Peaks and Mines

You'll experience Bolafjall sky walk, enjoy the views of steep cliffs and endless North Atlantic Ocean with Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the far distance. Also, you will have a chance to learn about a key piece of NATO's monitoring infrastructure located on the mountain. After walking into the sky, we will head for a short hike to explore the old and abandoned lignite mine in Syðridalur. This tour is perfect for those who appreciate dramatic landscapes and historical curiosities.

At 628m, the Bolafjall platform spectacularly overlooks the Djúpið or Isafjörður deep. The long inlet marks the watery borders of inhabited and unpopulated land the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve without a single road. NATO radar station is also situated at the summit of Bolafjall. The station was built by the Americans but is now controlled by the Icelandic coast guard.

Syðridalur in Bolungarvík is known for an old lignite mine which is situated in the valley. Lignite was mined from the mine in the years of 1917 until 1921 or while and after the first World War. The reason why the mining was shut down is because coal from Europe became more accessible after the war. To get into the mine you almost have to crawl, but once you're in the ceiling gets higher and you can stand upright. The walk up to the mine takes around 20-25 minutes on a marked trail.

Ósvör maritime Museum is a replica of an old Icelandic fishing station from the19th century that stands on the east side of Bolungarvík down by the sea.

1. Departure from Isafjörður: 09:00.

• 09:00 AM : Depart from Isafjörður. It's a 25 km drive to the top of Mt. Bolafjall. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of the Westfjords.

2. Arrival at Bolafjall Sky Walk: 09:30.

• 09:30 AM : Arrive at the Bolafjall viewing platform.

• Walk to the edge of the 60-tonne steel platform suspended above the cliff.

• Take in the breathtaking views of the Djúpið (Ísafjarðardjúp).

• Observe the contrast between the inhabited lands and the unpopulated Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

• Learn about the NATO radar station perched on the mountain, scanning the Atlantic airspace.

3. Drive to Syðridalur: 10:30.

• 10:30 AM : Depart from Bolafjall and drive towards Syðridalur valley, approximately 20 minutes away.