Djúpivogur

Djúpivogur is a small fishing village nestled at the end of a fjord in East Islande, on the Búlandstindur peninsula. With just a few hundred inhabitants, it ranks among the country's oldest trading ports. Its setting between volcanic mountains, fjords and the Papey archipelago makes it a calm and authentic stop on Route 1, far from the hustle of the southern tourist trail.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: on Route 1 (Ring Road), between Höfn and Egilsstaðir
• Recommended duration: half a day to a full day
• Excursion to Papey: seasonal boats from the port (summer only)
• Services: petrol station, grocery store, limited accommodation — fill up before leaving

What to see

The port remains the heart of the village: fishing boats, colourful warehouses and the scent of sea air. On the quay, the Eggin í Gleðivík installation ("The eggs in the bay of joy") showcases 34 polished granite eggs, each representing a bird species nesting in the region — a work by artist Sigurður Guðmundsson. The mountain Búlandstindur, an almost perfect volcanic pyramid, dominates the landscape from almost everywhere in the village.

History and context

Djúpivogur is one of Islande's oldest trading ports, active since the 16th century under Hanseatic licence. German and later Danish merchants exchanged dried fish and sulphur here. The Langabúð house, dating from 1790, is one of the country's oldest wooden buildings; today it houses a local museum and café.

Highlights of the visit

Eggin í Gleðivík — the granite eggs

This permanent installation runs along the waterfront for several hundred metres. Each egg is hand-polished from a different granite, identified by a plaque. Access to the walk is free at all times. At sunset, reflections on the polished surface are particularly striking.

Langabúð

This red wooden building is both a museum, craft workshop and café. It traces the village's commercial history and displays works by sculptor Ríkarður Jónsson, a native of the region. Museum entry is paid; the café is open during the summer season.

Excursion to Papey

Papey island, visible from the port, is one of Islande's smallest inhabited islands — today uninhabited but once home to Irish monks according to tradition. Boats offer summer outings: puffins, seals and the ruins of an old church are on the programme.

Búlandstindur

This pyramid-shaped volcano stands at 1,069 metres. It is visible from the village and serves as a constant visual landmark. Hikes allow you to approach its slopes; check locally for conditions before setting out.

Photography tips

The low light of the Icelandic evening (often after 9 pm in summer) gives the granite eggs golden reflections that are highly photogenic. For Búlandstindur, pull back towards the port to capture the entire mountain in frame with boats in the foreground. Papey island photographs well from the quay in clear weather.

Location and access

Djúpivogur is located on Route 1, approximately 100 km west of Egilsstaðir and approximately 100 km east of Höfn. No regular public transport outside seasonal long-distance coaches that run along the Ring Road. The village is accessible by standard car year-round; some secondary tracks inland require a 4x4.

Nearby

• Höfn — capital of Icelandic lobster, gateway to Vatnajökull glacier.
• Vatnajökull — Europe's largest glacier, accessible from several points between Höfn and Djúpivogur.
• Egilsstaðir — main town in the east, departure point for the East Fjords.
• East Fjords — succession of wild fjords to the north, rarely visited and spectacular.