Sea Monsters Around Iceland and in the Westfjords

Many sea monsters around Iceland have been sighted through the centuries, and over the last two hundred years most sightings have occurred in the Westfjords. For that reason, Bíldudalur was the natural home for the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. Four main monsters are best known, all seen in Arnarfjörður: Fjörulalli, Faxi, the Shell Monster and the Sea Man.

Fjörulalli – the Most Common Monster in Bíldudalur

Fjörulalli is the most frequently sighted monster, and many stories describe encounters with him. The Sea Monster Museum has recorded 36 accounts of Fjörulalli. He is said to be the size of a horse, furry and grey‑brown, with a long snout. Fjörulalli tries to sneak up on people on the shore and push them into the sea. He has often been seen grazing alongside sheep, and stories from Breiðafjörður tell of him trying to climb onto them. Fjörulalli was last sighted in the summer of 2014.

The Shell Monster of Arnarfjörður

The Shell Monster is described as a bulky, large‑headed creature with a wide mouth, resembling a hippopotamus but far bigger. It is covered in shells that rattle when it moves on land. Eyewitnesses have compared its size to that of a dinosaur. The Shell Monster was last seen in 1951 from several farms in Arnarfjörður.

Faxi – Red‑Maned Monsters with Green Eyes

Faxi, also known as the Sea Horse or Marhross, is a red‑maned monster with striking green eyes. It resembles dragons found in Chinese art and has often been seen in Arnarfjörður. Fishermen considered it dangerous, and today it is believed to feed mainly on clams and other shellfish. Faxi was last sighted in Geirþjófsfjörður in spring 2010.

The Sea Man – Iceland’s Most Terrifying Monster

The Sea Man is said to be the ugliest creature a person can behold. He rarely comes ashore, but when he does, he walks on two legs and drags his heavy belly along the ground. He has short arms with long claws and a face that is little more than a mouth and eyes. It is said that people have lost their senses simply by looking at him. The Sea Man was last seen around 150 years ago.

You can see all these fearsome monsters at the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in Bíldudalur. More information about these terrifying creatures can be found on the museum’s website.

The Sea Monster Museum is part of the Westfjords Way. See more on the Westfjords Way website.

The museum staff recommends visiting their partners at the Hnjótur Folk Museum.