Description
Summary
Description
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s remote landscapes on this guided Bolafjall Sky Walk and Lignite Mine tour from Isafjordur. This Westfjords tour combines dramatic scenery with fascinating local history, offering travelers a rare look into a remarkably preserved region of the country.
This small-group tour in Iceland offers a more personal experience as you explore the quiet, uncrowded Westfjords. With fewer visitors than other parts of Iceland, you can enjoy wide-open landscapes while your guide shares local stories and regional history.
Your 4-hour adventure begins with a scenic drive from Isafjordur to Bolafjall Mountain, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Iceland. The winding coastal road passes through dramatic valleys and cliffs, offering your first glimpse of the Westfjords’ rugged charm.
The highlight of the mountain is the Bolafjall Sky Walk, a steel viewing platform rising about 2,060 feet (628 meters) above sea level. Take in sweeping views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the distant Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, considered one of the country’s last untouched wilderness areas.
Hornstrandir has no roads or permanent settlements, making it one of Iceland’s most isolated regions. Seeing it from Bolafjall, if the weather permits, allows you to enjoy its wild beauty without needing a full expedition.
From the Sky Walk’s edge, you’ll see Isafjardardjup, one of the largest fjords in the Westfjords. This vast inlet separates inhabited coastal areas from the wild expanse of Hornstrandir. It’s a powerful reminder of how remote and unspoiled this part of Iceland remains.
The mountain also holds a piece of modern history. At its summit stands a NATO radar station built during the Cold War and still operated by the Icelandic Coast Guard. This site highlights Iceland’s strategic role in international surveillance and communications.
After soaking up the views, you’ll embark on a 20 to 25-minute hike to Sydridalur Valley along a marked trail. The path leads to the historic Gilsnama Lignite Mine, nestled among green hillsides and small waterfalls.
You’ll crawl briefly through a narrow entrance to enter the Gilsnama Mine, and once inside, the chamber opens up enough for you to stand comfortably. As you look around, you’ll notice old tools and traces of mining work left behind more than a century ago.
Lignite, a type of coal formed from wood, was mined here from 1917 to 1921, during and just after World War I. Operations stopped when imported coal from mainland Europe became cheaper and easier to obtain.
Before returning to Isafjordur, the tour stops at the Osvor Maritime Museum in Bolungarvik. This reconstructed 19th-century fishing station captures the history of Icelandic fishermen and their deep connection to the sea.
Experience Iceland’s rare blend of remote scenery, fascinating history, and true adventure on this unforgettable Westfjords tour. Book your Bolafjall Sky Walk and Lignite Mine adventure today. Check availability now by choosing a date.
