Things to do

Things to do near Bolungarvík

The reward for driving to the end of the road in the Westfjords: Bolafjall and its ocean-view platform, Skálavík’s black-sand beach, boat trips to Hornstrandir and Hesteyri, the Ósvör maritime museum, and one of Iceland’s best pools — with Ísafjörður and its cafés just 15 minutes away.

A total solar eclipse crosses Bolungarvík on 12 August 2026 — read the Westfjords eclipse guide →

Still picking a base? Where to stay in the Westfjords — our honest guide →

Bolafjall — Westfjords, Iceland

Bolafjall

  • 15–25 min drive
  • Best on a clear day
  • Summer road

The mountain rising above Bolungarvík, reached by a gravel road. Its viewing platform looks out over the Atlantic and, on clear nights, the midnight sun and Northern Lights.

Skálavík — Westfjords, Iceland

Skálavík

  • ~20 min drive
  • Picnics & sunsets
  • Summer

The next creek over from Bolungarvík, reached by the same gravel road that leads up to Bolafjall. A hidden paradise with a black-sand beach and a river running to the sea — perfect for a sunny picnic or a romantic sunset.

Hesteyri — Westfjords, Iceland

Hesteyri

  • Boat from Ísafjörður
  • Day trip
  • Summer only

An abandoned village in the Hornstrandir nature reserve, reachable by boat in summer — a hauntingly beautiful day trip into one of Iceland’s last true wildernesses.

Ósvör — Westfjords, Iceland

Ósvör

  • 5 min from the house
  • History & families
  • All year

Ósvör Maritime Museum is a restored fishing hut from the days of rowboat fishing — a double 19th-century fishing base, salt hut and drying area. Try to visit when the curator welcomes you in a traditional fisherman’s outfit.

Opening hours
Swimming pool — Westfjords, Iceland

Swimming pool

  • 5 min walk or drive
  • Families & rainy days
  • All year

One of the best pools in Iceland — locals call it “the Temple of Water and Wellness.” Indoor pool, sauna, three outdoor hot tubs, a small kids’ slide, and a gym in the same building. Address: Höfðastígur 1, 415 Bolungarvík.

Ísafjörður — Westfjords, Iceland

Ísafjörður

  • 15 min drive
  • Food & supplies
  • All year

The capital of the Westfjords, 15 minutes away through the tunnel: restaurants, cafés, shops, the airport, and boats to Hornstrandir. Stock up, eat well, then come home to the quiet.

Through the seasons

Midnight sun

From late May to mid-July the sun barely sets. Bolafjall and the balcony are the front-row seats.

Northern Lights

September to April, on clear dark nights. Check the aurora forecast, then just step outside — Bolungarvík has very little light pollution.

Winter driving

Roads are ploughed but weather moves fast. Check road.is and umferdin.is before driving, give yourself slack, and ask us if unsure.

Summer hiking

Trails for every level — from a stroll in Bernódusarlundur forest to full-day hikes. We will happily mark up a map for you.

Make Bolungarvík your base

See it all from a quiet apartment with a full kitchen and the fjord outside the window.

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