Founded on the largest lava flow in Iceland, Eyrarbakki is a charming fishing village on the country’s south coast. Before a bridge was built across the River Ölfusa, it was a major port and trade centre for the region and is home to a church altarpiece painted by Queen Louise of Denmark.
Things to do in Eyrarbakki
Occupying the oldest house in the village is the Arnesinga Folk Museum, which offers insight into life in Eyrarbakki in times gone by. Known as Húsið, the house dates back to 1765 and stands as one of the oldest residential buildings in Iceland. Learn about the commercial activities of Eyrarbakki and its thriving fishing industry or attend one of the book readings that are regularly held here.
Just inland from Eyrarbakki is the Solvangur Icelandic Horse Center, where you can meet majestic Icelandic horses and take riding lessons. Located within the stable is a cafe serving hot drinks and homemade cakes while the on-site store specialises in horse-related gifts and locally made handicrafts.
If you want to stretch your legs, stroll along the black sands of Eyrarbakki Beach, which extends north-west of the village harbour. Drive in the other direction and you’ll arrive at Stokkseyri Beach and the Knarraros Lighthouse, which was designed by Axel Sveinsson in a combination of Functionalist and Art Nouveau architectural styles. This elegant tower was one of the first reinforced concrete lighthouses in Iceland when it was constructed in the 1930s.
Getting around Eyrarbakki
Eyrarbakki is around 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík and 1.5 hours from Keflavík International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Eyrarbakki and the village is small enough to explore on foot.