Breiðdalsvík is a small village in Iceland’s Eastfjords. It lies at the end of Breiðdalsfjörður, on Route 1, and is surrounded by mountains and pristine rivers. The village offers several local points of interest to consider when choosing a place to stay: Meleyri brings the village and beach together with rich birdlife; Breiðdalssetur focuses on Iceland’s geology, while Kaupfjelagið combines its former use as a grocery store with its present-day café and shop. If you’re looking for accommodation in the Eastfjords, you can decide whether nature, an exhibition, or local history should shape your stay.

Meleyri: Beach and Birdlife

Meleyri is a beach just outside the village. The area is known for its rich birdlife and is well suited to walks and other outdoor activities. Several interests in nature come together at this specific location: Meleyri is a place for the beach, birdlife, and outdoor recreation. When planning your day, you can contrast this focus with a visit to the geological exhibition at Breiðdalssetur, rather than treating them as the same kind of experience.

Geology and Village History

Breiðdalssetur features an exhibition where drill cores reveal Iceland’s geology. Topics on display include the volcanic island of Surtsey and the extensive lava sequence in East Iceland. These different examples provide points of reference: a named volcanic island on the one hand, and an extensive lava sequence in eastern Iceland on the other. If you’re interested in geology, you can explore both side by side in the exhibition. Breiðdalssetur is located in the former Kaupfélag at 760 Breiðdalsvík.

Kaupfjelagið offers a different way to explore local history. The former grocery store was built in 1956; its interior retains the original design, including wooden shelves. Some original products from the 1950s and 1960s are still on display. This brings the store’s former use to life not only through its construction date, but also through details of its furnishings and goods. Today, Kaupfjelagið serves as a cozy café and shop near Hótel Breiðdalsvík. Visitors can enjoy coffee and freshly baked cakes there, as well as buy local products. Opening hours vary by season; check them before making a café visit part of your plans.

Local Production

Beljandi Brewery is a local craft brewery based in Breiðdalsvík. It brews beer with pure glacial water from East Iceland. Alongside the beach, birdlife, and geological exhibition, local production offers another distinct point of interest; the source of the water used is specifically identified.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) is about 75 kilometers from Breiðdalsvík; the drive along Route 1 takes approximately one hour. For bus travel, Strætó route 62 runs between Höfn and Egilsstaðir via Breiðdalsvík. Check the current timetable before traveling; you should also verify the approximate road route and journey time again before setting off.

There are public fast-charging stations in the village, and Hótel Breiðdalsvík also has charging points for electric vehicles. If charging is important to your plans, check the current situation before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Höfn Í Hornafirði, Eskifjorður, Brekka, Brunnholl, Svartiskogur, Reydarfjördur, Kleppur, Fljótsdalur.

For the regional travel overview: Austurland.