Region
South Iceland
55 km from Reykjavik
Eyrarbakki: Historic Trading Village
A historic trading port and fishing village, home to a wooden merchant house and centuries of maritime history.
Population
~550
South Iceland • Historic village
Quick Answer
Eyrarbakki, 55 km from Reykjavik, was South Iceland's main trading port for centuries. Husid, a wooden merchant house from 1765, is now the folk museum.
Eyrarbakki was once South Iceland's most important settlement, a trading port where Danish merchants did business for centuries. Today this quiet village keeps its maritime history in the Husid museum, and old painted houses line streets that once carried the region's busiest commerce.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Eyrarbakki and nearby Stokkseyri combine well as a day trip from Selfoss or Reykjavik.
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Official sources to check
Population
~550
Historic fishing village
Known for
Husid museum
a wooden merchant house
Top Attractions in Eyrarbakki
Husid Museum
a wooden merchant house (1765)
Maritime Heritage
Historic trading port artifacts
Black Sand Beach
Long coastline walks
Floi Nature Reserve
Birdwatching wetlands nearby
Historic Village Center
Old painted timber houses
Rauða Húsið Restaurant
Well-regarded seafood restaurant
How to Get to Eyrarbakki
From Reykjavik: 45 minutes via Route 1 to Selfoss, then Route 34 to the coast.
From Selfoss: Just 15 minutes south on Route 34. Combine with a visit to neighboring Stokkseyri.
Coastal route: The road between Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri runs close to the shore, with open ocean views.
Best Time to Visit Eyrarbakki
Summer: Best weather for coastal walks and outdoor exploration. Husid museum has extended hours.
Spring/Autumn: Birdwatching season at Floi Nature Reserve, with fewer tourists in the village.
Start at Husid, then choose the other collections
Husid was brought to Iceland as a prefabricated building in 1765 and became a residence for the trading manager and staff. The adjoining Assistentahusid dates from 1881. Seeing the buildings together helps explain the port’s commercial life and the people who lived here, beyond simply photographing an old house.
The Arnessysla Heritage Museum has several nearby displays, including the maritime collection, Kirkjubaer and the Egg House. Begin at Eyrargata 50 and ask which buildings are included in your visit. Its own visitor timetable, checked September 10, 2026, lists May 1–September 30 daily 10:00–17:00. Adult admission is 1,800 ISK and senior admission 1,400 ISK; under-18s and disabled visitors enter free. For an October–April visit, contact info@byggdasafn.is or +354 483 1504.
Planning help
Eyrarbakki FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Eyrarbakki?
Eyrarbakki has approximately 550 residents and is one of Iceland's smallest historic villages.
What is the history of Eyrarbakki?
Eyrarbakki was one of Iceland's main trading ports for centuries, dating back to medieval times. It was the largest community in South Iceland until the 20th century.
What is Husid museum?
Husid (The House) was built in 1765 for the trading manager and staff. It now forms part of the Arnessysla Heritage Museum, covering local cultural history.
How far is Eyrarbakki from Reykjavik?
Eyrarbakki is about 55 km from Reykjavik, approximately 45 minutes by car via Route 1 and Route 34.
Is Eyrarbakki good for birdwatching?
Yes, the Floi Nature Reserve nearby is a good birdwatching site, with many wading birds and seabirds along the coast.
What is special about Eyrarbakki's coastline?
The black sand beach stretches for kilometers, with open views of the ocean. The area is known for powerful waves.
What services are in Eyrarbakki?
Eyrarbakki has a restaurant, small shop, and the Husid museum. Larger services are in nearby Selfoss (15 minutes).
How far is Stokkseyri from Eyrarbakki?
Stokkseyri is just 3 km from Eyrarbakki; the two villages are often visited together along the coastal road.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.