Djúpivogur – Art, History and Nature

Djúpivogur offers unusual insights into local history and art, as well as ideas for active days in the surrounding area. A trading tradition dating back to 1589 meets art in a converted fish-oil tank, walking trails and special spots for observing nature. You can shape your trip around whether you want to focus on culture, activity or discoveries in nature.

History and Art in Djúpivogur

Langabúð is the oldest house in Djúpivogur. The building houses a museum dedicated to sculptor and woodcarver Ríkarður Jónsson, a memorial room for politician Eysteinn Jónsson and his wife Sólveig Eyjólfsdóttir, and a local history museum in the attic. The different collections offer several perspectives for your visit: art, political remembrance and local history. Djúpivogur’s trading tradition dates back to 1589 and adds to this picture of the town’s history.

Next to Langabúð is FRELSI, a monument by the artist Sigurður Guðmundsson. It is dedicated to international ideals according to which people’s rights should not be determined by their skin colour. In Gleðivík, another work reflects the nature of the surrounding area: Eggin í Gleðivík comprises 34 replicas of eggs laid by nesting birds from the Djúpivogur area. Its number and subject make this outdoor artwork a destination in its own right for visitors interested in both art and birdlife.

Tankurinn also tells a story of changing use: the old fish-oil tank in Gleðivík was converted into an exhibition space. Numerous artists display their own works there throughout the year. For art lovers, it provides another cultural focus alongside the museums in Langabúð.

Walks, Views and Nature Watching

From Tankurinn, an easy 1-kilometre footpath leads to Æðarsteinsviti lighthouse. Its manageable length makes it easy to fit this walk into your day. The nearby area of Búlandsnes is suitable for hiking. Hálsaskógur lies in Búlandsnes, a short distance west of Djúpivogur; its footpaths are suitable for easy walks. There are several ways to enjoy the outdoors, from the short walk to the lighthouse to the trails in Hálsaskógur.

Teigarhorn, near Djúpivogur, is a nature reserve, part of which is designated as a natural monument. Bóndavarða stands on a ridge east of the town and offers panoramic views. An orientation disc there lists local place names. You can combine the views with a chance to get your bearings in the surrounding area, without this implying a particular hiking route. The small, uninhabited island of Papey, off Djúpivogur, is associated with puffin watching. At Fýluvogur, bird hides make it easier to observe the area’s varied and abundant birdlife.

Activities for Different Kinds of Holiday

For a water-based adventure, Voxey Trips offers RIB safaris departing from Djúpivogur. The trips pass dramatic coastlines, striking cliffs and diverse wildlife. Arctic Fun offers tailor-made kayaking tours in the Djúpivogur area. These options appeal to different interests: a RIB trip or a kayaking tour tailored to your needs. Walking and hiking trails are also among the leisure activities available in Djúpivogur. The town also has a 9-hole golf course.

There are also specific places to visit for a more relaxing break: Djúpivogur swimming pool has an indoor pool with hot tubs and a small children’s pool. The swimming pool and sports centre also include a gym and sauna. Café Langabúð serves homemade soups, bread with salmon and smoked lamb, as well as cakes. Alongside excursions and art, swimming, sport and local food can therefore all be highlights of your stay.

Local Character and Choosing Your Holiday Apartment

Djúpivogur is part of the Cittaslow network. Its priorities include authentic products, Slow Food values, local craft traditions and environmental protection. In Djúpivogur, Lefever Sauce makes chilli-based foods and, according to its own account, is behind Iceland’s first hot sauce. The sauces made there are considered Icelandic culinary crafts, made with fresh ingredients. Together with the offerings at Café Langabúð, they provide another way to experience the town’s food culture.

When choosing your holiday apartment, consider which experiences matter most to you on your trip.

More destinations: Bjarnanes, Laugarfell, Brekka, Vopnafjörður, Neskaupstadur, Egilsstadhir, Höfn Í Hornafirði and Stöðvarfjörður.

For the main travel overview: Austurland.