Grundarfjordur, Iceland Port

Nestled on the North coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula is the picturesque fishing village of Grundarfjordur. This quaint little area is idyllically situated in a fjord setting with awe-inspiring mountains on either side. Whilst it’s primary function is as a fishing port, it is increasingly enjoying a thriving tourist trade, and is developing a wide range of attractions and facilities to cater for its visitors.  

Sightseeing in Grundarfjordur

The town is still in its infancy for tourist attractions but that may well be one of the reasons it is so charming. It still retains its coastal fishing town charm, including pretty traditional streets and a relaxed pace of life. It offers a great starting point from which you can explore the surrounding area and its majestic scenery, including a trip to the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain. Here are some of the things you are able to enjoy during your time in Grundarfjordur:

Spend some time wandering around the streets of this small fishing town. You can walk around independently but you will learn more about the town and her people if you join one of the walking tours. Guides work daily, teaching visitors about the importance of the fishing industry for such a small town (there are approximately 1000 inhabitants) as well as how the industry influences their culture. As you make your way through the streets you can marvel at some 18th century architecture and see where the important figures from the historic fishing boom used to reside. The town is home to the Eyrbyggja Heritage Center which houses a museum dedicated to the history of the local area and Icelandic life since the 1900s. It also offers visitors a small café and gift shop in which they can relax.

A short journey from Grundarfjordur will take you to Berserker Path which is a gargantuan 4000-year-old lava plain. This is quite a spectacular sight and provides plenty of photo opportunities. Not far from here, the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm will show you how this traditional Icelandic delicacy is prepared by letting the meat rot for several months before it becomes the locally known hákarl. This treat has a 400 year old history and is usually washed down with a potent local schnapps drink called Brennivin.

The town of Grundarfjordur is situated within some truly spectacular scenery and there are a number of ways to enjoy the area. Local shops are able to provide you with maps and tips on the best trails suited to your abilities and fitness. The Kirkjufell Mountain is accessible across the small bay and is definitely worth the walk for the enviable views it affords of the landscape. If you don’t feel like walking, there are horse riding opportunities which allow you to explore the area from a slightly different vantage point. Alternatively, whale and dolphin watching excursions leave from the port for whole day or half a day trips into the fjord.

Shopping in Grundarfjordur

This small town does not have a wide variety of shopping opportunities as it is still predominantly a fishing port but what it does offer is of a very high quality. You can pick up locally produced woollen knitwear, including cardigans and hats, along with handmade pottery items and glassware. There are a few souvenir items that can be purchased in the town.

Dining in Grundarfjordur

The town doesn’t have a large range of dining opportunities, with the most popular restaurants forming part of the local hotels. Restaurant Café 59 offers reasonably priced meals in pleasant atmosphere. You can dine on traditional dishes like chicken and salad or fish of the day with rice. The restaurant in Hotel Framnes is situated by the waterfront affording diners some enviable views with their meals. Seafood is the restaurant’s speciality, and they pride themselves on only using the freshest ingredients. It is a bit pricier than the café but offers a more sophisticated dining experience.