn, which has been popular with tourists.
The ferry Baldur makes regular journeys over Breiðafjörður. In summer, it sails twice a day between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur, with a stop in Flatey where travellers can spend some of the day in a peaceful village which has a long and noteworthy history. The Seatours passenger boats offer trips through a nearby strait between islandsand across Breiðafjörður from Öndverðarnes to the Látrabjarg bird cliff, during which you will get to know the inhabitants of the deep sea, from the smallest creatures to the largest animals on earth. Nowhere else in Iceland are the tides more distinct, and nowhere is it more wonderful to sail through rapids and fast-running water in narrow straits. Tourists come in close contact with the colourful birdlife while sailing over Breiðafjörður, and it is not unlikely that the king of Icelandic birds, the sea eagle, will be seen swarming in search of food.
There is a fitness studio and swimming pool in the Sports Centre, both of which are open all year. The swimming pool contains an enjoyable chute for children, as well as hot pots with certificated pure water that comes straight from the borehole. The water is famed for its healing powers, as it is full of minerals and works well for all sorts of skin problems. Besides the football field and athletics track, a tarmac basketball field and playing field can be found on the grounds of the primary school and are open to all. The Mostri Golf Club has a good nine-hole course south of the campsite. The Mostri clubhouse also serves as a service centre for the campsite in summer.
The Danish days festival is held annually on the third weekend of August, when town residents and visitors celebrate with dance, song and various artistic events.
The diverse nature and biota of Snæfellsnes and Breiðafjörður are renowned. Easy hiking routes across beaches and spits can be found within the municipality of Stykkishólmur and in nearby areas, while Súgandisey by the harbour is an example of one of the good viewing points.
Hikes up nearby mountains, such as Helgafell, Drápuhlíðarfjall and Kerlingarfjall, are within the capabilities of most people, and historical places are not far from there, while a walk across Berserkjahraun lava never disappoints.
From: www.stykkisholmur.is
