Grundarfjordur is a charming fishing village centrally located on the north coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula. The village lies in a beautiful fjord, surrounded by spectacular mountains that give the area a slightly alpine look. The oblong Mt. Kirkjufell is the town’s landmark. It looks like a volcano but is actually a piece that got separated from the main mountain strip.
The surrounding fjord is abundant in marine-life and in winter orca whales can be seen swimming near the shore, chasing Iceland’s delicious herring. The area has also become a known sanctuary for the white tailed eagle, the largest predatory bird in Iceland.
In 1786, Grundarfjörður received the right to commerce and soon after that, French merchants came to Iceland and lived in the village. The village became rich through its fishing industry, and a
hospital and church were constructed. The town’s wealth is evident in the luxurious style of the original houses.
Culture
Grundarfjörður is home to the Eyrbyggja Heritage Center where exhibits focus on the history of fishing and other aspects of rural life on the peninsula in days gone by.
What to do in Grundarfjordur?
Grundarfjordur offers a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, bird watching, fishing and horseback riding. There is also a superb nine-hole golf course as well as boat tours offered for sightseeing and sea angling.
During summer the town comes alive. The local Viking Association is building a Viking village in the centre of town and Viking-age re-enactments are often the highlight of the day for visitors.
During the last weekend in July, Grundafjordur celebrates its town festival ‘Á góðri stund’. This is when the town literally changes color since the locals decorate their houses in red, blue, yellow and green and participate in a range of activities for the whole family, from art exhibitions to fighting Vikings to concerts down by the harbor.
Check out our complete guide to Snaefellsnes peninsula.
