Region
Northeast Iceland
45 km north of Akureyri
Dalvik on Eyjafjörður
A fishing town on Eyjafjörður fjord, known for its Fish Soup Festival, whale watching, and the ferry to Hrisey Island.
Population
~1,400
Northeast Iceland • Fishing town
Quick Answer
Dalvik, a town of about 1,400 on Eyjafjörður, offers whale watching, ferries to Grimsey and selected Hrisey sailings, skiing above town, and the free Fish Soup Festival each August.
Dalvik is an Icelandic fishing village with long maritime roots, on the western shore of Eyjafjörður. Whale watching runs from the harbor, and the annual Fish Soup Festival draws visitors from across the country.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Dalvik is 45 km north of Akureyri and is the ferry port to Hrisey Island.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~1,400
Fishing and tourism economy
Known for
Fish Soup Festival
August festival with free fish soup
Top Attractions in Dalvik
Whale Watching Tours
See humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins in Eyjafjörður
Island Ferries
Grimsey from Dalvik; regular Hrisey service from Arskogssandur
Böggvisstaðafjall Ski Area
Family-friendly slopes with fjord views
Fish Soup Festival
Annual August event with free fish soup
Dalvik Swimming Pool
Geothermal pool with mountain views
Tröllaskagi Hiking
Mountain and coastal trails in the peninsula
How to Get to Dalvik
From Akureyri: 45 minutes north via Route 82 along the scenic western shore of Eyjafjörður.
From Reykjavik: About 5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road) through Akureyri, then Route 82 north.
Ferry connections: The Sævar ferry connects Dalvik to Hrisey Island with regular daily departures.
Best Time to Visit Dalvik
Summer (June-August): Best for whale watching, hiking, and the Fish Soup Festival in early August. The midnight sun leaves long days for getting around.
Winter (December-April): Skiing at Böggvisstaðafjall, Northern Lights viewing, and a quiet small-town off-season.
Two islands, two ferry arrangements
Saevar is the regular passenger ferry between Arskogssandur and Hrisey. Saefari serves Grimsey from Dalvik and also has limited Hrisey sailings. For those Dalvik–Hrisey trips, the Road Administration asks passengers to contact the vessel directly instead of booking online.
The September schedule checked on September 10, 2026 lists Saefari departures to Grimsey on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday gives less time ashore than the other listed September sailings. Check the return as well as the outward departure, and follow the separate vehicle-booking instructions if bringing a car.
Hvoll Folk Museum needs a separate check. Its municipal website still displays a temporary maintenance closure with no reopening date. Do not use old summer-opening articles to plan a drop-in visit; confirm directly with the museum.
Planning help
Dalvik FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Dalvik?
Dalvik has approximately 1,400 residents and is one of the larger towns on the Tröllaskagi peninsula.
What is the Dalvik Fish Soup Festival?
The Great Fish Soup Festival (Fiskidagurinn mikli) is held annually in August, with free fish soup, live music, and family activities.
Is there whale watching from Dalvik?
Yes, whale watching tours run from Dalvik into Eyjafjörður. Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are commonly spotted.
Is there skiing near Dalvik?
Yes, the Böggvisstaðafjall ski area sits just above town, with family-friendly slopes and views over Eyjafjörður fjord.
How far is Dalvik from Reykjavik?
Dalvik is about 400 km from Reykjavik, approximately 4.5-5 hours by car via Route 1. It's only 45 km north of Akureyri.
How do I get to Hrisey Island from Dalvik?
Saevar's regular Hrisey service leaves from Arskogssandur, not Dalvik. Saefari also has limited Dalvik–Hrisey sailings that require direct contact with the operator; check the specific port, vessel and date before traveling.
What hiking is available near Dalvik?
The Tröllaskagi peninsula has mountain trails, coastal walks, and the Héðinsfjörður valley, reachable by tunnels.
What services does Dalvik have?
Dalvik has a supermarket, swimming pool, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and a small working fishing harbor.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.