From Valagil to Bolungarvik
A beautiful day is forecasted by vedur.is today. Fortunately, because we have planned a hike this morning and a visit to the famous Bolafjall viewpoint in the afternoon.
The Valagil hike is less than 30 minutes drive from Isafjorður, so we decide to take a little more time this morning when we wake up before hitting the road.
The Valagil Hike
After crossing the charming village of Súðavík and its church, we arrive around 11:30 a.m. at the Valagil parking lot. From the parking lot, we see a waterfall in the distance on the mountain, thinking it might be the waterfall of the hike, but it is not. We only see the canyon and the Valagil waterfall at the last moment, after about 45 minutes of walking.
The hike is 4 km round trip and is really easy. There is almost no elevation change, and the trail winds through a green valley, crossing several small streams. After walking 2 km, we spot the waterfall at the end of a small canyon on the right. A small wooden bridge allows us to cross to the other side for a better view of the waterfall.
The area is very peaceful, and we decide to have a picnic right at the base of the waterfall before heading back in the early afternoon.
The Bolafjall Viewpoint
In the afternoon, we head towards the village of Bolungarvík, which we take the time to explore leisurely. The village is known for two points of interest:
- The Osvör Museum
- The Bolafjall Viewing Platform
Bolafjall is the 638-meter-high mountain overlooking the village. The dirt road leading up to it is stunning but very steep and dizzying in places. In recent years, a viewing platform has been constructed here to offer a 360° panorama of the fjords, from Ísafjordur to Hornstrandir across the way.
The view is breathtaking, and the fjords on the horizon are very distinct. The small platform extends over the void, making it very impressive!
Around 6 p.m., we decide to head back to Ísafjörður’s town center for dinner, as tomorrow a long day of driving awaits us.
