In 1884, part of a bark ship was sunk below Bakkagerðiseyri to support a quay later named Barkurinn. At low tide and in calm seas, the original ship is still visible below the quay. In Reyðarfjörður, traces of the harbor’s history meet paths along the riverbank and historic sites. For planning your visit, it’s worth keeping seasonal visiting hours in mind; trails and destinations vary in route and theme.
Cultural History and Visiting Hours
The Icelandic War Museum explains how the war years and the occupation affected life in Iceland. Visitors can enter barracks and a cinema, as well as view objects and numerous photographs from that period. Visible remains of the Allied base also survive outside the museum in Reyðarfjörður, including old barracks and small gun emplacements.
The museum is open daily from 1 June to 31 August, from 13:00 to 17:00; check the hours before your trip. During this period, Sómastaðir is open to visitors on Mondays and Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00. It is also advisable to check before you travel there. The house was built in 1875 and is Iceland’s only surviving building with exterior walls made of roughly hewn grey-stone blocks and mortar made from glacial clay. The different visiting days and hours help you plan when to visit both sites.
The annual Hernámsdagurinn town festival commemorates the British occupation of Reyðarfjörður on 1 July 1940. The festival includes art exhibitions and live music at the Icelandic War Museum. Specific events may change from year to year.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
A hiking trail starts in the center and follows the wooded banks of the Búðará. Another walking route leads from the center through Búðarárgil Gorge up to Búðarárfoss waterfall and past the Icelandic War Museum. This lets you choose between a riverside path and a route through the gorge with the waterfall as its destination; different routes and destinations are described here for each.
The hike up Hólmatindur begins just outside Sómastaðir. Nearby, Grænafell lies just west of the built-up area of Reyðarfjörður. An easy, marked hiking trail leads up the mountain from Fagradalur. This description of the difficulty applies to this trail and not automatically to the other routes.
Farther away in the surrounding region, Geithúsaárgil lies below Grænafell at the inner end of the fjord. The gorge has steep rock walls shaped over centuries by the Geithúsaá river. It adds a landscape feature farther afield to the range of walking options in the area.
Harbor and Other Activities
The restored Barkurinn quay is a visitor attraction: you can fish here, read about the quay’s history, and enjoy the scenery. If you’re looking for a sporting activity alongside the historic sites, Reyðarfjörður is home to Kollur golf course, run by the Fjarðabyggð Golf Club. It is on a hillside, has nine holes, and is par 70. The tees at holes 3, 4, and 7 offer a lovely view.
Fishing at Andapollur pond is a recreational activity in Reyðarfjörður. The pond is also a landmark for planning your overnight stay: Reyðarfjörður campsite is at the entrance to the town, right by Andapollur. It offers showers, toilets, a washing machine, and electricity. Check seasonal opening and facilities before your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Berunes, Hoffell, Fljótsdalur, Borgarfjörður, Bjarnanes, Laugarfell, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Stöðvarfjörður.
For the main travel overview: Austurland.
