Eyrarbakki

Tucked along the Atlantic shore in South Iceland, Eyrarbakki is one of the country's oldest and most atmospheric villages — a place where colourful 19th-century timber houses face the open sea and history feels genuinely close at hand. It is a natural add-on to any Golden Circle day trip, offering a complete change of pace after geysers and waterfalls.

A Village That Almost Became the Capital

During the era of Danish trade monopoly, Eyrarbakki was among the most important commercial centres in Iceland — at times rivalling Reykjavík in size and significance. Merchant ships docked here to exchange European goods for Icelandic wool and fish, and Danish merchant families settled in what was then a bustling harbour town. The construction of a bridge over the Ölfusá River in the late 19th century shifted the region's commercial gravity inland to Selfoss, and Eyrarbakki gradually became the quiet, preserved village you see today.

What to See and Do

The village rewards an unhurried stroll. Key highlights include:

• Húsið (The House) — Built in 1765, this is one of Iceland's oldest surviving wooden buildings, now a folk museum. For two centuries it was home to Danish merchant families and served as a hub for European art, music, and culture in Iceland.
• Eyrarbakki Maritime Museum — Dedicated to the village's seafaring heritage, with artefacts tracing the lives of the fishermen and sailors who worked these waters.
• Historic streetscape — Rows of preserved houses dating from roughly 1890 to 1920 give the village the feel of a living open-air museum.
• Eyrarbakkjakirkja church — The oldest two-storey church in Iceland, built in 1890, is worth a look inside.
• Atlantic shoreline — The rugged black coastline is ideal for a short walk, with views out over the surf and good birdwatching nearby.
• Flói Bird Reserve — Just outside the village, this internationally recognised wetland area is especially rewarding in summer for wetland and migratory species.

Visiting Tips

• Eyrarbakki and its sister village Stokkseyri sit side by side; budget time for both on the same stop.
• The museums are typically open in summer (May–August); check locally for current hours before visiting in the shoulder season.
• Parking is easy and the village is small enough to explore entirely on foot.
• The shoreline path is exposed and can be windy — bring a layer even on warm days.

How It Fits a Golden Circle Day Trip

Eyrarbakki sits in the South Iceland lowlands, making it a natural extension of the classic Golden Circle loop. After visiting Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, swing south toward the coast on your return to Reykjavík. The village adds cultural and historical depth to a day otherwise dominated by natural wonders, and the short detour along the Ölfusá estuary is scenic in itself.