Stokkseyri

Forget the overcrowded tourist hotspots – there’s a little slice of authentic Iceland waiting just an hour from Reykjavík that most travelers zoom right past. Stokkseyri, a picturesque fishing village of around 570 souls, sits like a perfectly kept secret along Iceland’s dramatic south coast. With its black sand beaches, fascinating museums, and legendary seafood, this coastal gem offers everything you’d want from an Icelandic adventure without the tour bus crowds.

Why Stokkseyri Should Be on Your Iceland Itinerary

Let’s be honest – Iceland can feel a bit overwhelming with its endless waterfalls and glaciers. But Stokkseyri offers something different: authentic village life where you can actually chat with locals, explore museums at your own pace, and enjoy some of the country’s best seafood without breaking the bank. The charming fishing village of Stokkseyri is a place of breathtaking views with canals, islands and endless unique lagoons to explore.

What makes Stokkseyri special:

• Stunning black sand beaches perfect for contemplative walks
• World-class museums packed into a tiny village
• Incredible seafood (seriously, people drive from Reykjavík just for the lobster soup)
• Rich folklore and fascinating history
• Adventure activities from kayaking to horseback riding
• Zero crowds, maximum charm

A Village Steeped in History and Legends

Stokkseyri’s story begins around 900 AD with the founding by settler Hásteinn Atlason, a testament to the resilience and determination of those early inhabitants. But it’s the 19th-century legend of Captain Þuríður Einarsdóttir that really puts this village on the map.

Picture this: a woman born in 1777 who started fishing at age 11, became a ship captain at 17, and spent over 50 years mastering Iceland’s treacherous waters. Þuríður was an extraordinary woman; at the age of only 11, she started fishing on rowing boats with her father, and at 17 she became an able-bodied seaman. She was a fisherman for over 50 years, 34 of them from Stokkseyri, and a foreman on a boat for 25 years. She even got special permission to dress as a man for practical reasons – talk about breaking barriers!

Today, you can visit the reconstructed Þuríðarbúð, a traditional turf fisherman’s hut built in her memory. Þuríðar´s cottage was rebuilt in 1949 in Stokkseyri but cottages such as this were numerous all along the coastline in the past. They were the shelters of the crews, where they lived, slept ant ate during the winter fishing season. It’s free to visit and gives you a real sense of how tough life was for Iceland’s seafaring communities.

Museums That Actually Make You Want to Stay Longer

For such a tiny village, Stokkseyri packs a serious museum punch. The old fish processing factory has been transformed into a cultural center that houses several unique attractions:

The Ghost Centre – If you’re into spine-tingling tales, this museum brings Icelandic ghost stories to life with multimedia presentations that’ll have you checking over your shoulder.

Icelandic Wonders Museum – Dive deep into Iceland’s folklore with exhibits on elves, trolls, and the Northern Lights. It’s like stepping into the country’s collective imagination.

Wildlife Museum (Veiðisafnið) – To me Veiðisafnið – the Wildlife Museum is the biggest attraction in Stokkseyri, featuring an impressive collection of Icelandic mammals and birds that tells the story of the country’s unique ecosystem.

Pro tip: Buy a combo ticket to save money and plan to spend at least half a day exploring all the museums.

Adventures for Every Season

Summer Activities (June-August)

Kayaking Adventures – Kayaking in Iceland🇮🇸 is amazing. Give yourself an experience to feel, smell, hear and see the Amazing Icelandic Nature in the Sea and Rivers at Stokkseyri. Local guides offer tours through calm canals and coastal waters where you might spot grey seals and countless seabirds.

Horseback Riding – Experience Iceland’s famous horses on rides that take you across rivers to secluded black sand beaches. We enjoyed a ride crossing a river to the most beautiful secluded beach you could imagine.

Beach Walks – The coastline here is absolutely stunning, with dramatic waves crashing against black sand beaches. Furthermore, the Stokkseyri shore offers some of the most impressive braker waves in Iceland.

Swimming Pool – Like every proper Icelandic town, Stokkseyri has its own outdoor swimming pool complex with hot tubs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventures.

Winter Activities (September-May)

Northern Lights Viewing – With minimal light pollution, Stokkseyri offers excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities. The flat landscape provides unobstructed views of the sky.

Storm Watching – Winter storms create spectacular wave displays along the coast – just bundle up and watch nature’s power from a safe distance.

Museum Hopping – Winter is perfect for diving deep into the village’s cultural offerings without worrying about daylight hours.

