Top Activities on the Ground in Isafjordur

Bolafjall Sky Walk and Syðridalur Mine. This tour offers a mix of natural beauty, history and a touch of adventure in a small or private group. 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 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. Hiking at a moderate pace to the mines gives us enough time to visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum as well. Syðridalur in Bolungarvík is known for an old lignite mine which is situated in the valley. It was mined from the mine in the years of 1917 until 1921 or while and after the first World 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. Scenic walk up to the mine takes around 25 min on a marked trail.

This is currently the only guided e bike tour operating in the Westfjords, offering a unique way to explore the landscapes around Ísafjörður. With the help of electric bikes, travelers can comfortably ride along the fjord, reach beautiful locations like Bunárfoss waterfall and Engidalur valley, and enjoy panoramic views from the historic Óshlíð viewpoint. The tour combines nature, local stories, and light adventure while remaining accessible for most fitness levels. Starting directly from the harbor, it is an easy and memorable way to experience the Westfjords beyond the town center.

Into the Wild: One-Day Arctic Skills Experience in Iceland This immersive full-day training experience —it’s your first step toward real polar exploration. Real Expedition Skills – Spend the whole day learning foundational techniques that prepare you for multi-day journeys in Arctic conditions. Authentic Wilderness – Experience the solitude and raw beauty of Iceland’s wildest region, far from the crowds. Build Confidence – From skiing to fire-making, you'll develop practical skills and self-reliance in a supportive, guided environment. This is not a sightseeing trip, but a hands-on day of training designed to give you a true taste of expedition life. It’s a rare opportunity to test your skills and experience independence in Arctic conditions. Adventurous participants also have the option to spend the night in the camp they helped set up, returning on their own to Ísafjörður the following morning.

Hornstrandir is one of the most remote and uninhabited regions of Iceland, with no permanent residents since the 1950s. This isolation has allowed the area to remain largely untouched by human development, preserving its wild beauty. Since 1974 the flora and fauna has been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals and plants have thrived undisturbed. During the summer, the extended daylight hours provide opportunities for long hikes and exploration under the midnight sun, offering an unforgettable experience of Iceland’s northern latitude. The area has a history of human settlement dating back centuries, with remains of old farms and fishing villages that tell stories of a challenging life in an unforgiving environment. Abandoned buildings add to its mystique.

Due to the harshness of the environment, the Hornstrandir area was abandoned completely by the last of its inhabitants in the early 1950s. Since 1974 the flora and fauna have been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals, and plants have thrived undisturbed. This is the perfect full-day hike to enjoy all of what the area has to offer. You´ll leave by boat from Ísafjörður in the morning for Aðalvík. Continuing on foot to the abandoned settlement at Hesteyri. Once we reach Hesteyri warm drinks and pancakes will await us at the Doctors House Café. We will return from Hesteyri in the late afternoon and be back to Ísafjörður. This is a moderate hike for people in good shape. Hiking distance is about 11 km on rough ground and elevation is about 300 m.