Things to Do in Bolungarvík, North West Iceland: A Nature Lover’s Guide
Bolungarvík is one of Iceland’s most remote villages in the far northwest of the Westfjords. Just 14 km from Ísafjörður and 473 km from Reykjavík, the village is nestled between steep mountains and the North Atlantic, providing you with both scenic beauty and a sense of seclusion.
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Exploring Bolungarvík
This small fishing town is dominated by the Bolafjall Mountain which rises to an impressive 638 metres, shrouded in cloud much of the time. Home to about 1000 people, it can be cut off in the winter months although the new tunnel to Ísafjörður built in 2010 gives it easier links to the outside world.
This new road means that travel is easier, but travel has always been difficult with the village having no road in until 1950. Ísafjörður is a busy town with a large fishing port and one of the most amazing seafood restaurants on the planet – Tjöruhúsið, which from me, a non-seafood lover is saying something.
Bolungarvík was one of the largest fishing villages in Iceland with easy access to the fishing grounds in the north, but it was hit hard by the fishing quota system that was put in place by the Icelandic government in the 1990s. Even today fishing, fish processing and the associated supporting work are the main employment in the town.
Ósvör Maritime Museum
Situated along the shore, the Ósvör Maritime Museum is a reconstructed 19th-century fishing station that transports you back to the tough lives of Iceland’s fishermen.
The museum showcases tools, artefacts, and techniques used by local fishermen, giving you a glimpse into the harsh realities of coastal life in Iceland. The exhibits include a salt house, fish sheds, and drying racks for producing traditional Icelandic hardfiskur (dried fish).
Housed in a stone and turf building, the museum provides insulation from the region’s unforgiving weather, much like the original fish processing stations. Even the roof is made of turf, blending into the rugged landscape.
Despite its quiet surroundings, it’s one of the most atmospheric spots in Bolungarvík for photographers interested in capturing the contrast between the rugged landscape and historical structures.
ÓSVÖR MARITIME MUSEUM
61, 415 Bolungarvik
Hours – 10am – 4pm
The museum is open from June to September including Sundays.
There is no website and times can change so do not make a journey just for the museum
Óshólaviti Lighthouse
The bright orange Óshólaviti lighthouse sits 30 meters above the sea, in contrast to the grey skies and towering Bolafjall behind it. Built in 1937 and electrified in 1964 this 3.5 metre high tower with 3 metre lantern has 3 flashes in white and red every 20 seconds. It was fully automated in 1995. There were plans to have a much higher tower at 6 metres but plans never became a reality.
It’s a striking location for coastal photography and offers views across the bay towards the village.
- Parking Tip: It’s located just beyond the tunnel from Ísafjörður, making it an easy stop on your way to the village.
Walking the old road between Bolungarvík and Ísafjörður
Before the tunnel connecting Bolungarvík to Ísafjörður was built in 2010, the old coastal road was the only route between the two towns. Today, it’s a scenic walking trail, offering panoramic views of the dramatic Westfjords coastline and sea cliffs.
The walk is fairly easy with wildlife spotting opportunities, including seabirds and the occasional Arctic fox. It’s an excellent way to experience the raw beauty of the fjords away from the few modern roads.
- Start/End: The old road is accessible from either end of the new tunnel. The easier access is from the lighthouse at Bolungarvík
- Walk Distance: 6.1km
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: This is an easy walk along the old road. It is crumbling in places and should not be attempted in any weather other than calm and sunny
- Total Ascent: Flat along the cliff edge
- Highlights: Lighthouse, wildflowers, seabirds, whale watching and seals
Beyond Bolungarvík – Road 630
Outside of the village, the rough Road 630 follows the river initially before heading into the mountains. The mist hangs over these roads and it can be a hard drive on a narrow sheer track that serves as a road.
Taking the left fork at the junction to Bolafjall follows a track downwards with sheep grazing. The sides of the valley are sheer with rough rugged peaks towering over the narrow valley. The ridges on the sides of the valley tell the story of the glaciers that passed through the area centuries ago. Eventually, the beautiful black sand beach at Skálavik comes into view.
Bolafjall Mountain
Bolungarvík is dominated by Bolafjall Mountain, towering 638 meters above the village. The peak is often shrouded in mist, adding a sense of mystery to the landscape. You can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Westfjords over Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir and on clear days, even see the distant Greenland coastline (possibly, maybe).
At the summit, there is a stunning viewing platform. The mountain also holds an old U.S. radar station, offering a peek into Cold War history but is now controlled by the Icelandic coastguard.
- Driving Tip: The gravel road can be difficult in fog or mist, so watch the weather and allow extra time for the journey. It is not accessible in the winter months.
Skálavík Bay
A short drive from Bolungarvík along road 630 leads you to Skálavík Bay, where the rugged coastline meets a black sand beach. The gravel road winds through a valley shaped by glaciers, with grazing sheep and jagged peaks towering above. The beach is a remote and peaceful spot, ideal for capturing the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes against the shore.
- Driving Tip: The road to Skálavík is narrow and gravelly, so allow extra time for driving and be cautious in bad weather.
Birdwatching and wildlife
Bolungarvík is a great place to spot seabirds, including puffins and Arctic terns. The cliffs around the village provide nesting grounds, and birdwatching tours often depart from nearby Ísafjörður. Keep an eye out for Arctic foxes, especially in the quieter areas around Skálavík.
Tips for visiting Bolungarvík
- Fuel Up in Ísafjörður: There are limited fueling options in Bolungarvík, so be sure to fill your tank in Ísafjörður before heading further west.
- Weather Awareness: Conditions can change rapidly in the Westfjords. Check the forecast frequently and be prepared for challenging driving, especially on gravel roads in fog or mist.
- Allow Extra Time: The gravel roads around Bolungarvík take longer to navigate than you might expect, so plan for additional travel time.
Getting to Bolungarvík and Skálavik
Bolungarvík is easily accessible from Ísafjörður via Route 61. The tunnel connecting the two towns, completed in 2010, has made travel easier, though the village can still be isolated in winter months.
The lighthouse and Ósvör Maritime Museum are down a small road on the right just after leaving the new tunnel. Originally the only road in and out of the area, it is now a dead end turning to a track beyond the lighthouse.
Skálavik is reached on Road 630, a gravel track leading west into the mountains from the edge of town. A junction at the top of the first incline takes you to the Bolafjall viewing platform and the radar station. Taking the left fork will take you downhill to Skálavik Beach.
TOUR recommendation
From Reykjavík: 3-Day Tour of the Wild Westfjords
If you aren’t sure about driving all the way to the Westfjords, then consider this tour from Reykjavík. It will take you to Bolafjall and Bolungarvík without the stress of driving yourself.
Camping in Bolungarvík and Skálavík
The campsite on the edge of Bolungarvík offers a peaceful spot with views of Bolafjall Mountain and easy access to the town’s amenities. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding landscapes.
For a more off-the-grid experience, head to Skálavík’s black sand beach, where there is a basic camping area. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want to wake up to the sound of crashing waves and have the rugged wilderness of the fjords as their backdrop.
- Tip: The Skálavík campsite has no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need for a remote stay.
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ICELAND
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