Suðureyri: Fishing Village and Experiences Around Fishing

Suðureyri is an Icelandic fishing village whose development is closely tied to fishing. Here, you can explore different aspects of this tradition, from insights into local history and fish processing to angling experiences. Suðureyrarlaug swimming pool and the old hiking trail over Klofningsheiði also offer their own ways to shape your stay.

Fishing as History and Experience

Suðureyri began to develop at the start of the 20th century, and its growth quickly accelerated with the mechanization of fishing. This development is also the subject of the Fisherman Seafood Trail. It includes gourmet tastings in Suðureyri, offers insights into local history and shows how fishing has shaped Icelandic culture, both past and present. Suðureyri also follows an environmentally friendly and sustainable fishing policy that covers everything from catching the fish to serving it.

Those interested in the practical side of fishing can visit Suðureyri’s local fish processing facilities and bait sheds. There is also a lagoon nearby where you can feed cod and catch them using bait. Deep-sea fishing is part of the village’s tradition, too: many visitors rent boats and fishing gear. This offers several ways to engage with fishing, from history and tastings to trying it for yourself.

Swimming and Exercise at Suðureyrarlaug

Suðureyrarlaug swimming pool has a 17-metre-long pool, two pools or hot tubs, and a paddling pool. There is also an outdoor sauna and a nearby hot spring used by the swimming pool. The facility also includes a gym and a sports hall connected to the primary school. The paddling pool is a distinct part of what’s on offer, alongside the longer swimming pool and the hot tubs. Suðureyrarlaug thus offers different ways to exercise and relax in one place.

Angling, Tours and Hiking

Fisherman, a fully licensed day-tour operator based in Suðureyri, offers tours that combine cultural and culinary experiences. There are daily departures in summer; confirm departure times in advance. The tours complement the village’s fishing history with another way to explore the place and its culinary traditions.

The old trail over Klofningsheiði between Suðureyri and Flateyri offers a different perspective. It is a popular hiking route. If you’d like to plan a hike as well as fishing and swimming into your stay, you can include this trail as a separate activity. The route, fishing and swimming pool offer very different experiences: you can plan your trip around whether you’d rather spend time outdoors, explore fishing in greater depth or enjoy time in the water.

Choose Suðureyri as a Holiday Destination

For some, the fishing village’s history is the main draw; others are interested in angling, tastings, hiking or the facilities at Suðureyrarlaug. If you’re travelling with different interests, you can weigh up these preferences when deciding whether Suðureyri is the right holiday destination, without letting any one activity define your stay.

Discover more places: Thingeyri, Flateyri, Tálknafjörður, Breiðavík, Árnes, Hagi, Reykhólar and Holt.

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.