Kolbeinstangi Peninsula

Kolbeinstangi Peninsula

Kolbeinstangi is the finger-like peninsula on which the town of Vopnafjordur stands.

You can walk (or drive) beyond the town along a gravel road to the tip of the peninsula, where cliffs jut into the ocean and a fine view of the mountain ranges unfolds to the east. 

In March 1903, a cargo ship went aground just off the peninsula.  Showing little concern for their own safety, the villagers managed to rescue all the ship's crew.

That same night, a restaurant in the village caught fire. Those living on the second floor of the timber building narrowly escaped with their lives as it burned to the ground.