Grjóthólar: Rough guide to the area
Nature, exhibitions and places of interest
Dynjandi waterfall is a natural monument. Best known for it's unique form, cascading over the basalt rocks, 99 metres in height, 30 metres across at the top and widening to 60 metres at the bottom. The river continues over seven waterfalls, down to the sea at Dynjandisvogur cove, each more beautiful than the other. A relatively short but steep hike from the parking lot up to the waterfall at the top. You'll be rewarded with an overwhelming surge of power and a magnificent view.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 59 km/36 mi.
24 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Dynjandi
Dynjandi Walking TrailDynjandi waterfall is a natural monument. Best known for it's unique form, cascading over the basalt rocks, 99 metres in height, 30 metres across at the top and widening to 60 metres at the bottom. The river continues over seven waterfalls, down to the sea at Dynjandisvogur cove, each more beautiful than the other. A relatively short but steep hike from the parking lot up to the waterfall at the top. You'll be rewarded with an overwhelming surge of power and a magnificent view.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 59 km/36 mi.
Rauðisandur (Red Sand Beach) is a large, lightly red coloured sand beach (from which it derives it's name). Rich birdlife and great hiking. Tours to a seal colony are on offer in the area. Best visited on low tide.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 43 km/26 mi
9 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Rauðisandur Beach
Rauðisandur (Red Sand Beach) is a large, lightly red coloured sand beach (from which it derives it's name). Rich birdlife and great hiking. Tours to a seal colony are on offer in the area. Best visited on low tide.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 43 km/26 mi
Látrabjarg nature reserve, home to millions of birds during nesting season and the westernmost point of Iceland. Europe's largest bird cliffs, 14 km long and 441 m high at it's highest point.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 70 km/43 mi.
15 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Látrabjarg
Látrabjarg nature reserve, home to millions of birds during nesting season and the westernmost point of Iceland. Europe's largest bird cliffs, 14 km long and 441 m high at it's highest point.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 70 km/43 mi.
Vatnsfjörður nature reserve is a great area for nature inspections as hiking and outdoor possibilities are extensive. Explore on your way to Dynjandi waterfall.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 22 km/13 mi.
Vatnsfjörður
VestfjarðarvegurVatnsfjörður nature reserve is a great area for nature inspections as hiking and outdoor possibilities are extensive. Explore on your way to Dynjandi waterfall.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 22 km/13 mi.
An exhibition on some of the most remarkable plant fossils found in Iceland: The Surtarbrandsgil exhibition is open daily in summer at the old parsonage at Brjánslækur (the farm), entrance is free of charge. In relation to the exhibition, guided walks with a park ranger up to the ravine are held five times a week (access to the ravine is strictly forbidden unless accompanied by ranger). Also only summer.
A café and a small exhibition on "Raven-Flóki", the Norwegian viking who named Iceland, is also on the premises.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 18 km/11 mi
Brjanslaekur station
An exhibition on some of the most remarkable plant fossils found in Iceland: The Surtarbrandsgil exhibition is open daily in summer at the old parsonage at Brjánslækur (the farm), entrance is free of charge. In relation to the exhibition, guided walks with a park ranger up to the ravine are held five times a week (access to the ravine is strictly forbidden unless accompanied by ranger). Also only summer.
A café and a small exhibition on "Raven-Flóki", the Norwegian viking who named Iceland, is also on the premises.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 18 km/11 mi
A unique place to visit. The route there is breathtakingly beautiful once you pass the village of Bíldudalur, where you will drive past many tiny valleys nested underneath tall mountains with lovely white beaches and at the end you will be rewarded with a collection of houses and sculptures by an eccentric artist who used to live here. Beware of bad roads.
Selárdalur
A unique place to visit. The route there is breathtakingly beautiful once you pass the village of Bíldudalur, where you will drive past many tiny valleys nested underneath tall mountains with lovely white beaches and at the end you will be rewarded with a collection of houses and sculptures by an eccentric artist who used to live here. Beware of bad roads.
Flatey island is an hours ferry-ride from Brjánslækur ferry port and so it is easy to spend a few hours there when visitors take the first trip to the island and the second trip back (on days when the ferry rides twice daily, covid related changes in schedule may apply so check the ferry website). Also a nice stopover on your way to or from the Westfjords as the ferry personnel will take your car to the mainland while you hop off in Flatey between trips (no cars on the island). Very quaint and beautiful. An old hub of culture in the area. Good restaurant and pleasant nature walks, also a hotel operated in summer for those who want to linger for longer.
