Bíldudalur is a pretty village on the shores of Arnarfjörður with a dark and scary secret. The history of sea monster sightings in Icelandic history, folk culture and literature is revealed in the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum.
An extreme number of sea monsters have been spotted in and around Arnarfjörður, one of the largest fjords in the Westfjords. (Or so the folktales say.). So, keep an eye on the surface of the fjord as you leave the village. Are you sure that was only just a seal dipping out of view?
Bíldudalur prospered in the 19th century, mostly thanks to the booming fishery industry and some business enterprises. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, the decline of the fishing industry has led the town to diversify its economy. The village is now home to a factory which processes algae found in Arnarfjörður fjord. Bíldudalur is also becoming a popular tourist destination, especially for fishing trips.
Culture
Although the population of Bíldudalur is only about 200 inhabitants, music and culture has flourished there for decades. The village hosts an annual folk music festival with work-shops open to visitors. Bíldudalur is also the location of Iceland‘s only steam-punk festival. Finally, the village is becoming a popular destination for artists seeking inspiration from the spectacular scenery.
What to do in Bíldudalur?
The number one attraction is surely the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. Reykjafjarðarlaug pool, although not directly in the village itself, is a mere 20-minute drive away. It’s a rustic pool fed with very hot natural water, that makes for a great relaxing stop.
