Region
North Iceland
25 km from Akureyri
Hjalteyri: Herring Factory Village
A tiny village with a contemporary art center in an old herring factory, and a diving base on the fjord.
Population
~45
North Iceland • Art & diving
Quick Answer
Hjalteyri combines a former herring factory used for contemporary art with a diving base for the Strýtan hydrothermal chimneys. Check the exhibition program and arrange diving separately.
Hjalteyri is one of Iceland's smallest villages. The old herring factory is now a contemporary art center, and the waters of Eyjafjörður have dive sites including the Strýtan hydrothermal chimney.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
A small village combining industrial history, an art center, and diving.
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Official sources to check
Population
~45
One of Iceland's smallest
Known for
Art Center & Diving
Former herring factory
Top Attractions in Hjalteyri
Verksmiðjan Art Center
Contemporary art in old herring factory
Strýtan Diving
Underwater hydrothermal chimney
Scuba Diving
Ask the operator about experience and conditions
Factory Architecture
Industrial building reused for contemporary art
Eyjafjörður Coastline
Peaceful fjord scenery
Akureyri
North Iceland's capital, 25 km away
How to Get to Hjalteyri
From Akureyri: 20 minutes via Route 82 north, then Route 83. A car is essential as there is no public transport to the village.
Best Time to Visit Hjalteyri
Check the dated exhibition program before making an art-focused trip. Arrange diving directly with the operator; this update could not confirm its current season or entry requirements.
An art program inside a working industrial shell
Verksmidjan uses the former fishmeal building for installations, sculpture, sound and moving images, often made with the factory itself in mind. A 2026 project account by participating artist Rut Karin Zettergren describes the three-level space and distinguishes the summer exhibition program from winter workshops and studios. It is useful to choose a visit around the current work, rather than expect a permanent herring-history exhibition.
Check Verksmidjan’s program for your date. A workshop listing can be intended for participating artists or students, and does not by itself mean the gallery is open for casual visits. The art center and Strýtan diving are separate arrangements; neither should be assumed to fit around an unbooked arrival.
Planning help
Hjalteyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Hjalteyri?
Hjalteyri has approximately 45 permanent residents and is one of Iceland's smallest villages.
What happened to the herring factory?
The former herring factory now houses Verksmidjan, an art collective with exhibitions, installations and cultural events. The program changes, so check what is open on your travel date.
How far is Hjalteyri from Akureyri?
Hjalteyri is about 25 km from Akureyri, approximately 20 minutes by car via Route 82 and Route 83.
Why is Hjalteyri famous for diving?
Hjalteyri is a base for diving at the Strýtan hydrothermal chimneys. Ask the dive operator about required experience, equipment and conditions for your date.
What is Strýtan?
Strýtan is an underwater hydrothermal chimney rising from the seafloor, one of very few in the world accessible to recreational divers.
What is the Verksmiðjan á Hjalteyri?
The old herring factory now hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Artists from around the world show work there in summer.
Can I visit the art center in winter?
Winter activity includes workshops and studio projects. That does not establish regular public exhibition hours; confirm access with Verksmidjan before traveling.
Is there accommodation in Hjalteyri?
Very limited accommodation exists in the village. Most visitors stay in Akureyri and make day trips to Hjalteyri.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.