Hólmavík

Hólmavík

Hólmavík is the largest town in the Strandir region of Iceland and serves as the main commercial and service center for the area. The town is part of the municipality of Strandabyggð and plays a central role for communities along the northern shore of Steingrímsfjörður.

The town lies beneath the Kálfanesborgir cliffs on the western side of the fjord and developed from the farmland of Kálfanes. Its natural harbor and sheltered position made it well suited for trade and settlement along the Strandir coast.

Before permanent settlement began, the area was used as a seasonal shore site. In 1883, Sigurður Sigurðsson, a carpenter and church builder, and his wife Guðrún Jónsdóttir moved from Felli in Kollafjörður to Kálfanes. After a short time they relocated into the bay and built a new homestead, marking the beginning of permanent settlement in Hólmavík.

Their son was the poet Stefán from Hvítidalur, who is generally regarded as the first person born in Hólmavík. His legacy remains an important part of the town’s cultural history.

Today, Hólmavík is a vibrant rural town offering essential services, cultural activities, and easy access to the dramatic natural landscapes of the Strandir region.