By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
When people think of Iceland, they often think of Reykjavik. But outside of Reykjavik, there are a number of small towns that are great for visitors. If you're looking to experience life as a true Icelander, here are the best small towns in Iceland to explore.
Hvammstangi, Northern Iceland
With only 580 residents, the Icelandic town of Hvammstangi is quaint, but has plenty of character. A part of the Vatnsnes peninsula, Hvammstangi has sweeping ocean views as well as rolling hills, making it an idyllic place to spend a few days.
Get a cabin at Hvammstangi Cottages, take a dip at Sundlaugin, grab a cup of coffee at Hladan Kaffihus, go seal watching, or visit the KIDKA Wool Factory Shop. (and send us a postcard from the post office.)
Stykkishólmur, Western Iceland
Stykkishólmur is a sleepy little town that many people visit to catch the ferry to the Westfjords and Flatley Island. However, there's so much more in the town to see. There's the Library of Water, or a collection of water, words and weather reports. You can also visit the The Volcano Museum.
For outdoor adventures, there's Helgafell mountain and Súgandisey Island Lighthouse to explore. For people looking for a quiet, romantic weekend away from the city, Stykkishólmur is a great choice.
Blönduós, Northern Iceland
Blönduós is one of the best small towns with Iceland, with incredible views of the ocean and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Rent a heated igloo, climb up one of the many mountains, visit their impressive geothermal pool and visit Hrútey is an island in the river Blanda.
Read More: 10 Things To Do in Blönduós, Iceland
Egilsstaðir, Eastern Iceland
Compared to other small towns in Iceland, this is one of the newest. From Egilsstaðir, you can go on hiking tours, visit Lake Lagarfljof, go to the house of author Gunnar Gunnarsson or see the Fardagafoss Waterfall.
You can crash at a down-to-earth guesthouse and spend a few days experiencing the Eastern Coast of Iceland.
(This town was also the inspiration for my tattoo.)
Read More: That Time I Hitch-Hiked To Vatnajökull
Dalvik, Northern Iceland
If you're headed to Akureyri or Mývatn, stop in Dalvik. Go for the annual fish festival in August, where there are loads of free fish to taste. You can check out a whale watching tour, grab a drink at the Bruggsmidjan Kaldi Brewery, or visit the Hvoll Folk Museum.
There's plenty to see, with a lot of nature and nordic history. It's also great for accessing remote areas of Iceland, such as Grímsey Island.
Hafnarfjörður, Western Iceland
Hafnarfjörður is gorgeous, and not too far from Reykjavik. You can spend an afternoon visiting Hafnarborg, a local art museum, or The Museum Of Design And Applied Art. But if you really want to experience Hafnarfjörður, go for a walk near the harbor or grab a bowl of lobster bisque at Tilveran.
After that, you can go for a hike at Kleifarvatn or Reykjanesfólkvangur, where you can see bubbling geothermic fields. Elliðavatn, a local lake, is perfect for salmon or trout fishing.
Höfn, Eastern Iceland
On your way from Egilsstaðir to Höfn, you will encounter incredible landscapes and scenery. You can drive through, in between, and over huge mountains, as well as along some beaches. When in Höfn, you can explore the Lighthouse at Stokksnes, visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and visit The Vatnajökull National Park Region.
In town, get a coffee at Kaffi Hornið and crash at a number of hostels and guesthouses.
Vik, Southern Iceland
Located in the south of Iceland, Vik is a popular with tourist because of the viral stranded airplane on the black beach at Sólheimasandur Instagram pics. Although stunning, Sólheimasandur is not good for swimming, given the aggressive waves.
From this town, you can get to the abandoned plane after walking for 8 kilometers to and from. You could also ride a bike to the plane. After you're done with the plane, go for a glacier walk tour, go to Reynisfjara Beach, and see the Vik Church.
Eyrarbakki, Southern Iceland
This southern fishing village is home to some 570 residents. Although the harbor is no longer in use, it serves as the perfect point to take in ocean views.
If you come in April, you will be able to witness a charming folk music festival with Icelandic musicians. You can visit the Árnessýsla Heritage Museum, a 1765 Norwegian kit house. In the nearby town of Floi, you can explore the Flói Nature and Bird Reserve.
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