What is the population of Bolungarvik?

Bolungarvik has approximately 900 residents and is the second-largest settlement in the Isafjardarsysla municipality.

What does Bolungarvik mean?

Bolungarvik means 'Boulder Bay' in Icelandic, referring to the large rocks found along its shores.

How far is Bolungarvik from Reykjavik?

Bolungarvik is about 460 km from Reykjavik (6-7 hours driving) or 40 minutes by flight to Isafjordur plus a 15-minute drive.

What is the Osvor Maritime Museum?

Osvor is a reconstructed fishing station showing how Icelanders fished in centuries past.

Is there a tunnel to Bolungarvik?

Yes, a tunnel connects Bolungarvik to Isafjordur, replacing a dangerous mountain road that was prone to avalanches.

Is fishing important in Bolungarvik?

Yes, Bolungarvik has been a fishing village for centuries and remains an active fishing community with a harbor and fish processing.

Are there hiking trails near Bolungarvik?

Yes, you can hike to Bolafjall mountain (638m) for panoramic views and to the old radar station at the summit.

What services does Bolungarvik have?

Bolungarvik has a supermarket, swimming pool, restaurants, guesthouses, and the Osvor Maritime Museum.

Bolungarvik, Westfjords

Name: Bolungarvik, Iceland
Address: IS

A Westfjords fishing village with centuries of maritime history, home to the Osvor Museum and steep mountain scenery.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~900

Westfjords • Fishing village

Bolungarvik is one of the oldest fishing settlements in Iceland, set at the foot of steep mountains 15 minutes from Isafjordur. The village preserves its fishing history at the Osvor Maritime Museum, and the hike up Bolafjall mountain gives wide views over the Arctic Ocean.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The tunnel to Bolungarvik is open year-round. Check weather conditions before hiking Bolafjall.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Westfjords

460 km from Reykjavik

Population

~900

Historic fishing village

Known for

Osvor Museum

Traditional fishing heritage

Top Attractions in Bolungarvik

Osvor Maritime Museum

Reconstructed traditional fishing station

Bolafjall Mountain

638m peak with panoramic Arctic views

Natural History Museum

Regional wildlife and geology exhibits

Bolungarvik Harbor

Active fishing port with boats

Old Radar Station

Cold War era station atop Bolafjall

Coastal Walks

Scenic paths along the rocky shoreline

How to Get to Bolungarvik

From Isafjordur: 15 minutes drive through the tunnel on Route 61.

From Reykjavik: Fly to Isafjordur airport (40 minutes) then drive, or 6-7 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 61.

Local transport: Limited bus service connects Bolungarvik with Isafjordur.

Best Time to Visit Bolungarvik

Summer (June-August): Best for hiking Bolafjall, midnight sun, all attractions open.

Winter: A quiet season with Northern Lights, but check museum opening hours. Roads are well-maintained through the tunnel.

Planning help

Bolungarvik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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