Breiðdalsvík: Beach, Birdlife and Geology

Breiðdalsvík is a small village in Iceland’s East Fjords, at the end of Breiðdalsfjörður. The village is on Route 1; mountains and pristine rivers define the surrounding area. If you are considering a holiday apartment in Breiðdalsvík, you are choosing a village location whose character is shaped by the fjord, mountain scenery and rivers. Nature, geology and local history offer different ways to explore during your trip: you can experience the surroundings outdoors, observe the birdlife and learn more about Iceland’s geological diversity at the same time.

Meleyri: Beach and Birdlife

Meleyri is just inside the village and is a beach with abundant birdlife. Walking and other outdoor activities are among the things you can do at this beach. For travelers who enjoy spending time outdoors, the beach and nature watching are specific highlights of a stay. You can make Meleyri a focus of your daily plans. The combination of beach and birdlife gives the nature experience in Breiðdalsvík a clear focus.

Geology and Local History

Breiðdalssetur features an exhibition that uses drill cores to illustrate Iceland’s geology. Topics include the volcanic island of Surtsey and the extensive lava sequence in East Iceland. The two examples offer different geological perspectives: Surtsey is a volcanic island, while the lava sequence illustrates a broad geological context in East Iceland. Breiðdalssetur is located in the former Kaupfélag at 760 Breiðdalsvík. If you are looking for insight into geology as well as nature experiences, you will find a distinct cultural highlight here.

The village’s history can also be discovered in a particular building. Kaupfjelagið, Breiðdalsvík’s former grocery store, was built in 1956. The interiors retain their original design, with wooden shelves; some original products from the 1950s and 1960s are also still on display. Today, Kaupfjelagið is a cozy café and shop near Hótel Breiðdalsvík. You can enjoy coffee and freshly baked cakes there, as well as buy local goods. The building brings together its former use, preserved interior and current café and shop in one place.

Local Products and Getting There

Another local highlight is Beljandi Brewery, a craft brewery based in Breiðdalsvík. It brews beer with pure glacial water from East Iceland. For visitors interested in regional products, the brewery adds a local-production perspective to the insights into the village’s history and geology.

For those traveling by car, Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) is about 75 kilometers from Breiðdalsvík. The drive via Route 1 takes approximately one hour. The distance and approximate travel time provide an initial guide for planning. The Strætó route 62 bus also runs between Höfn and Egilsstaðir via Breiðdalsvík. If you are traveling by electric car, there are public fast-charging stations in the village; Hótel Breiðdalsvík also has charging points for electric vehicles.

Discover More Places

More places to consider for your trip: Bjarnanes, þÓrshöfn, Hámundarstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Kleppur, Fljótsdalur, Hof, Egilsstadhir.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.