Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/breiddalsvik Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # 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. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() 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 - [East Iceland]() - [Breiddalur info]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Eastfjords 600 km from Reykjavik 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. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().