What is the population of Olafsvik?

Olafsvik has approximately 1,000 residents and is the largest town on the western side of Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Why is Olafsvik historically significant?

Olafsvik received one of Iceland's first trading licenses in 1687 and has been a trading post and fishing hub ever since.

How far is Olafsvik from Reykjavik?

Olafsvik is about 190 km from Reykjavik, approximately 2.5-3 hours by car via Routes 1 and 54.

How close is Olafsvik to Snaefellsjokull glacier?

Olafsvik is just 15 km from Snaefellsjokull glacier and the national park entrance, a practical base for visiting both.

Is Olafsvik still a fishing town?

Yes, Olafsvik remains an active fishing port. The harbor is home to fishing boats and a fish processing industry.

What is unique about Olafsvik Church?

Olafsvik Church (built 1967) has a modernist triangular design and is an architectural landmark on the peninsula.

Are there hiking opportunities near Olafsvik?

Yes. Trails lead toward Snaefellsjokull glacier, along the coast, and into the mountains above town.

What services does Olafsvik have?

Olafsvik has hotels, restaurants, a supermarket, gas station, and swimming pool, and is a service hub for western Snaefellsnes.

Olafsvik: Fishing Town Under Snaefellsjokull

Name: Olafsvik, Iceland
Address: IS

One of Iceland's oldest trading towns: a fishing port at the foot of Snaefellsjokull glacier.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~1,000

Snaefellsnes • Fishing port

Olafsvik is a fishing town with roots dating back to 1687, when it received one of Iceland's first trading licenses. The town sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Snaefellsjokull glacier, the mountain from Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," with the national park entrance a short drive away.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Olafsvik is the main service hub for western Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

190 km from Reykjavik

Population

~1,000

Historic trading post since 1687

Known for

Fishing heritage

Gateway to Snaefellsjokull

Top Attractions near Olafsvik

Snaefellsjokull Glacier

The glacier from Jules Verne's novel

Snaefellsjokull National Park

Lava fields, craters, and coastal cliffs

Olafsvik Church

Distinctive modernist triangular architecture

Fishing Harbor

Active port with centuries of history

Raudfeldsgja Gorge

Narrow canyon nearby

Londrangar Cliffs

Volcanic basalt pinnacles on the coast

How to Get to Olafsvik

From Reykjavik: 2.5-3 hours via Route 1 to Borgarnes, then Route 54 around Snaefellsnes.

From Grundarfjordur: 20 minutes west along Route 54.

Peninsula circuit: Olafsvik is a natural stop when driving the full Snaefellsnes loop.

Best Time to Visit Olafsvik

Summer: Best weather for glacier hiking and coastal exploration. Longer days for photography.

Winter: Northern Lights and far fewer visitors. Check road conditions before travel.

Planning help

Olafsvik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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