Haukadalur: Saga Sites and Hiking Trails

Haukadalur is a valley about five kilometres long. It is approximately 700 metres wide by the sea and becomes somewhat narrower farther inland. At the end of the valley, the mountains rise to 800–1,000 metres; Haukadalsá originates in the uplands there. The length, width, and elevation provide a sense of the route from the sea to the end of the valley.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The “Haukadalur – hringur” hiking route takes three to four hours and has an elevation gain of 80 metres. This route allows you to hike through Koltursdalur to Kolturshorn. The way there is difficult to find and is not suitable for inexperienced hikers. The time and elevation information help you plan your schedule; you should also take into account the difficulty of finding the route and the guidance on hiking experience for the path to Kolturshorn.

The cross-country skiing route in Haukadalur follows a marked hiking trail that begins just above Seftjörn and passes Gíslahóll. Conditions may vary, so check the current situation before cross-country skiing.

Along the Haukadalur–Lokinhamradalur route, Þverá plunges through a narrow gorge in many places. Ruins of fishing huts can still be seen at Grísavík.

Sagas and Historical Traces

Haukadalur is the main setting of Gísla saga Súrssonar. Seftjörn is also connected with the saga: it describes the place as a spot where people from Haukadalur used to play ice hockey. Landnámabók names Haukadalur as the place where Vésteinn Súnn settled Dýrafjörður and lived in Haukadalur. Together, these accounts point to different chapters in the area’s history.

At Gíslahóll are ruins believed to date from the Saga Age. Below Kolturshorn, ruins are associated with Annmarkastaðir, the home of Auðbjörg. This cautious attribution is part of these historical traces: the remains are linked to the place named.

Maritime History and Theatre

Haukadalsbót was one of the most important resting places for the crews of French fishing schooners that fished off Iceland’s west coast. The cemetery of the French sailors lies at the inner entrance to Haukadalur. It contains the remains of several sailors from these fishing vessels. The well-kept cemetery is a visible testament to the connection between France and Iceland. As its condition may change, check its current state before visiting.

Kómedíuleikhúsið, also known as The Comedytheatre, is located in Haukadalur, Dýrafjörður, and was founded in 1997. It is the first and only professional theatre in the Westfjords. The founding year provides a more recent, clearly dated point of reference in the area’s history, alongside its saga and maritime stories.

Discover more destinations: Ísafjörður, Hnífsdalur, Bíldudalur, Hólmavík, Árnes, Prestbakki, Sæból, Garpsdalur

For the wider travel overview: Westfjords.