Era
16th–19th century
Active seasonal fishing station for over 300 years
Dritvík Beach: Historic Fishing Station & Lifting Stones
A sheltered cove on Snæfellsnes that once bustled with hundreds of seasonal fishermen, now home to historic lifting stones and haunting stone ruins.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Snæfellsnes
West Iceland • Snæfellsjökull National Park
Dritvík is a sheltered cove on the western coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that served as one of Iceland's busiest seasonal fishing stations from the 16th through the 19th century. At its peak, up to 600 fishermen gathered here each season to row open boats into the North Atlantic in pursuit of cod. Today, the cove preserves the remnants of this era — stone walls from shelters, the ruins of boat-landing ramps, and the famous four áþreystingarsteinar (lifting stones) that were used to test whether men were strong enough to join a fishing crew. Connected to nearby Djúpalónssandur by a coastal trail, Dritvík offers a powerful window into Iceland's maritime heritage set against the wild beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Wear sturdy footwear on the lava trail. Be careful near the shore — waves can be unpredictable.
Sources to check
Workers
Up to 600
Fishermen gathering each season to row for cod
Stones
4 áþreystingarsteinar
Ranging from 23 kg to 154 kg — test your strength
What to Expect
Historic Fishing Station
One of Iceland's most important seasonal fishing stations, active for over three centuries
Lifting Stones
Four ancient strength-testing stones still sit where fishermen once proved their worth
Lava Formations
Dramatic coastal lava rock sculpted by centuries of wind and waves along the trail
Stone Shelter Remains
Low stone walls and foundations from the shelters where fishing crews lived and worked
Boat Landing Ruins
The remains of ramps where open rowing boats were hauled ashore from the North Atlantic
Djúpalónssandur Trail
A scenic 15–20 minute coastal path connects Dritvík to the neighboring beach
Getting There
Dritvík is reached via the coastal trail from Djúpalónssandur, about 15-20 minutes on foot (1.5 km one way). From Reykjavík, drive Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then follow Route 54 west around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, turning south onto Route 572 to the Djúpalónssandur car park (approximately 190 km, about 2.5 hours total). The free parking area has restroom facilities and an information board. From the car park, walk down through the lava field to Djúpalónssandur beach (10-15 minutes), then follow the marked coastal trail west to Dritvík cove. There is no separate road access or parking for Dritvík itself. The nearest village is Hellnar, about 5 km south along Route 572, with a café and limited services. The trail is uneven lava terrain, so sturdy footwear with good grip is essential.
Best Time to Visit
Dritvík is accessible year-round, though the coastal trail is most comfortable from June through August when the path is dry, temperatures reach 10-14°C, and days stretch to 21 hours. May and September offer quieter visits with dramatic coastal light. Fog and mist, common from October through April, add an evocative atmosphere to the stone ruins and lifting stones. Winter visits are possible but the trail can be icy and daylight is limited to 4-5 hours in December. The area sees relatively few visitors compared to South Coast attractions even during July and August peak season, making it an uncrowded alternative for those exploring Snæfellsnes. Combine with Djúpalónssandur for a half-day outing.
Planning help
Dritvík FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.