The islands of Breiðafjörður
“Legend has it that the origin of the Islands is that trolls intended to shovel the Westfjords free from other parts of the country. During so they splashed the mud all over Breiðafjörður and Húnaflói and thus became the countless islands of Breiðafjörður.”
The islands and skerries of Breiðafjörður bay are one of three countless geographical phenomena in Iceland. This is because the number of islands depend on the tide, during high tide many of them disappear.
Legend has it that the origin of the Islands is that trolls intended to shovel the Westfjords free from other parts of the country. During so they splashed the mud all over Breiðafjörður and Húnaflói and thus became the countless islands of Breiðafjörður. Húnaflói is deeper so almost everything there sank to sea. The trolls could not finish the job in time and therefore turned to stone in sunrise.
The islands play a major role in day-to-day life in Stykkishólmur. Many inhabitants have small boats and love nothing more than the cool ocean breeze on a warm summer day, whether they go out to catch fish or just to catch a break.
By the harbour in Stykkishólmur, the majestic island Súgandisey stands. The island was connected to land in 1989. Hiking up Súgandisey, to the iconic lighthouse is easy. Walking paths on the island offer breath-taking view over Stykkishólmur and the innumerable island on Breiðafjörður Bay.
Flatey is the only island in Breiðafjörður where inhabitants live the whole year around. Over the last few years under five persons live on the island, along with two dogs, all year around but during summertime the population multiplies. In 1950 the inhabitants where 117. The ferry Baldur offers day tours from Stykkishólmur to Flatey island where the tranquillity is second to none and time appears to stand still.
The untouched nature of our home, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, leaves no one untouched. Home to natural wonders such as the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Kirkjufell mountain and the archipelago of Breiðafjörður Bay. The variety is endless. Here… read more
The magical beauty of Snæfellsjökull has affected people spiritually, and has been an inspiration for novelists, painters, and other artists. The Icelandic Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness’s Under the Glacier takes place at the outskirts of… read more
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its vivid wildlife. All around it and in the surrounding bays of Breiðafjörður and Faxaflói are prosperous fishing grounds that have sustained the population throughout the times. The peninsula… read more
Snæfellsjökull National Park was established on June 28, 2001. It covers about 170 km2 of the westmost tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The park takes its name from the beautifully shaped glacier and stratovolcano, Snæfellsjökull,… read more