A fishing town on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to 1,000 residents and a modern harbor. Near the Snæfellsjökull glacier and black sand beaches of west Iceland.
Ólafsvík, a fishing town of 1,000 residents on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, sits between mountain peaks and the North Atlantic Ocean. You can spot orcas and sperm whales from March to July, walk to the 50-meter Bæjarfoss waterfall, or visit the 1844 Pakkhús museum. The town's white triangular church stands out against the mountain backdrop, while fishing boats come and go from the active harbor throughout the day.
Whale Watching in Ólafsvík
From March to July, the waters near Ólafsvík become one of Iceland's prime locations for whale watching. Unlike other spots in Iceland, you can regularly see orcas here, along with sperm whales, humpbacks, and pilot whales. The single tour operator in town maintains strict guidelines to minimize impact on marine life, ensuring the whales aren't disturbed by multiple boats. The experienced guides share detailed information about whale behavior and conservation during each tour.
The Modern Church
The white triangular church, built in 1967, stands in the town center. When viewed from above, its shape resembles a salted cod, while from street level it takes the form of a fishing vessel. The building consists entirely of triangular shapes, representing the Christian trinity, making it Iceland's first modern church design.
Exploring Bæjarfoss Waterfall
A short walk from the church leads to Bæjarfoss, a 50-meter waterfall flowing down the mountain behind town. You can take the path on the right side of the river to reach the base of the falls. The viewpoint gives you a clear view of both the waterfall and the town spreading out toward the harbor below.
Pakkhús Museum
The Pakkhús, an 1844 wooden warehouse, tells the story of local life through the centuries. The ground floor contains a handicraft shop and café, while the upper floor recreates a 19th-century home. You'll see original tools, equipment, and photographs showing how local fishermen and farmers lived and worked.
Swimming and Local Activities
The town's swimming facility includes both indoor and outdoor pools. Outside, you'll find hot tubs and a children's pool with slides, while inside there's a 12.5-meter swimming pool and additional hot tub. Here you can experience the daily social ritual of Icelandic swimming pool culture.
Getting to Ólafsvík
The drive from Reykjavík takes about 2.5 hours (187 km). Take Ring Road 1 to Borgarnes, then follow road 54 to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Turn left onto road 574 for the final stretch to Ólafsvík. The route passes through varied landscapes of fjords, mountains, and lava fields.
