Búðardalur is the service centre of the Dalir region. The town has a municipal sports centre and several cultural attractions; nearby, you can hike between Búðardalur and Laxarós or go on horse-riding tours outside town. This makes it possible to choose different focuses for your stay: activity, exhibitions or a combination of both.
Sport and activities in Búðardalur
The Búðardalur sports centre includes a 25-metre outdoor pool, hot tubs, a children’s pool, a sauna and a cold-water pool. The facilities range from the outdoor pool and other pool options to the sauna. The sports centre also has an almost 700 m² multi-purpose hall with a parquet floor and a fitness room. The municipal facility opened in February 2026. When planning, you can therefore choose between the water facilities and the options in the hall and fitness room.
Exhibitions and stories
Leifsbúð, a restored former cooperative building, is located at the harbour in Búðardalur. Today, it houses various exhibitions, a café and a tourist information centre. Those looking to combine culture with a place to get tourist information will find these services together in one location.
The Leif Eiriksson Center focuses on a different theme. Its exhibition presents stories about the voyages of Erik the Red and Leif the Lucky to Greenland, Canada and the United States. It consists of works by ten renowned Icelandic visual artists. The exhibition can therefore be understood in terms of its specific theme: the focus is on these voyages and their artistic portrayal.
Hiking and activities in the surrounding area
Vínlandssetrið is a suitable starting or finishing point for the Búðardalur–Laxarós hike. If you plan this hike, you can begin or end the route there. Another way to get active is offered by Dalahestar outside Búðardalur, where private horse-riding tours are available for individuals and small groups. The difference between the activities is clear: hiking the route mentioned above or joining a small-group horse-riding tour.
Eiríksstaðir is 17 km from Búðardalur and brings the Viking Age to life through storytellers, Viking blacksmithing tools, traditional crafts, architecture and Viking clothing. Storytellers also explain the history of the farm and its inhabitants, bringing the specific farm into focus alongside the historical period. The site operates seasonally, and this may change. Check current visiting options before you go.
“Heim í Búðardal” town festival
The town festival takes place in early July in even-numbered years. It features a family-friendly programme with a local character and a variety of events. In 2026, the festival was scheduled for 3–5 July. If you would like to plan a stay around a future edition, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Budhir, Hvanneyri, Hjarðarholt, Ólafsvík, Miklholt, Brimilsvellir, Skorradalur, Hvammur
For the broader travel overview: Vesturland.
