Hnífsdalur: Hiking and the Old Óshlíð

Hnífsdalur is a small village between Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík. Popular hiking routes lead from here over two mountain passes to different destinations. The old Óshlíð also shapes the village: the former road link is now used as an outdoor recreation area. At Skarfasker, a viewpoint, a place-name map and the route to Óshlíð come together. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these landscape and cultural features can help you decide whether Hnífsdalur fits your travel plans.

Hiking destinations over two mountain passes

One popular hiking route leads from Hnífsdalur over Þjófaskarð to Skutulsfjörður. A second goes over Heiðarskarð to Bolungarvík. You can distinguish between the routes by their direction and destination: Skutulsfjörður or Bolungarvík. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. This lets you plan your hike around the destination that interests you and take local conditions into account.

Óshlíð: old road, new recreation area

Óshlíð is the old road between Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur. Since 2010, following the opening of the new Bolungarvík Tunnel, it has no longer been used by cars. Since its closure, Óshlíð has been used as an outdoor recreation area. Its paved road offers cyclists and runners very good conditions for enjoying the outdoors; check the surface conditions locally. Massive cliffs rise some 300 to 400 metres above Óshlíð. Here, the transformation of a road link can be experienced alongside a landscape that can now be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Views and orientation at Skarfasker

Skarfasker is a viewpoint on the route to Óshlíð and a suitable starting point for exploring Óshlíð on foot or by bicycle. From there, you can enjoy views across Djúp fjord to Snæfjallaströnd and beyond. A place-name map at Skarfasker helps visitors understand the local landscape and place names. The viewpoint thus combines practical orientation in the landscape with views across the fjord. It is also useful for planning to know that Óshlíð can be included as a destination for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

Fishing history and Hnífsdalskapella

Like other villages in the Westfjords, Hnífsdalur developed around fishing and fish processing. This maritime history offers a distinct way to learn about the village, alongside its hiking trails and old road. Another cultural detail is Hnífsdalskapella, which was consecrated on Good Friday in 1955. Its furnishings include a figure of Christ, a crucifix, a chalice and a silver paten. Together, fishing and fish processing tell the story of the village’s development in its regional context; the chapel adds a tangible element of local cultural heritage.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Its location between Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík provides a clear geographical reference. Hnífsdalur can be reached from Ísafjörður by several bus services every day of the week; check the timetable before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment, consider whether you would like to use Hnífsdalur as a starting point for the two hikes and whether exploring Óshlíð is part of your plans. The named routes, former road and viewpoint offer different options: hiking destinations over mountain passes, a paved route for cyclists and runners, or the views from Skarfasker. This lets you choose where to stay based on the experiences you most want to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Haukadalur, Látur, Sæból, Saurbær, Holt, Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík, Hólmavík.

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.