Flatey
Flatey island is an hours ferry-ride from Brjánslækur ferry port and so it is easy to spend a few hours there when visitors take the first trip to the island and the second trip back (on days when the ferry rides twice daily, covid related changes in schedule may apply so check the ferry website). Also a nice stopover on your way to or from the Westfjords as the ferry personnel will take your car to the mainland while you hop off in Flatey between trips (no cars on the island). Very quaint and beautiful. An old hub of culture in the area. Good restaurant and pleasant nature walks, also a hotel operated in summer for those who want to linger for longer.
Stop by on your way to Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Hnjótur museum is a museum of cultural history and old items and visitors can experience how people in this area survived through the ages by fishing and farming and otherwise living off the land. A permanent exhibition which displays the rescue of crew members from British trawler Dhoon which stranded under Látrabjarg bird cliffs in 1947. Also a couple of old airplanes (Antonov AN-2 and Douglas C-117D). Lovely white sand beach in the area.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 47 km/29 mi
Hnjótur Museum
Stop by on your way to Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Hnjótur museum is a museum of cultural history and old items and visitors can experience how people in this area survived through the ages by fishing and farming and otherwise living off the land. A permanent exhibition which displays the rescue of crew members from British trawler Dhoon which stranded under Látrabjarg bird cliffs in 1947. Also a couple of old airplanes (Antonov AN-2 and Douglas C-117D). Lovely white sand beach in the area.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 47 km/29 mi
City/town information
Patreksfjörður is the closest center of service. In the village you will find shops, a gas station, restaurants, a bank, drug store, post office, local health center and hospital, an open air swimming pool with spectacular views, a police station, hotel etc. Inhabitants are 721.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi.
7 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Patreksfjörður
Patreksfjörður is the closest center of service. In the village you will find shops, a gas station, restaurants, a bank, drug store, post office, local health center and hospital, an open air swimming pool with spectacular views, a police station, hotel etc. Inhabitants are 721.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi.
Bíldudalur is a small village in Arnarfjörður fjord, best known for being home to still winds as it is sheltered in between mountains. You can taste the world's best fish and chips in the town's only restaurant: Vegamót or enjoy some golf on a sunny day. Inhabitants: 238 souls.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 65 km/40 mi.
Bíldudalur
Bíldudalur is a small village in Arnarfjörður fjord, best known for being home to still winds as it is sheltered in between mountains. You can taste the world's best fish and chips in the town's only restaurant: Vegamót or enjoy some golf on a sunny day. Inhabitants: 238 souls.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 65 km/40 mi.
Tálknafjörður is a tiny village, in between Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur. You must detour ca. 3 km's from the main road to get to it. In Tálknafjörður you will find a restaurant, a swimming pool, grocery shop and self service (honesty system) fish shop. Pollurinn, geothermal pool is close by, just drive a little further towards the mouth of the fjord. Home to 248 people.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 53 km/32 mi.
Tálknafjörður
Tálknafjörður is a tiny village, in between Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur. You must detour ca. 3 km's from the main road to get to it. In Tálknafjörður you will find a restaurant, a swimming pool, grocery shop and self service (honesty system) fish shop. Pollurinn, geothermal pool is close by, just drive a little further towards the mouth of the fjord. Home to 248 people.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 53 km/32 mi.
Wellness
This swimming pool is so close to the house that some would call it walking distance. It is situated by the same large body of sand, a tad to the east. There is a concrete heated outdoor swimming pool and a nature pool below it. Changing facilities are open during the summer but the site is accessible all year round, although not recommended in heavy snow. Pay admission in a box by honesty system when personnel is not present. Take care in slippery stairs.
Warm waters, spectacular views. Is there anything more one could ask for?
Distance from Grjóthólar: 2 km/ 1,4 mi.
Birkimelur Swimming Pool
This swimming pool is so close to the house that some would call it walking distance. It is situated by the same large body of sand, a tad to the east. There is a concrete heated outdoor swimming pool and a nature pool below it. Changing facilities are open during the summer but the site is accessible all year round, although not recommended in heavy snow. Pay admission in a box by honesty system when personnel is not present. Take care in slippery stairs.
Warm waters, spectacular views. Is there anything more one could ask for?
Distance from Grjóthólar: 2 km/ 1,4 mi.
A wonderful little natural pool on the beach within Vatnsfjörður nature reserve. 300 m east of Flókalundur summer hotel. The pool is 39° C warm (102° F), ca 1,4 m/4,5 ft at it's deepest.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 23 km/14 mi.
6 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Hellulaug
A wonderful little natural pool on the beach within Vatnsfjörður nature reserve. 300 m east of Flókalundur summer hotel. The pool is 39° C warm (102° F), ca 1,4 m/4,5 ft at it's deepest.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 23 km/14 mi.
Another geothermal pool, this time made out of concrete. Just past the village of Tálknafjörður. Once again: warm water and breathtaking views.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 56 km/34 mi.
