Discover Hnífsdalur: hiking trails, Óshlíð, and village history

Hnífsdalur is a small village between Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík. For planning your trip, the focus here is on two hiking routes, the former Óshlíð road, a viewpoint, and the village’s history. Topics range from hikes over mountain passes to maritime heritage and Hnífsdalur Chapel.

Hiking over two passes

A popular hiking route leads from Hnífsdalur over Þjófaskarð to Skutulsfjörður. A second popular route goes over Heiðarskarð to Bolungarvík. Both start in Hnífsdalur; the passes and the destinations listed distinguish the route options. If you want to plan your hike around a particular destination, Skutulsfjörður and Bolungarvík offer two specific directions to consider. Check the conditions on the respective route locally before deciding.

Óshlíð: old road and recreation area

Óshlíð is the old road between Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur. Since 2010, it has no longer been open to cars because of the new Bolungarvík tunnel. Since it was closed to traffic, Óshlíð has been used as an outdoor recreation area. The former road connection thus has a place of its own alongside the hiking trails: its history as a road and its use for recreational activities come together here.

The paved road offers cyclists and runners excellent conditions for getting close to nature. Skarfasker is a convenient starting point for exploring Óshlíð on foot or by bike; there is also a parking lot there. Check the surface conditions locally before planning your outing.

Views and orientation at Skarfasker

Skarfasker is a viewpoint on the route to Óshlíð. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view across Djúp Fjord to Snæfjallaströnd and beyond. Huge cliffs rise about 300 to 400 meters above Óshlíð. There is also a place-name map at Skarfasker, helping visitors understand the local landscape and place names. It complements the view with information about names and the surrounding area.

Fishing history and Hnífsdalur Chapel

Like other villages in the Westfjords, Hnífsdalur developed around fishing and fish processing. This maritime connection gives the village’s history a clear focus: its development is closely tied to fishing and processing.

Hnífsdalur Chapel was consecrated on Good Friday in 1955. Its furnishings include a figure of Christ, a crucifix, a chalice, and a silver paten. The consecration and these objects give the chapel a distinct place in the village’s cultural history.

Getting there and finding a hotel

Hnífsdalur can be reached from Ísafjörður by several bus services every day of the week. Check the timetable before you travel to make sure the service works for your travel day.

Discover more destinations: Ísafjörður, Drangsnes, Bíldudalur, Látur, Kirkjuból, Hólmavík, Breiðavík, Reykhólar

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.