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 some of Iceland's best scuba diving in the fjord.
Population
~45
North Iceland • Art & diving
Hjalteyri is one of Iceland's smallest villages. The old herring factory is now a contemporary art center, and the waters of Eyjafjörður have some of the country's best scuba diving, including the Strýtan hydrothermal chimney.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
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
Cold-water diving with excellent visibility
Historic Whaling Station
Early 1900s Norwegian whaling heritage
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
Summer (June-August) is best for art exhibitions at the factory. Diving operates year-round, with better conditions in summer. Check exhibition schedules in advance.
Planning help
Hjalteyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.