Haukadalur: Saga Sites, Mountain Country and Fishing History

Haukadalur connects the landscape of Dýrafjörður with settings from the Icelandic sagas and a maritime past. The valley is about five kilometres long. At the sea, it is around 700 metres wide and becomes somewhat narrower inland. At the end of Haukadalur, the mountains rise to 800–1,000 metres; the Haukadalsá rises in the mountain country there. These proportions give the valley a distinct landscape, while its trails and historic sites reveal different sides of the area.

Hiking Trails and Winter Route

The “Haukadalur – hringur” hiking route takes three to four hours and has an elevation gain of 80 metres. On this route, you can hike through Koltursdalur to Kolturshorn. The path is difficult to find and is not suitable for inexperienced hikers—a key consideration when planning this hike.

Another route leads from Haukadalur to Lokinhamradalur. Along the way, the Þverá plunges through a narrow gorge in many places. Ruins of fishermen’s huts can still be seen at Grísavík. As well as following the river, this route offers a chance to see traces of the area’s former fishing industry.

In winter, the cross-country skiing route in Haukadalur follows a marked hiking trail. It starts just above Seftjörn and passes Gíslahóll. Conditions can change with the season, so it is worth checking the latest local situation when planning your day.

Haukadalur in Saga and Tradition

Haukadalur is the main setting of Gísla saga Súrssonar. The place is also mentioned in Landnámabók, which says that Vésteinn Súnn settled Dýrafjörður and lived in Haukadalur. The tradition thus brings together the story of a settlement and the setting of a saga closely associated with the valley.

There are ruins at Gíslahóll that are thought to date from the Saga Age. Other ruins below Kolturshorn are associated with Annmarkastaðir, the home of Auðbjörg.

Seftjörn also features in Gísla saga. It is described as the place where people from Haukadalur used to play ice hockey. This historical account should not be taken to indicate a present-day sports offering; rather, it adds to the literary connection between saga and landscape.

Maritime History and Culture

Haukadalur’s history also extends beyond the valley and out to sea. Haukadalsbót was one of the most important stopping places for the crews of French fishing schooners that fished off Iceland’s west coast. The French sailors’ cemetery lies at the inner entrance to Haukadalur; the remains of several sailors from these ships rest there. The well-kept cemetery is a visible testament to the connection between France and Iceland. As its condition may change, it is advisable to check the latest situation before visiting.

Another cultural destination is Kómedíuleikhúsið, also known as The Comedytheatre. Founded in 1997, it is located in Haukadalur in Dýrafjörður and is the first and only professional theatre in the Westfjords. In Haukadalur, literary tradition and theatre sit alongside the historic traces of the fishing industry.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When choosing a holiday rental in Haukadalur, your main travel interests can help guide your decision: hiking, the scenery along the trails, or the history of the sagas and fishing. The hike to Kolturshorn requires particular navigational skills and is explicitly not suitable for inexperienced hikers; the cross-country skiing route offers a different, seasonal focus. If you would rather dedicate your stay to cultural and historic sites, Gíslahóll, Seftjörn, the sailors’ cemetery and Kómedíuleikhúsið offer specific points of interest to include in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Hólmavík, Thingeyri, Drangsnes, Flateyri, Prestbakki, Saurbær, Hnífsdalur, Látur.

For the main travel overview: Westfjords.