Reykhólar
Reykhólar (Reykholar) is a small village in the southern Westfjords, set between quiet coastal scenery, old farm history and the broad island-dotted landscape of Breidafjordur.
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It works best as a peaceful route stop: a place to slow down, learn a little local history, look for birdlife, use the camping facilities and connect the Westfjords with the rest of West Iceland.
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Quick guide to Reykhólar
| Region | Southern Westfjords, Westfjords region |
| Best for | Quiet village stop, coastal scenery, birdlife, local history, camping and Westfjords route planning |
| Nearby places | Flatey, Dynjandi, Latrabjarg, Raudisandur, Djupavik, Patreksfjordur and wider Westfjords touring |
| Typical visit time | 30 to 90 minutes for a short stop, longer if you stay overnight or explore the local area |
| Best season | Summer gives easiest driving and birdlife-focused stops; winter visits need flexible plans |
| Good to know | Reykhólar is a low-key travel stop, not a large attraction. It is strongest when used as part of a slower Westfjords route. |
| Coordinates | 65°26'44.9"N 22°12'25.4"W |
What is Reykhólar?
Reykhólar is a small and peaceful village in the southern Westfjords. The area has long been connected with farming, local history and coastal resources, and today it is a practical place to pause when travelling between West Iceland and the Westfjords.
The village is also known for seaweed processing, a quiet local setting and easy access to open coastal landscapes. It is not a crowded sightseeing stop, which is exactly why it can be useful on a longer Iceland route.
Why visit Reykhólar?
Visit Reykhólar if you want a calm Westfjords stop with local texture rather than a quick photo viewpoint. It gives a route more variety: village life, coastal scenery, birdlife and a sense of the slower travel rhythm that suits the Westfjords.
How to visit Reykhólar
Reykhólar is easiest to visit by car. Many travellers pass through the southern Westfjords on a longer route, so the village works well as a flexible stop for fuel, rest, camping or a short local walk if time and weather allow.
If you are planning a Westfjords road trip, keep the day realistic. Distances can feel longer than they look on a map, especially when weather, gravel roads or photo stops slow the route down.
Tours near Reykhólar
Reykhólar is usually a self-drive stop, but it sits in a useful position between Breidafjordur, the southern Westfjords and longer Westfjords route planning. These tours and ferry options help travellers turn the area into a better planned Westfjords journey rather than a quick pause.
Places and route ideas near Reykhólar
Use Reykhólar as a calm southern Westfjords stop, then build the route around fjords, coastal villages, bird cliffs, beaches and longer Westfjords nature days.
Suggested Westfjords itinerary ideas
Short Reykhólar stop
Pause in Reykhólar, enjoy the coastal setting and continue your Westfjords route without trying to overfill the day. This is the simplest plan if you are driving between West Iceland, Breidafjordur and the southern Westfjords.
Breidafjordur and Flatey route
Use the Stykkisholmur to Brjanslaekur ferry via Flatey if the journey should feel scenic rather than just like a long drive. From Brjanslaekur, Reykhólar works as a calm route stop before continuing toward Dynjandi, Raudisandur or Latrabjarg.
Southern Westfjords overnight
Use Reykhólar as a quiet overnight base if you want a slower pace, camping access and more flexibility for weather and road conditions. This works best when paired with nearby coastal stops, birdlife and a realistic driving day rather than a rushed checklist.
Active Westfjords extension
If the trip continues west, pair Reykhólar with active options such as Hike Between Fjords or the Latrabjarg Puffin Cliffs Hike. Travellers heading north can consider whale watching from Holmavik or a longer guided western route such as Grand West.
FAQ about Reykhólar
Is Reykhólar worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quiet southern Westfjords stop with local history, coastal scenery and a slower travel rhythm. It works especially well as part of a wider Westfjords route rather than as a single out-and-back attraction.
Where is Reykhólar?
Reykhólar is in the southern Westfjords of Iceland, on a route that can connect West Iceland, Breidafjordur and the wider Westfjords.
What is Reykhólar known for?
Reykhólar is known for its peaceful village setting, old estate history, seaweed processing, birdlife and coastal Westfjords scenery.
How long do you need at Reykhólar?
A short pause can be enough if you are passing through, but an overnight stop gives more time for the village, camping, coastal scenery and flexible Westfjords driving.
Can you camp at Reykhólar?
Yes, camping is available, which makes Reykhólar useful for travellers pacing a longer Westfjords road trip.
Can you visit Reykhólar in winter?
Yes, but winter roads and weather can affect travel in the Westfjords. Check conditions before driving and keep the day flexible.
What places are near Reykhólar?
Useful nearby and route-friendly ideas include Flatey, Dynjandi, Raudisandur, Latrabjarg, Djupavik, Hornstrandir route planning and Patreksfjordur.
What tours work well with Reykhólar?
Longer Westfjords tours such as Grand West, active options such as Hike Between Fjords and Latrabjarg Puffin Cliffs Hike, plus Breidafjordur ferry routes via Flatey, all work well depending on the traveller's route.