Ólafsvík village is on the north side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier towering in the distance. The village has a good natural harbour and a thriving fishing industry.
Ólafsvík has always been a fishing town because of its location and nearby rich fishing grounds. In the 17th and 18th centuries, commercial vessels sailed between Ólafsvík and Denmark, and the village was one of the larger trading ports in Iceland. The village became a certified trading place, authorised by the Danish King and Danish authorities in 1687, the first village in Iceland to do so. Since the 1950’s, Ólafsvík has been the most productive fishing town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Culture
Ólafsvík is home to the Snæfellsbær Regional Museum on the upper floor of an 1841 warehouse, called Pakkhúsið. The museum exhibits household items and farm implements. There’s also a maritime museum by the harbour, well worth a visit.
What to do in Ólafsvík
There are many opportunities available for visitors in the area such as bird-watching, hiking, and exploring the sandy beaches. Ólafvík’s excellent location close to the Snæfellsnesjökull glacier makes it a great stop to fuel up and get a bit to eat before exploring the national park.
