Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Breiðdalsvík?
What to see and do in Breiðdalsvík
Tucked away on Iceland’s east coast, between rugged mountains and a quiet fjord, Breiðdalsvík is an understated village where time seems to move with the rhythm of the waves. Far from the crowded routes, this small fishing harbor draws travelers looking for a more authentic Iceland—one shaped by warm encounters, raw nature, and peaceful horizons. Here are nine ideas for exploring Breiðdalsvík—and falling for its simplicity.
1. Walk along the harbor and watch the fishing boats
This is where the boats return each day, loaded with freshly caught fish. As you walk along the pier, you’ll smell the salty sea spray, hear the cries of gulls, and listen to hulls creaking against their moorings. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal poking its head through the foam.
2. Explore geology and local history at Breiðdalssetur
Set in the village’s former cooperative building, the Breiðdalssetur research center brings together science, culture, and stories of Icelandic life. You’ll learn about the work of geologist George Walker, who mapped the region’s lava flows, as well as poet Stefán Einarsson, who was born nearby. It’s an intimate, human-scale exhibit. You’ll leave with new ways to read the volcanic landscapes all around you.
3. Hike through the green Breiðdalur valley
Following the Breiðdalsá river means stepping into a world of silence and clear water. This glacial valley is best explored on foot, in deep quiet, between carpets of moss and dramatic basalt formations. Along the way, the mountains draw closer and waterfalls murmur below. It’s a gentle, almost meditative immersion in the power of the north.
4. Take in Beljandi waterfall
A few miles from the village center, Beljandi waterfall spills through a setting of dark rock and greenery. Reached after a short walk behind a farm, it appears with a low rumble, peaceful and powerful all at once. Sit on the flat rock facing the falls and watch the water drop endlessly through the clear air. It’s a well-kept secret, marked on very few maps.
5. Visit the wooden church at Heydalir
Small and beautifully simple, Heydalir Church has a rare sense of calm. Built in 1909, with white walls and a pointed red roof, it feels almost like something from a Nordic fairy tale. Inside, pale wood surrounds a delicate altar and a few understated stained-glass windows. Step in quietly, to hear the silence—or to imagine how magical a wedding here must feel.
6. Fly-fish in the Breiðdalsá river
Considered one of Iceland’s best salmon rivers, the Breiðdalsá draws fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the world. But here, fishing is far more than a pastime. It's a respectful art. Passionate local guides can introduce you to the right techniques with a sustainable approach. Picture daybreak, a light mist, and your line cast into clear water. It's an experience shaped by patience, skill, and a quiet dialogue with nature.
7. Drive the southeast coast toward Stöðvarfjörður
Following the winding Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, from Breiðdalsvík to Stöðvarfjörður is a feast for the eyes. Deep fjords, striated mountains, endless ocean. Around every bend, you'll want to stop, breathe, and take a photo. Make time for Petra’s Stone Collection, a surprising place dedicated to the region’s minerals. And keep your eyes open along the way: reindeer sometimes come down from the highlands.
8. Watch the stars and the northern lights
Thanks to its remote location and very little light pollution, Breiðdalsvík is one of the best places to see the northern lights. From September to March, the night sky can turn into a stage of green shadows and violet waves. Settle in behind the harbor, away from the streetlights, wrapped in a blanket: the lights may start dancing without warning. It’s a suspended moment, one to experience with quiet awe.
9. Meet locals at Café Kaupfjelagið
No flashy bar, no pounding music. Café Kaupfjelagið is the kind of place where you sit down to talk about the weather, trade a smile, or leaf through a book left behind on a table. Every regular has a ritual, a coffee, a favorite corner. For travelers, it’s also a warm window into everyday village life. You feel welcomed here, naturally and simply, without fuss.
In Breiðdalsvík, nothing glitters and nothing rushes. You travel differently here, slowing down and reconnecting with what matters. It's a precious stop, a quiet Icelandic interlude, humble and unforgettable.
Add Breiðdalsvík to a tailor-made trip in Iceland
With Evaneos, you’ll be connected directly with local, English-speaking travel experts based in Iceland who are passionate about their country. They know the hidden corners, the lesser-known routes, the best places to stop—and above all, they’ll build a fully tailor-made trip with you, shaped around what you want to experience.
Want to include a stop in Breiðdalsvík, this picturesque village in the east? Your local expert will know how to weave it into a well-balanced itinerary, far from the usual routes, for a deeper immersion in authentic Iceland.
