Two large bells dating from 1620 and 1775 are in Hólskirkja in Bolungarvík. The church itself was built in 1908 and consecrated on December 6 of that year. Together with the nearby reconstruction of Ósvör and the trails around town, Bolungarvík offers various ways to enjoy a stay combining cultural history and outdoor activities.
Church and Fishing History
Hólskirkja combines a building from the early 20th century with bells dating from much earlier. Those interested in local history can also find a different perspective at Ósvör: the unique reconstruction of a 19th-century fishermen’s hut is located near Bolungarvík and gives visitors insight into the lives and work of Icelandic fishermen. Ósvör includes a smokehouse, a turf house, and tools and equipment for fishing.
Sjómannadagur also shapes the town’s cultural life. It has a long and significant history and is one of Bolungarvík’s major cultural events each year. If you want to plan your trip around this event, include the specific event date in your date planning.
Trails Around Bolungarvík
For outdoor activity around the settlement, Heilsustígurinn is a 4.3-kilometer loop for walking and/or running; there are 15 exercise stations along the route. Another kind of route is the old Óshlíð road between Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvík. The approximately eight-kilometer route can be used for cycling, running and hiking in summer and has only gentle inclines. Surface and safety conditions may change; check current conditions before setting out.
A shorter walking option is the old path above the Óshólaviti lighthouse: an easy walk of about 15 minutes leads to a small viewing area. The route options differ in form and length: the walk to the viewpoint, a 4.3-kilometer loop with exercise stations, and the approximately eight-kilometer route between the towns.
Swimming and Other Activities
Musteri vatns og vellíðunar has an indoor pool measuring 8 × 16.66 meters. The outdoor area of the swimming pool in Bolungarvík includes hot tubs, a paddling pool, a water slide for children and a cold-water pool. As the availability of individual facilities may change, check the latest information before planning a visit to the swimming pool.
Those looking for a different kind of workout will find Hreystivöllur, an outdoor obstacle and training course with a variety of exercises that work the whole body. Syðridalsvöllur is just outside the built-up area. It has nine holes with different tee positions on each hole, is listed as an 18-hole course and has a par of 71.
Bolafjall and Choosing Where to Stay
The road to the summit of Bolafjall runs from Bolungarvík up to the radar station there. It is typically open from mid-June to mid-September, weather and road conditions permitting. Check the current road conditions before firmly planning a visit to the summit.
When choosing accommodation in Bolungarvík, you can focus on what matters most to you: Hólskirkja and Ósvör offer cultural history, while the walk, loop and longer route provide different options for outdoor activity. Sjómannadagur is an annual cultural event; the mountain road to Bolafjall, by contrast, has a typical seasonal opening period that depends on the weather. If either is important to your trip, take the event date or road conditions into account when planning your dates.
Discover more destinations: Haukadalur, Látur, Drangsnes, Flateyri, Patreksfjördur, Súðavík, Holt, Prestbakki
For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.
