Zak Goldstein

Dec 19, 20233 min read

Ísafjörður Hikes: Abandoned Highway

Updated: Jun 21

The old road between Ísafjörður and Bolungarvik of Iceland is an isolated peaceful walk that has seen its ware and tear over the years. With boulders and missing sections it's not suitable for cars but great for walking and biking (for now).

The remains of a highway alongside a fjord

DINK Details

Don't know how much longer it will last.

Difficulty: Easy Month: Sept	Time¹: 2.5 hours Distance: 5.73 mi Elv. Gain: 489 ft
Obstacles: - Keep an eye out for rock slide² - Don't walk off missing sections of road	Prep: - Download Hopp - Check for a return bus or hitch hike

1. How long we took to walk it with breaks and all

2. I cannot guarantee the road is safe. Keep an eye out for falling rocks and loose road

The rocks only fall if you are in a car, not walking

Getting To Trailhead

The Hike

Obstacles

Wrap Up / Getting Back

In the Area

Maps

Getting To Trailhead

This trailhead starts across from Hnífsdalur, right before the tunnel entrance. The road branches to the right, leads to a viewpoint and continues to Bolungarvik.

There isn't parking on the side of the trailhead but you can walk the 45 minutes from Ísafjörður, or rent a scooter or park a car in Hnífsdalur.

There is a dirt path that leads up to the trailhead from Hnífsdalur but you have to cross the main road first, it's easy. Then it's open "road" from there.

My Choice

I downloaded the Hopp app and took a scooter from town center and parked in Hnífsdalur. I took the ride share to get back (technically 1 week later)

The Hike

Start Time: 6:00pm

The hike starts with a nice view point of Hornstrandir then leads to the abandoned highway. I popped on my 360 camera and got going!

If the time time of year is right (early September for me) you will see whales in the distance. Sadly no pics....

Tunnels

About half way through the walk, there are tunnels for protection against rocks. The walls are covered in graffiti with sections leading to little rooms underground. Since I am brave, I pick up the pace and avoid them.

I reach one small shelter is waiting on the left past the tunnels with the phase "goda gud gefdu met koerustu" (God Bless You). There is a child's backpack on the floor, forgotten.

Lighthouse

You'll know the town of Bolungarvik is close when you see the orange lighthouse. Made it!

There is also a viking village, The Maritime Museum Ósvár as you walk down to the main road.

Obstacles

Fallen rocks piling on the side of the highway

Falling Rocks

There was a reason this road was shutdown and a tunnel was built, rocks can fall. I personally did not witness any and the bikers seemed quite fine but be careful.

Road Degradation

Since the road is not maintained, keep your eyes forward once in a while to avoid falling off. Its weird to have road disappear randomly.

Wrap Up

End Time: 8:15pm

Once the highway has ended, you can enjoy a flat walk into Bolungarvik along the pedestrian walking path (not pictured).

If you are in time for lunch (before 2pm), Einarshusid has a dish of the day and some pretty good pizza. Víkurskálinn Bolungarvík is usually open at all times.

Getting back

Getting back can be tricky.

If you are looking for an easy way back, you will pass the ride share on your way in, across from the Cafe / Gas Station Orkan. Otherwise, head to the pool for a nice soak and information on the bus (the cafe / info center is 97% not open). As of writing this, the bus only operates on weekdays.

There is also a cab service but it's $60 for a 10 minute ride.

If you are up for more hiking, you can always double back. Or if you are feeling brave and want a challenge, there is a trail around the back of Bolungarvik that takes you almost to the trailhead. Warning: The entrance to the elevated area looks tough and I did not try it. It marked in orange below.