Attraction Guide: Library of Water, Stykkishólmur, Iceland

Library of Water Guide

Reflecting on Nature: The Library of Water Guide

The Library of Water, located in Stykkishólmur, Iceland, is a unique art installation and architectural marvel created by American artist Roni Horn. Housed in a former library building perched atop a hill overlooking the town and Breiðafjörður bay, it offers visitors a contemplative space to connect with the natural world, particularly the element of water. The building itself is a work of art, designed to enhance the experience of the surrounding landscape. The Library of Water features 24 glass columns, each containing water collected from major glaciers around Iceland. These columns, arranged in a grid pattern, reflect the light and the surrounding environment, creating a mesmerizing and ever-changing display. The floor is inscribed with Icelandic words related to weather and water, adding another layer of meaning to the space. The building was originally the town's library, built in the 1950s, and its transformation into the Library of Water began in 2007. Visitors can wander through the glass columns, observing the subtle differences in the water from each glacier and contemplating the impact of climate change on these vital resources. The panoramic views from the building's windows offer stunning vistas of Stykkishólmur and the surrounding landscape, further enhancing the sense of connection to nature. The Library of Water is a place for quiet reflection and appreciation of the beauty and fragility of the Icelandic environment. While Stykkishólmur doesn't have a specific culinary tradition tied directly to the Library of Water, the town offers fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic cuisine at local restaurants.