Region
Westfjords
230 km from Reykjavik
Reykholar: Seaweed and Hot Springs on Breidafjordur
A geothermal village in the southern Westfjords, known for seaweed harvesting and its views across Breidafjordur bay.
Population
~100
Westfjords • Breidafjordur coast
Quick Answer
Reykholar, a village of about 100 in the southern Westfjords, is Iceland's center for seaweed harvesting, with natural hot springs and views over Breidafjordur.
Reykholar sits at the southern gateway to the Westfjords, where geothermal steam rises from the hills above Breidafjordur bay. The small community lives largely from seaweed harvesting, and Grettislaug provides a managed place to swim.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check road conditions for the selected approach and the final turn to Reykholar.
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Official sources to check
Population
~100
Small geothermal community
Known for
Seaweed harvesting
Iceland's kelp processing center
Top Attractions in Reykholar
Boat and Natural Resources Exhibition
Breidafjordur boats, eider ducks and local use of natural resources
Breidafjordur Bay Views
Thousands of islands and rich birdlife
Geothermal Steam Vents
Active geothermal area with rising steam
Grettislaug
Municipal swimming pool at Reykjabraut 12; winter Sunday closure
Birdwatching
Seabird and shorebird habitat
How to Get to Reykholar
By car: About 3.5 hours from Reykjavik via Route 60. This is the main route into the southern Westfjords.
Via Baldur ferry: A Baldur crossing to Brjanslaekur is a separate Westfjords approach. Calculate the onward drive to Reykholar before choosing it; the ferry does not land at the village.
Road conditions: Check the road surface, closures and weather for your full route before departure.
Best Time to Visit Reykholar
Summer (June-August): Long daylight for the coastal landscape and the seasonal museum.
Spring/Autumn: Quieter, with a chance of northern lights on dark evenings.
Choose a museum afternoon or an evening swim
The Boat and Natural Resources Exhibition explains how people used Breidafjordur’s birds and boats. It covers eider ducks and the bay’s clinker-built wooden boats, with a machinery collection downstairs. The municipality lists summer opening daily 11:00–18:00 without exact season dates; ask upplysingar@reykholar.is before making a September detour.
Grettislaug is at Reykjabraut 12. The published winter timetable from August 27, checked September 10, 2026, gives Monday–Friday 17:00–21:00, Saturday 13:00–17:00 and Sunday closed. For a weekday drive, swimming fits later in the day; contact grettislaug@reykholar.is or +354 844 1193 if your visit depends on it.
Use “Grettislaug, Reykholar” when checking directions. This page concerns the municipal pool in the southern Westfjords; a search for the pool name alone can lead to a different destination.
Planning help
Reykholar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Reykholar?
Reykholar has approximately 100 residents, one of the smaller communities in the southern Westfjords.
What does Reykholar mean?
Reykholar means 'Smoke Hills' in Icelandic, referring to the geothermal activity in the area.
What is Reykholar known for regarding seaweed?
Reykholar is Iceland's center for seaweed harvesting and processing, and kelp products are a significant local industry.
Are there hot springs in Reykholar?
The village has geothermal activity and the managed Grettislaug swimming pool. Do not assume an unnamed natural spring is suitable for bathing.
How far is Reykholar from Reykjavik?
Reykholar is about 230 km from Reykjavik, approximately 3.5 hours driving via Route 60.
What is Breidafjordur bay?
Breidafjordur is a large, shallow bay with thousands of islands and rich birdlife. Reykholar looks out across the bay.
What services are available in Reykholar?
Reykholar has basic services including a guesthouse, swimming pool with hot pots, and small shop. Plan additional supplies along your actual route before reaching the village.
Is Reykholar the same as Reykholt?
No, Reykholar in the Westfjords is different from Reykholt in West Iceland. Reykholt is known for its Snorri Sturluson historical site.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.