Region
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
170 km from Reykjavik
Stykkisholmur: Harbor Town on Snaefellsnes
The gateway to Snaefellsnes Peninsula: a colorful harbor town with ferry connections to the Westfjords and a part in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Population
~1,200
Snaefellsnes • Ferry town
Quick Answer
Stykkisholmur, population about 1,200, is the main town on Snaefellsnes. The Baldur ferry crosses Breidafjordur to the Westfjords, stopping at Flatey island.
Stykkisholmur sits on Iceland's west coast, with colorful wooden houses, a modern landmark church, and the harbor where the Baldur ferry departs for the Westfjords. It appeared in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and is the natural hub for exploring Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stykkisholmur is the main service hub for Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
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Official sources to check
Population
~1,200
Largest town on peninsula
Known for
Baldur Ferry
Gateway to Westfjords
Top Attractions in Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur Church
Modern landmark with panoramic views
Library of Water
Art installation with glacier water
Breidafjordur Island Tours
Boat trips among thousands of islands
Norwegian House
Historic timber building, now a museum
Sugandisey Island
Connected by causeway, great views
Baldur Ferry
To Flatey and the Westfjords
How to Get to Stykkisholmur
From Reykjavik: 2-2.5 hours via Route 1 and Route 54 around Snaefellsnes.
From Westfjords: Baldur ferry from Brjánslækur; use the current operator timetable and confirm the sailing before fixing your driving itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Stykkisholmur
Summer: Check the dated ferry schedule and individual boat tours. A published route is not a guarantee of a departure on every day of your trip.
Winter: Fewer services but atmospheric; Northern Lights visible.
Match the town visit to ferry and museum hours
The Baldur timetable for September 1–December 31, 2026 lists no Saturday sailing. Flatey calls are marked on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and the operator requires advance booking for an island stop. Check the actual destination and date before planning a through-trip or a return visit to Flatey. A car-ferry crossing to the Westfjords and time ashore on the island are different bookings to settle with the operator.
For an afternoon in town, the Norwegian House’s fall 2026 hours are Tuesday–Friday 13:00–16:00 and Saturday 12:00–15:00. Its posted admission is 1,800 ISK for adults and free for visitors 18 and younger. The museum occupies the 1832 timber house, with collection storage on the upper floor and changing exhibitions below.
Visit the Norwegian House first if you want to see Roni Horn’s Library of Water: the museum says that is where you obtain its access code. That practical dependency matters more to a short visit than simply adding both places to a list.
Planning help
Stykkisholmur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Stykkisholmur?
Stykkisholmur has approximately 1,200 residents.
Is Stykkisholmur the hub for Snaefellsnes?
Stykkishólmur is a harbor base on northern Snæfellsnes, with local services, museums and the Baldur ferry connection to the Westfjords. Its usefulness as a base depends on which part of the peninsula you plan to explore.
Is there a ferry from Stykkisholmur?
Baldur connects Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur. Check the operator’s timetable for your date: the September–December 2026 schedule has no Saturday sailing, and Flatey calls are listed on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A Flatey stop must be booked ahead.
Was The Secret Life of Walter Mitty filmed here?
Yes, Stykkisholmur was used for 'Greenland' scenes in the 2013 film. The colorful harbor and church are recognizable landmarks.
What is the Stykkisholmur Church?
The modern white church on the hill is an architectural landmark with panoramic views of the bay and islands.
What are the Breidafjordur islands?
Breidafjordur bay contains thousands of islands, best explored by boat tours from Stykkisholmur. Rich in birdlife and shellfish.
What is the Library of Water?
An art installation by Roni Horn featuring glass columns filled with water from Iceland's major glaciers.
What services does Stykkisholmur have?
Hotels, restaurants, supermarket, gas station, swimming pool, and the main ferry terminal for the Westfjords.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.