A Sunny Day in Bolungarvik

 

Bolungarvik Church. Approximately 80% of Icelanders belong to the National Church of Iceland (Lutheran).

 

When we visited, this young lady was performing for us. She was the premier performer in the national accordion contest we were told, but I have searched and cannot find her name. If anyone knows her name, please leave that information in the comments.

 

Church graveyard.

 

Bolungarvik, near the end of the Westfjords. (It looks like a troll might have sat on the mountains behind the town.)

Driving in Iceland Video.

Hiking in Westfjords, Iceland. (Link)

Oshlidargong Tunnel, between Hnifsdalur and Bolungarvik

I realize that tunneling in certain parts of the world is an old, established system of getting through mountains (Norway and northern Italy, for example). But this concept is a recent one for Iceland. Since our visit, the OSHLIDARGONG TUNNEL has been completed (end of September 2010). I find this report fascinating. A map is provided to show the route. (This may take a short while to load, but it is worth the wait.)

 

The tunnel begins just after you pass through the village of HNIFSDALUR. This village is subject to avalanches, just as the coastal road was continuously subject to avalanches, falling rocks (boulders), and icing.

 

Mini-tunnels were constructed to protect the most vulnerable areas.

 

Fencing was added along the road in other areas to protect against rock slides.

 

This is the tunnel entrance from the Bolungarvik side.

Isafjordur, Iceland. First Views

ISAFJORDUR is in a protected inlet surrounded by steep mountains.

 

First views of town by ship.

 

Opposite the town--upper road, with airport landing strip by the seaway.

 

Departing Isafjordur to travel to Bolungarvik.

 

Cemetery, on the Isafjardardjup ("Deep Ice Fjord")

Grundarfjordur to Isafjordur

Traveling from Grundarfjordur to Isafjordur (Westfjords) can be time-consuming if you drive. I have marked the towns with arrows, so that you can get a better perspective of the area.

Note the close proximity to the Arctic Circle.


Isafjordur. Arrival option--Fly in from Reykjavik. (See Airstip on the right) Credits: www.airports-worldwide.com. I was fascinated with the brevity of the landing strip, but was unable to accurately show this from a land view.

 

Or take a leisurely cruise, arriving by sea. Ocean Princess.

Riding Back to Grundarfjordur

In the Southwest of Iceland, there is so much more vegetation than in the Southeast.

 

With the sheep population far exceeding people population, you would think that you'd see a lot more sheep. They tend to graze over a wide area.

 

The fantastic cloud formations, plus mountains, and a quiet country home--click on any photo for a larger view.

 

I never tire of Icelandic skies.

 

Grundarfjordur, at the base of the mountains, near the sea. The seagulls are ready to escort us from the fjord.

Stykkishólmur, Iceland

 

View of town from sea.

 

Sailing vessel, built in style of viking ship.

 

Busy little harbor.

 

Dominating the skyline, the Stykkishólmur church. Since a funeral was taking place, we were unable to visit this architectural landmark. View a video of the inside of the church here.

Winter in Connecticut (A Short Break From Trip to Iceland)

 

Snow clinging to pine needles (24 hours after storm)

 

Connecticut stone walls in the background.