Hólmavík is a small fishing village on the large Steingrímsfjörður fjord. The village offers several distinct starting points for planning your visit: a museum focused on history, whale watching on the fjord and a short hike above the village. You can tailor your stay to culture, wildlife watching or outdoor activity.
Culture and village character
The Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft offers insights into the lives, way of life and beliefs of the people of Strandir in the 17th century. Its main exhibition is in Hólmavík. Its historical focus connects everyday life with the worldviews of the time, offering a different emphasis from the activities on the fjord or in the mountains.
The church is also part of the village landscape: it stands on Brennuhóll in the middle of Hólmavík, on Steingrímsfjörður. The museum and church offer two specific cultural points of interest that connect with the village in different ways—the museum through the history of Strandir, and the church through its prominent location in the village.
Whale watching and hiking
Láki Tours offers responsible whale watching from Hólmavík. The tour lasts two hours; humpback whales are the most common whales in the fjord. Its set duration makes the trip easy to fit into your day, while the focus is on the wildlife of Steingrímsfjörður. The tour is seasonal; it is offered from May 25 to September 15, and availability may change. Check the latest information for your travel dates.
A hike to Kálfanesborgir above Hólmavík offers a different perspective. It is short and easy and starts at the campsite. The trail leads to the stone cairn Háborgarvarða; from there, you can see across Steingrímsfjörður and the island of Grímsey. The starting point and destination give the hike a clear route, while the view brings the fjord and island into one panorama.
More activities in and around Hólmavík
Various tours are available in Hólmavík, including sailing and horseback riding tours. Availability may vary by season. For golf, Skeljavíkurvöllur near Hólmavík is another option, with a nine-hole course.
The Hólmavík swimming pool complex includes hot tubs, a sauna, a gym and a sports hall. Operating details may change, so check them before your visit. The mountains around Hólmavík also offer hiking opportunities.
A cross-country skiing area operated by the municipality of Strandabyggð is located in Selárdal on Steingrímsfjörður. Cross-country skiing competitions recognised by the International Ski Federation (FIS) may also be held there.
For planning your day, you can distinguish two of the excursions by their duration: whale watching lasts two hours, while the hike to Kálfanesborgir is short and easy. This lets you weigh an activity with a set duration differently from a short hike.
Accommodation and planning your stay
Hólmavík has a campsite, various places to stay and restaurants. Check availability at your chosen accommodation for your travel dates. When planning, you can also consider whether you prefer the museum’s cultural and historical focus, whale watching or land-based activities.
Discover more destinations: Hagi, Bolungarvík, Látur, Kirkjuból, Borðeyri, Sæból, Hnífsdalur, Keflavik
For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.
