about fisherman's village

The Heart Behind Fisherman’s Village

Johannes Viðar Bjarnason began his career in hospitality as a waiter at the well-known Reykjavík restaurant Naustið, where he worked for many years. He credits those early years — and the atmosphere and character of the historic venue — with shaping his passion for the restaurant business.

In 1990, he took a bold step and purchased a small, declining restaurant by the waterfront in Hafnarfjörður. At the time tourism in the town was virtually non-existent, and many considered the decision risky, even unrealistic.

Johannes saw opportunity where others saw obstacles. From the start, he had a clear vision: to create not just a restaurant, but a destination and an experience. That vision became Fjörukráin, Viking Village. With ambitious ideas inspired by Viking heritage, themed feasts, and Icelandic culture and history, the restaurant initially raised eyebrows and faced skepticism.

Local officials doubted the concept, but Johannes remained determined. Gradually, interest grew, Viking feasts and cultural events became popular, and Fjörukráin developed into one of Iceland’s most recognized and visited dining destinations for travelers from around the world.

As tourism expanded, Johannes broadened the operation to include accommodation, opening the Hotel Viking alongside the restaurant. The hotel has grown steadily over the years and continues to expand, offering guests a complete experience where hospitality, food, and culture come together.

Today, Johannes runs the business together with his family, with his daughters actively involved in daily operations. In addition to Fjörukráin and the Hotel Viking he also operates Fisherman’s Village in Álftanes.



In 2014, Jóhannes bought Fisherman’s Village with a simple dream. He planned to live there himself, run a small restaurant, and personally take care of just six hotel rooms.

But Jóhannes has never been the kind of person who stops dreaming. First, he added rooms 7–11. A few years later, rooms 12–17 followed. Then came the newest additions, rooms 20–25. Step by step, season by season, the village kept growing — slowly transforming into the charming seaside retreat it is today, with more than 25 rooms and a restaurant that now welcomes groups of up to 80 guests.

The garden is just as special, alive with peaceful moments — doves overhead and koi fish swimming quietly in the pond. You can feel his heart everywhere: in every detail, every decoration, every corner of the rooms and restaurant.

Despite decades in the industry, his motivation remains the same. For Johannes, this is not simply a business — it is a life’s work, driven by creativity, perseverance, and a genuine passion for Icelandic culture and hospitality. He continues to look ahead with optimism, always turning new ideas into reality.

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