Grindavik (Grindavík)
Grindavik (Grindavík)
In 1627, Barbary pirates under the leadership of a Dutchman, came ashore at Grindavik and attacked the area's farms, stole fish and hides and carried off 12 Icelanders and 3 Danes into slavery in North Africa. This was one of several raids that resulted in the abduction of around 400 Icelanders of whom 27 were ransomed ten years later and returned home.
Today Grindavik is a prosperous town of around 3000 inhabitants where the fishing industry provides the locals with work and wealth. It has a very nice swimming pool, several restaurants, shops and an interesting multimedia exhibition about the salt fish industry, Saltfiskssetrid.
In the town’s harbor, a net maker and his wife have opened a cafe on the first floor of their net factory. On a fine day sit on the veranda and watch the boats jostle for space in the harbor while enjoying typical homemade Icelandic cakes and pastries.
Just east of the town, a track leads to the lighthouse on the tip of a small peninsula. Look for the shipwrecks on the rocks - there are some fearsome waves here.