Matkaopas: Tálknafjörður

Between Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur is the village of Tálknafjörður, in the southern region of the Westfjords.

Despite its meagre population size, around 300 inhabitants, the village has chosen not to merge with its closest neighbours into a new municipality, therefore keeping its unique local charm and community character. 

Explore this area of Iceland on a self drive tour.

History

Historically, the village was settled much later than other villages across Iceland, with development not occurring until the early 20th century. In the 1940s, a harbour was built to both maximise the village’s sheltered coastal position and to begin fishing operations in the fjord. In the next decade, the fish processing plant, ÞórsBerg, was built, and thus the settlement's economy began to develop. However, as with many small fishing villages in Iceland, Tálknafjörður’s growth was halted by the introduction of fishing quotas in the 1990s. Since then, the economy has diversified with large swathes of tourists now visiting Tálknafjörður for the deep sea angling. 

Culture

Today, Tálknafjörður has all the amenities of a modern-day village. There is a post office, convenience store, a bank, guesthouses, a restaurant, a mechanic and even a cosmetics store, Villimey Cosmetics, which produces herbal ointments and creams. There are also natural hot springs north of the village from which energy is cultivated for the village’s trout farms, house heating and Tálknafjörður swimming pool. 

To Do

A short drive away from Tálknafjörður, there are cement-lined geothermal pools called Pollurinn (literally translating to “The Puddle”), a favourite spot amongst the local residents (some of whom go there to soak every day). The water at Pollurinn comes directly from the ground, unfiltered, meaning that the pools can have a somewhat slimy feel to them. A wooden cabin stands adjacent to the pool, offering changing room facilities.