Grundarfjörður town Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Einar Páll Svavarsson
- May 26
- 4 min read
Grundarfjörður is a small town along the northern coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. As of January 2024, the population of the municipality is approximately 1000. Although the town was never part of the mainstream tourist traffic in Iceland—or in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, for that matter—it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country since the mountain Kirkjufell made an appearance in the famous television series “Game of Thrones”. The mountain stands on the western side of the town, and it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland—second only to Herðurbreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains. Close by, just south of the mountain, is the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. Together, the mountain and the waterfall form one of the most photogenic views you can find, and they display almost a perfect photo each time someone attempts a shoot with the waterfall in the foreground and the mountain in the background. Consequently, the mountain has become the icon of Grundarfjörður, and traffic in the small town has exploded in recent years. Grundarfjörður town is part of the Snæfellsnes Road Trip, which is described in more detail in a separate article.
Grundarfjörður is a beautiful old fishing town
Grundarfjörður has historically been a fishing town, similar to many coastal towns in Iceland, and its harbor is among the finest on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Before its development as a fishing hub, Grundarfjörður served as a trading post for numerous farms spread over a considerable area surrounding the town. It was officially designated as a trading post in the late 18th century by Iceland's rulers, the Danish King, and Danish authorities, following the abolition of the trading monopoly. Initially, as a trading post, it attracted only a small number of people and did not begin to evolve into a village until the 1940s, when fishing and fish processing activities expanded, supported by a government-funded project to develop the harbor. As you explore the town, you will observe that most of the houses date back to the early and mid-20th century. These are predominantly typical concrete single-family homes common throughout Iceland, with only a few older wooden houses like those found in Stykkishólmur.
A town with a French connection
At the turn of the 18th century, French fishing vessels began operating in Icelandic waters during the spring and summer months. The presence of these vessels was so significant that the French government deemed it necessary to establish services for the fishermen. Consequently, a hospital and a church were constructed in Grundarfjörður, and some officials remained there throughout the winter. A similar initiative was undertaken in the village of Fáskrúðsfjörður in the Eastern Region. In the years following this French presence, there was a noticeable increase in children with darker complexions in the Grundarfjörður area, exhibiting features more akin to French than Nordic ancestry. Today, some individuals in the region still display these characteristics, suggesting a French lineage within their predominantly Nordic ancestry. This genetic infusion might have been beneficial, given the challenging conditions Icelanders faced over the previous centuries. However, when the French officials departed from Grundarfjörður, they removed all traces of their presence, including buildings, boats, furniture, and even the coffins of those who had passed away. As a result, no evidence remains in Grundarfjörður of the French presence that lasted for decades. This is in stark contrast to Fáskrúðsfjörður in eastern Iceland, which retains a distinctly French influence.
Grundarfjörður has a good position in the fishing industry
Although Grundarfjörður has a long history as a small settlement scarcely larger than a farm, it did not begin to develop as a town until the early 19th century, with a true village emerging only by the 1940s. Consequently, the town and its buildings are relatively modern, with the majority constructed during the 1960s and 1970s.
Today, Grundarfjörður boasts a robust economic foundation in the fishing industry. With the rise in tourism, industries and services related to tourism and education are also expanding. The town provides a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and a well-maintained campsite. A significant portion of the population is employed in education and healthcare sectors.
Living in Grundarfjörður
Like most municipalities nationwide, Grundarfjörður offers its residents premium services. The town has good preschools, primary schools, and elementary schools. It also has a high school/college that educates all the Snæfellsnes Peninsula communities. The town has a library, a sports center, a swimming pool, and a community center. Grundarfjörður also offers excellent social services to those in need and cares for the young and the elderly. It is a family-oriented small town offering a good-quality life right in the midst of the spectacle and wonders of nature.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.
Location of Grundarfjörður town on the map of Iceland