Bolungarvík: Church History, Trails and Baths

Bolungarvík offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: church history, fishing culture, and opportunities for exercise and bathing. As you prepare for your stay, you can prioritise these themes according to what interests you about the town. Hólskirkja is in Bolungarvík; Ósvör is nearby, and the trails also vary in route, length and season.

Church History and Culture

Hólskirkja in Bolungarvík was built in 1908 and consecrated on 6 December of that year. The church contains two large bells dating from 1620 and 1775. The bells are therefore considerably older than the church building: their dates illustrate two distinct periods in the history of this place.

Sjómannadagur is also part of Bolungarvík’s cultural history. The festival has a long and significant history and is one of the town’s major cultural events each year. If you would like to plan your trip around the occasion, keep an eye on the specific event dates.

Ósvör and Fishing History

Ósvör, a unique reconstruction of a 19th-century fishing hut, is located near Bolungarvík. It gives visitors insight into the life and work of Icelandic fishermen. Ósvör includes a smokehouse and a turf house, as well as fishing tools and equipment. Together, these features provide a vivid introduction to the accommodation and working life of the fishing industry.

Trails for Walking and Exercise

Heilsustígurinn is a 4.3-kilometre walking and/or running trail around the settlement of Bolungarvík. There are 15 exercise stations along the route. The trail therefore combines a loop around the settlement with opportunities to exercise along the way. If you are looking for a route with designated exercise stations, this offers something different from a dedicated hiking trail.

The old Óshlíð road runs between Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvík. There is a route of about eight kilometres there for cycling, running and hiking. It is usable in summer and has only gentle inclines. As surface and safety conditions can change, check them before setting out. Compared with Heilsustígurinn, the main features here are the longer distance, the connection between the two towns and its seasonal availability.

Above Óshólaviti lighthouse, an old path leads to a small viewpoint on an easy walk of about 15 minutes. The approximate duration and character of the path give you another short walking option, distinct from the longer routes.

Swimming and Outdoor Training

Musteri vatns og vellíðunar in Bolungarvík has an indoor pool measuring 8 × 16.66 metres. 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. These amenities differ considerably: in addition to swimming, the outdoor area has both warm-water pools and a cold-water pool, as well as a slide. As the operation of individual facilities may change, check current availability before planning a visit specifically to use them.

Hreystivöllur in Bolungarvík is an outdoor obstacle and training course. The varied exercises engage the whole body, making it different from the walking and running trails or swimming pools.

Golf and the Road to Bolafjall

Syðridalsvöllur is just outside the built-up centre of Bolungarvík. The golf course has nine holes, with different tees on each hole; it is listed as an 18-hole course with a par of 71. The information about the tees and classification helps explain the distinctive course without confusing the number of holes with the course designation.

The road to the summit of Bolafjall climbs from Bolungarvík to the radar station there. The mountain road is typically open from mid-June to mid-September, if weather and road conditions are favourable. If you are planning to drive up, check the current conditions, as the seasonal guidance applies only under the conditions stated.

Discover more destinations: Flateyri, Sæból, Hagi, Hólmavík, Haukadalur, Borðeyri, Kirkjuból, Ísafjörður

For the main travel overview: Westfjords.