Region
Eastfjords
600 km from Reykjavik
Breiddalsvík and Breiddalur Valley
A quiet fishing village at the mouth of the broad Breiddalur valley, with colorful mountains and salmon rivers in the Eastfjords.
Population
~140
Eastfjords • Breiddalur valley
Quick Answer
Breiddalsvík, population about 140, sits where the broad Breiddalur valley, meets the sea. Rhyolite mountains, salmon fishing, and a geology museum.
Breiddalsvík is a tiny fishing village at the mouth of the broad Breiddalur valley, where rhyolite mountains frame salmon rivers and hiking trails. The research center connects this landscape with the scientists who studied it.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Breiddalsvík works as a base for Breiddalur valley's geology and fishing rivers.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~140
Quiet fishing village
Known for
Breiddalur valley
the broad Breiddalur valley
Top Attractions in Breiddalsvík
Breiddalur Valley
the broad Breiddalur valley with colorful mountains
Rhyolite Mountains
Red, yellow, and orange rock formations
Breiddalsa River
Salmon and trout fishing
Breiddalssetur Research Center
Exhibitions on George Walker and Stefan Einarsson
Valley Hiking
Trails through colorful landscapes
Fishing Harbor
Small working fishing port
How to Get to Breiddalsvík
From Egilsstadir: 80 km (1 hour) via Route 1 south.
From Djupivogur: 45 km (35 minutes) via Route 1 north.
Ring Road: Directly on Route 1, an easy stop between the Eastfjords and Höfn.
Best Time to Visit Breiddalsvík
Summer: Best for hiking and fishing (June-September), when the valley's colors show most clearly.
Winter: Arrange accommodation directly. The research center has no fixed winter opening hours, so contact staff before a special trip.
Volcanology and language in the old cooperative
The University of Iceland’s Breiddalsvik research center has exhibitions dedicated to geologist George P. L. Walker and linguist Stefan Einarsson in Gamla kaupfelagid, the old cooperative building. Walker mapped East Iceland’s ancient volcanoes; Einarsson, born in Breiddalur, studied language and literature. The combination gives this stop a more specific focus than a general display of attractive rocks.
The university’s hours, checked September 10, 2026, are weekdays 11:00–16:00 in June–August, with free admission. September–May has no fixed opening hours: contact mariahg@hi.is or +354 525 5341 to arrange a visit. Staff are usually present during part of the working day, but that is different from a guaranteed opening schedule.
The collections also support research. Walker’s field books, maps, rock and ash samples, and Einarsson’s documents and recordings are distinct from the public exhibitions. If you want to consult material rather than visit the displays, tell the center what you are looking for when arranging access.
Planning help
Breiddalsvík FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Breiddalsvík?
Breiddalsvík has approximately 140 residents, one of the smallest villages on the Ring Road.
What is Breiddalur valley?
Breiddalur (Broad Valley) stretches inland with colorful rhyolite mountains, rivers, hiking trails, and fishing.
How far is Breiddalsvík from Reykjavik?
Breiddalsvík is about 600 km from Reykjavik (6.5-7 hours driving) via Route 1.
What kind of fishing is in Breiddalur?
The Breiddalsa river is known for salmon and trout fishing. Permits are required and the season runs June-September.
What is the geology like?
The valley's rhyolite mountains show reds, yellows, and oranges. A geology museum in the village explains the formations.
Is Breiddalsvík quiet?
It is a small fishing village on the Eastfjords coast. The research center gives visitors an indoor introduction to the surrounding landscape.
Is there accommodation in Breiddalsvík?
Hotel Bláfell has rooms and meals. It is the main accommodation option in the village.
What services does Breiddalsvík have?
Plan accommodation, meals and supplies for your dates; services are on a village scale. The research center has separate seasonal opening arrangements.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.