Where to Eat: Seafood That’s Worth the Trip

Fjöruborðið Restaurant – This is the star of the show. There is a very good restaurant here, Fjöruborðið restaurant, and people come especially there from Reykjavík (65 km) to get lobster soup and visit the museums. Their langoustine (Icelandic lobster) soup is legendary, and the cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a special meal.

Gimli Kaffihús – For further information, visit the tourist information at the local Café, Gimli Kaffihús. Great for coffee, light meals, and local information.

Budget tip: If you’re staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, stock up on groceries in nearby Selfoss (15 minutes away) where you’ll find better selection and prices.

Accommodation Options for Every Budget

Budget-Friendly ($50-80/night)

• Art Hostel – Right by the seashore with a creative atmosphere and communal kitchen
• Stokkseyri Campsite – The Stokkseyri Campsite provides a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Recently updated, the campsite includes modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Campers can access electricity hookups, and a playground keeps children entertained. Open May 1-September 15.

Mid-Range ($80-150/night)

• Guesthouse Kvöldstjarnan – A cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Stokkseyri. It offers well-equipped rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and a relaxing hot tub.
• Fisherinn Guesthouse – Great location for exploring the south coast with well-equipped common areas

Unique Experiences ($100-200/night)

• Glamping options – Several luxury camping experiences available in the area
• Farm stays – Stay on working farms nearby for an authentic rural Iceland experience

Campervan Spots

The official campsite is your best bet, but there are also several free camping areas along the coast (though facilities are limited). Always follow Leave No Trace principles and respect private property.

Getting There and Getting Around

From Reykjavík: 66 kilometers (41 miles) via Route 1, then Route 33. About 45 minutes by car.

From Keflavík Airport: 75 kilometers via Routes 41 and 1. About 50 minutes by car.

Public Transport: Limited bus service available, but having a car gives you much more flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Walking: The village is completely walkable – you can see everything on foot once you’re there.

Nearby Attractions Worth Combining

• Eyrarbakki (7km) – Historic village with maritime museum and charming wooden houses
• Selfoss (15km) – Larger town with shopping, dining, and services
• Knarrarósviti Lighthouse (5km) – About 5 km from Stokkseyri you can see the Knarraos lighthouse, an interesting blend of art noveau and functionalism styles.
• Þjórsárhraun Lava Field – Þjórsárhraun is the result of the greatest lava flow on earth since the end of the last Ice Age.

Budget Planning: What to Expect

Daily Budget Estimates (per person):

• Budget traveler: $60-80 (camping/hostel, self-catered meals, free activities)
• Mid-range traveler: $120-180 (guesthouse, mix of dining out and self-catering, paid activities)
• Luxury traveler: $200+ (premium accommodation, fine dining, guided tours)

Money-saving tips:

• Buy groceries in Selfoss rather than small village shops
• Many museums offer combo tickets for better value
• Free activities include beach walks, lighthouse visits, and Þuríðarbúð
• Consider staying multiple nights to reduce per-day accommodation costs

When to Visit

Summer (June-August): Best weather for outdoor activities, all services open, but higher prices and more tourists.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Good weather, lower prices, fewer crowds, but some services may have reduced hours.

Winter (November-March): Northern Lights season, lowest prices, museums still open, but weather can be challenging and some activities unavailable.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Weather: Always pack layers and waterproof gear – Icelandic weather changes quickly
• Currency: Icelandic króna, but cards are accepted everywhere
• Language: Everyone speaks excellent English
• Internet: Free WiFi available at most accommodations and cafés
• Emergency: Call 112 for all emergencies

Why Stokkseyri Matters

In an Iceland increasingly dominated by mass tourism, Stokkseyri represents something precious: authentic village life where traditions still matter and locals have time to chat. Today, Stokkseyri truly flourishes as a warm and welcoming cultural village embracing its rich heritage and creative spirit.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, incredible food, or just a peaceful place to decompress, this coastal village delivers. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with Iceland in the first place – raw beauty, fascinating stories, and genuine warmth from people who’ve made their living from the sea for over a thousand years.

Bottom line: Don’t just drive past on your way to the more famous sights. Stokkseyri deserves at least a full day, preferably two, and you’ll leave understanding a side of Iceland that most tourists never see.

Disclaimer: Travel information is current as of 2025 and subject to change. Always verify accommodation availability, museum hours, and activity schedules before your visit. Weather conditions can affect accessibility and safety of outdoor activities. Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors to Iceland. Local regulations regarding camping and outdoor activities should be respected to preserve this beautiful environment for future visitors.