Pollurinn Hot Pool
Another geothermal pool, this time made out of concrete. Just past the village of Tálknafjörður. Once again: warm water and breathtaking views.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 56 km/34 mi.
Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool
A swimming pool and hot nature pool in Reykjafjörður.
A lovely little swimming pool in Tálknafjörður village with small slides for kids, sauna and hot tub. Next to campsite/playground.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 53 km/32 mi.
Tálknafjörður Swimming Pool
TálknafjarðarvegurA lovely little swimming pool in Tálknafjörður village with small slides for kids, sauna and hot tub. Next to campsite/playground.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 53 km/32 mi.
A swimming pool in the village of Patreksfjörður. Great views of the mountains across the fjord, hot tubs, sauna, kiddie pool. A gym is on site where you can pay a per visit fee.
Distance from Grjóthólar 32 km/19 mi.
Íþróttamiðstöðin Brattahlíð
55 AðalstrætiA swimming pool in the village of Patreksfjörður. Great views of the mountains across the fjord, hot tubs, sauna, kiddie pool. A gym is on site where you can pay a per visit fee.
Distance from Grjóthólar 32 km/19 mi.
The municipality
The municipality of Vesturbyggð is home to 1064 people, as of 1 January 2021. People live off land and sea and the main industries are fisheries, tourism, salmon farming, agriculture and public services. The municipality is rich with natural treasures and landscapes are breathtaking. There are two villages: Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur.
Vesturbyggð
The municipality of Vesturbyggð is home to 1064 people, as of 1 January 2021. People live off land and sea and the main industries are fisheries, tourism, salmon farming, agriculture and public services. The municipality is rich with natural treasures and landscapes are breathtaking. There are two villages: Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur.
Restaurants
A restaurant in the village of Bíldudalur. Best fish and chips in Iceland, many say. Including me.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 65 km/40 mi.
Vegamot Bildudal - Café/Shop/Restaurant
2 TjarnarbrautA restaurant in the village of Bíldudalur. Best fish and chips in Iceland, many say. Including me.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 65 km/40 mi.
A restaurant/bar in the village of Patreksfjörður. Delicious seafood soup, café, bar by the harbour. On occation there are concerts, check online for dates. Fresh or frozen fish is also sometimes available to purchase. Rough but charming interior.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi
FLAK
EyrargataA restaurant/bar in the village of Patreksfjörður. Delicious seafood soup, café, bar by the harbour. On occation there are concerts, check online for dates. Fresh or frozen fish is also sometimes available to purchase. Rough but charming interior.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi
Lovely restaurant in a historical house in Patreksfjörður. Cosy, great views and yummy food.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi.
Stúkuhúsið
50 AðalstrætiLovely restaurant in a historical house in Patreksfjörður. Cosy, great views and yummy food.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 32 km/19 mi.
In the Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve. There is a restaurant in the hotel, open to the public. Lovely views and great burgers (or something more fancy). Only open during summer. Also on site are a swimming pool (Flókalaug), a self serve gas station and a little shop.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 23 km/14 mi.
Hótel Flókalundur
In the Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve. There is a restaurant in the hotel, open to the public. Lovely views and great burgers (or something more fancy). Only open during summer. Also on site are a swimming pool (Flókalaug), a self serve gas station and a little shop.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 23 km/14 mi.
A small and cosy café at Brjánslækur. Only open during summer. In the same building there are two exhibitions, one on Surtarbrandsgil ravine and the other on Flóki the viking and the first settler in Iceland who reportedly was the first of the Nordics to braze Iceland during winter around the year 860.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 18 km/11 mi.
Gamli bærinn kaffihúsi
A small and cosy café at Brjánslækur. Only open during summer. In the same building there are two exhibitions, one on Surtarbrandsgil ravine and the other on Flóki the viking and the first settler in Iceland who reportedly was the first of the Nordics to braze Iceland during winter around the year 860.
Distance from Grjóthólar: 18 km/11 mi.
Activities
The farmers at Melanes in Rauðasandur offer seal watching during summer. Do contact them ahead to check availability.
Melanes campsite
The farmers at Melanes in Rauðasandur offer seal watching during summer. Do contact them ahead to check availability.
Westfjords adventures offer a variety of activities for guests. Based in Patreksfjörður, hopeful participants should check their website for information and availability.
Westfjords Adventures
8a ÞórsgataWestfjords adventures offer a variety of activities for guests. Based in Patreksfjörður, hopeful participants should check their website for information and availability.
Golfklúbbur Bíldudals
BíldudalsvegurA golf course in Bíldudalur.
The monster museum is in the village of Bíldudalur. Kids will certainly enjoy the monster museum. They have great waffles too.
The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum and Coffee shop
7 DalbrautThe monster museum is in the village of Bíldudalur. Kids will certainly enjoy the monster museum. They have great waffles too.