Visit the capital of Snaefellsnes
Stykkishólmur is often called the capital of Snaefellsnes and is a fishing and trading centre with an excellent natural harbour.
Stykkishólmur is famous for its historic houses, the oldest of which, Norska Húsið (the ‘Norwegian House’) was constructed of materials imported from Norway by Árni Thorlacius in 1832 when Árni inherited the town’s trading rights from his father. In addition to his contribution to establishing Stykkishólmur, Árni pioneered meteorological observations in the town in 1845 and the tradition has continued uninterrupted to this day.
Today the Norska Húsið is a folk museum, with a room dedicated to Árni and his wife Anna. Many of the other colourful old buildings throughout the town have been carefully renovated and now house restaurants, hotels, and museums.
There are nearly 2,700 small islands on the bay north of Stykkishólmur and cruises allow visitors to see the unusual rock formations and enjoy the bird life, whale watching, and spectacular tidal currents.
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