Visit Budardalur in Iceland: a Tiny Village with a Big Personality

There are many fishing villages along the coast of this little island in the middle of the ocean. But few of them have a history as interesting as Budurdalur in Iceland. This little gem on the coast has a small population and an even smaller fishing industry, but a legacy that has stood for centuries.

Legends, myths, and dairy are on the list of reasons why you should come to Budardalur. In this article, we dive into the Icelandic lore and explore how this tiny village has played a key role in history and why it is still important today.

What is Budardalur in Iceland?

If you would like to visit lesser-known gems during your holidays, Budardalur in Iceland will fit you like a hand in a glove. This small village of less than 300 inhabitants has prominent historical value and a strong connection to dairy. Apart from milk products and history, Budardalur in Iceland has a lot of other fun stuff happening, but these two are the main reasons for its claim to fame.

Even though Budardalur is a small village, it is the center of commerce for the area and has surprisingly advanced dairy production. The delivery trucks will drive hundreds of kilometers around the region to transport milk and various dairy products and bring them to town, so this is the place to try out the widest range of dairy in Iceland.

Budardalur in Iceland is not far away from the residence of the famous (but definitely not alive) Erik the Red, or Eiríkr rauði Þorvaldsson as he is known locally. Ever since the Settlement Era, this town has been the gateway to the area and has played a significant role in some of the Icelandic Sagas.

Where is Budardalur in Iceland?

Budardalur in Iceland is located right on the northeast end of the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is in the Hvammsfjordur Fjord, which is barricaded against the North Atlantic with a mini archipelago of islands surrounding Brokey. This means that the fjord outside Budardalur in Iceland is much calmer than the ocean, even if it is still really cold. The average temperature ranges from -1.9°C in January to 10.0°C in July.

How to Get to Budardalur in Iceland

If you want to visit Budardalur in Iceland (which you should), you’ll have to get there via self-drive or bus.

Drive Yourself

Getting here from Reykjavik is super easy, and there are plenty of detours and things to see along the way.

This route is roughly 150 kilometers and will take about 2 hours to drive.

As you pass Borgarnes, you can take a left on Road 54, which will take you to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the cornucopia of Icelandic attractions you can find there.

At Borgarnes, you can also visit the Settlement Center, where you can read about the first settlers of Iceland. There is also a small village for Icelandic Elves along the Ring Road, just 8 kilometers north of Borgarnes. It’s the cutest little place and a perfect stop for a family with small kids.

Take the Bus

Taking the bus from Reykjavik to Budardalur in Iceland is easy, even if it takes some time. You’ll have to get to Mjódd in the southeastern part of Reykjavik and take a bus to Borgarnes. From Borgarnes, you’ll take a bus towards Hólmavik and just get off at Budardalur in Iceland. This trip takes roughly 2.5 hours and costs about 5,400 ISK ($39.50) one-way with the national bus company Straeto.

Budardalur’s Role in History

The name “Búðardalur” loosely translates into “Camp Valley,” which is an homage to the important role the area played in the first few hundred years of Icelandic history. This is where the Viking Settlers got into the habit of setting up camp before they ventured further inland or up the coast. The protected bay quickly got the reputation of being safe for ships, and the region’s mix of Icelandic Highlands and Lowlands was a good location for keeping livestock.

Erik the Red

The most noteworthy resident in Budardalur in Iceland is Erik the Red. He was the first European to discover Greenland and the father of Leif Erikson, who was the first European to discover America. If you want to get a good idea of how Erik the Red and other Vikings lived in the Viking age, you can visit the Eriksstadir Living History Museum.

At the museum, a replica of Erik’s farm has been erected, and you can see the staff do the daily chores in the ways of the Vikings. There are multiple tours throughout the day, and the museum is open from mid-April to October.

Likewise, the Leif Erikson Center (Vínlandssetrið) in Búðardalur offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Icelandic Vikings. This cultural center showcases exhibitions and tells stories about the legendary figures of Eiríkur the Red and Leifur the Lucky Eiríksson. In addition to its historical significance, the center also serves as a tourist information center, providing valuable insights and guidance for visitors exploring the region.

Laxdæla Saga

One of the most celebrated works amongst the Sagas of Icelanders is The Saga of the People of Láxardalur, or Laxdæla Saga as it is named in Icelandic. It tells a captivating story about a love triangle that plays out in the Budardalur Region from the late 800s to the early 1000s.

The story is a classic story about romance, friendship, and loyalty. The type of story is very typical of the Icelandic Vikings and has all the elements you could picture in an international hit series.

In short, the saga is about two men who grew up together in the region around Budardalur in Iceland and eventually get introduced to the “most beautiful woman to ever grow up in Iceland.” This causes problems since both of them fall in love with her. On a journey to Norway, one of them gets held hostage by the Norwegian King while the other travels back home and marries the Icelandic woman.

The one held hostage eventually gets released and travels back to Budardalur in Iceland where he gets upset with his friend over the marriage. This sparks controversy between them, and a series of thefts, abuse, and murders take place over a long period. It ends with the woman eventually becoming a nun after both of the friends die in a blood feud between the families, and her sons make peace with the other family.

What to Do in Budardalur in Iceland

You don’t have to relive the Laxdæla Saga to have a good time in Budardalur in Iceland. There are other things to do here:

Where to Stay in Budardalur in Iceland

Even though Budardalur in Iceland is a small village, it has all the amenities a weary traveler could need. If you want to stay close to the water, try the Castle Guesthouse or Coast Cabin Room.

If you want to make it a little more luxurious, the Dalakot Guesthouse in the middle of Budardalur has single-, double-, and even triple rooms to offer. The restaurant is a local favorite with a large menu with some classic Icelandic beers.

Camping enthusiasts will not miss out when visiting Budardalur in Iceland since the campground is in the middle of the village, right next to the school. It’s open all year round and has a lot of fun stuff going on in the summer. At Budardalur Campground, you get hot and cold water, hot showers, toilets, a washer and dryer, waste disposal for campervans and mobile homes, cooking facilities, and electricity for both vehicles and tents. All you need for camping in Iceland.

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Fishing Near Budardalur in Iceland

Fishing in Iceland is the most popular thing to do in nature, second to hiking. One of the reasons why the area around Budardalur in Iceland was so popular for so long is the rich fishing waters. Multiple rivers in the area have a perfect blend of rapids and calm waters for the trout and salmon to love it like a Viking love mead. The nearby rivers and lakes include:

Just take note; to fish from any of these locations, you must first obtain a fishing permit.

Don’t Miss Out on Budardalur in Iceland

Despite the small population and modest size, Budardalur in Iceland is a small town with a big personality. Being at the center of many Icelandic Sagas tends to make a town a little more than just a pit stop along the road. Stunning scenery and an unusually calm ocean at the doorstep also help.

If you want to explore places like Budardalur in Iceland, then renting a car in Iceland is the best course of action. If you drive yourself, you won’t have to hassle with buses or tours, the island is your oyster, and you can plot your own Iceland itinerary.