# Stykkishólmur

> town in Iceland

**Wikidata**: [Q1019452](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1019452)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stykkishólmur)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stykkisholmur

## Summary
Stykkishólmur is a town and municipality in Iceland, located in the Western Region, with a population of 1,285 as of 2025. It serves as a cultural and administrative hub, known for its scenic coastal views, historical sites, and role in regional governance. The municipality was established in 2022 through the merger of Stykkishólmsbær and Helgafellssveit.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Iceland's Western Region at coordinates 65.075° N, 22.725° W and 64.9733° N, 22.8097° W.
- **Population**: 1,285 (2025), with historical data showing fluctuations from 1,323 (1998) to 1,266 (2024).
- **Area**: 254 square kilometers.
- **Municipality**: Formed in 2022 by merging Stykkishólmsbær and Helgafellssveit.
- **Governance**: Mayor Jakob Björgvin Sigríðarson Jakobsson (since 2018).
- **Twin Towns**: Kolding (Denmark, since 1979), Lappeenranta (Finland), Drammen (Norway), Örebro Municipality (Sweden).
- **Identifiers**: LAU 3716, VIAF ID 157261281, GeoNames ID 3412888, OpenStreetMap Relation ID 8405089.
- **Website**: [https://www.stykkisholmur.is/](https://www.stykkisholmur.is/) (Icelandic).
- **Time Zone**: UTC±00:00.

## FAQs
- **What are Stykkishólmur’s key geographical features?**  
  It is a coastal town in western Iceland, covering 254 km², with notable landmarks like the Shark Museum and proximity to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

- **How has its population changed over time?**  
  The population peaked at 1,323 in 1998, declined to 1,155 by 2013, and rebounded to 1,285 by 2025, reflecting broader Icelandic demographic trends.

- **What is its municipal structure?**  
  It operates as a municipality (Sveitarfélagið Stykkishólmur) formed in 2022, providing local governance services such as education, infrastructure, and cultural programs.

- **What cultural attractions does it offer?**  
  The town hosts the Icelandic Shark Museum, art galleries, and annual festivals, showcasing both traditional and modern Icelandic culture.

- **How is it connected internationally?**  
  Stykkishólmur maintains twinning agreements with cities in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, fostering cultural and economic exchanges.

## Why It Matters
Stykkishólmur plays a vital role as a regional service center in western Iceland, supporting fisheries, tourism, and municipal administration. Its cultural institutions, such as the Shark Museum, preserve national heritage, while its natural beauty attracts visitors. The municipality’s 2022 merger reflects Iceland’s efforts to streamline local governance, enhancing resource allocation for communities.

## Notable For
- **Municipal Merger**: One of Iceland’s reorganized municipalities, combining rural and urban governance.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Home to unique attractions like the Icelandic Shark Museum and annual arts events.
- **Scenic Location**: A gateway to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, offering coastal views and outdoor recreation.
- **International Ties**: Longstanding partnerships with Nordic towns, promoting cross-cultural collaboration.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Stykkishólmur is nestled in Iceland’s Western Region, spanning 254 km². Its coordinates (65.075° N, 22.725° W and 64.9733° N, 22.8097° W) highlight its coastal position, near the scenic Snæfellsnes peninsula. The town serves as a hub for exploring nearby natural attractions, including the Helgafell volcano and Breiðafjörður bay.

### Demographics
As of 2025, the population is 1,285, with historical data showing fluctuations:
- **1998**: 1,323  
- **2005**: 1,188 (low)  
- **2018**: 1,215  
- **2025**: 1,285 (most recent).  
These shifts reflect broader Icelandic trends, including urbanization and tourism-driven growth.

### Governance
The municipality (Sveitarfélagið Stykkishólmur) was established in 2022 through the merger of Stykkishólmsbær and Helgafellssveit. Mayor Jakob Björgvin Sigríðarson Jakobsson has led the town since 2018. It provides local services, including education, waste management, and cultural programs, funded by municipal taxes and national allocations.

### Economy and Infrastructure
- **Key Industries**: Fisheries, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.  
- **Transport**: Accessible via Route 54, with bus connections to Reykjavík.  
- **Amenities**: Harbor facilities, schools, healthcare centers, and retail services.

### Cultural Significance
- **Icelandic Shark Museum**: Showcases traditional hákarl (fermented shark) production.  
- **Arts Scene**: Galleries and festivals celebrating Icelandic heritage.  
- **Historical Sites**: Helgafell Church and the 19th-century Gíslhús guesthouse.

### International Relations
Stykkishólmur maintains twinning agreements with:
- **Kolding, Denmark** (since 1979)  
- **Lappeenranta, Finland**  
- **Drammen, Norway**  
- **Örebro Municipality, Sweden**  
These partnerships facilitate youth exchanges, cultural projects, and economic collaboration.

### Identifiers and Recognition
- **LAU Code**: 3716 (Icelandic statistical identifier).  
- **Global Directories**: GeoNames ID 3412888, OpenStreetMap Relation ID 8405089.  
- **Cultural Listings**: Featured in Govdirectory and the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (ID 1042553).

### Digital Presence
- **Website**: [https://www.stykkisholmur.is/](https://www.stykkisholmur.is/) (Icelandic).  
- **Social Media**: Facebook page (@stykkisholmur).  
- **Multimedia**: Aerial views and locator maps available via Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.stykkisholmur.is/is/stjornsyslan/stjornun/baejarstjori)
2. [Source](https://www.kolding.dk/om-kommunen/internationalt-samarbejde/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. archINFORM
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://www.samband.is/sveitarfelogin/vesturland/stykkisholmur/)
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Statistics Iceland](https://px.hagstofa.is/pxis/pxweb/is/Ibuar/Ibuar__mannfjoldi__2_byggdir__sveitarfelog/MAN02005.px/table/tableViewLayout2/)
9. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
10. GeoNames
11. [Náttúrufræðistofnun](https://atlas.lmi.is/mapview/?application=markasja)
12. [Source](https://www.govdirectory.org/iceland/)
13. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File