Stykkisholmur, on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, is the place in Iceland where continuous
weather observations have been carried out for the longest time — since 1845, or 180
years. It was the merchant Arni Thorlacius who began the observations there,
encouraged by the great poet and scientist Jonas Hallgrimsson. Today, these records, all
accessible, are invaluable for every kind of research on Iceland’s climate.
The beginnings of meteorology in Iceland go back to when the Royal Danish Scientific
Society sent Niels Horrebow to Iceland for natural research, during which he measured
weather at Bessastadir on Alftanes for two years, from 1749 to 1751. His observations
attracted great interest in mainland Europe, as Iceland was found to be warmer than
expected, especially in winter. The frequent shifts in weather also caused surprise —
warm spells can appear even in the darkest months.
When the Icelandic Meteorological Office reviewed the first nine months of this year, it
found that the average temperature from January to September in Stykkisholmur was
the highest ever recorded in 180 years of measurements: 6.5°C, which is 1°C higher
than the 30-year average. Everything points to this year becoming the warmest in
history — and that history is a long one.
Photos & Text : Páll Stefánsson
Iceland 08/10/2025 – A7C R, RX1R II, A7R IV : FE 1.2/50mm GM, FE 1.8/135mm GM, FE 2.8/90mm G, 2.0/35mm Z
