Tálknafjörður: Hiking Trails, Pollurinn and Fjord Views

Sea angling is considered Tálknafjörður’s biggest tourist attraction. Nearby hiking trails, the hot pools of Pollurinn and facilities in town can also shape your travel plans.

Hiking in the Bifröst System

The Bifröst hiking system, consisting of six trails, lies above Tálknafjörður and runs through forest, marshland, scree slopes, rivers, gorges and heathland. The routes vary considerably in length, walking time, elevation gain and difficulty:

• Vetrarbrautin: This easy, 2-kilometre trail takes 45 minutes and has 70 metres of elevation gain. It runs along the wooded slope of Bæjarfjall and offers views over the town and fjord.
• Tungufell: This easy trail is 4 kilometres long, takes 1 hour and has 140 metres of elevation gain. It leads to a cairn marker above the town and returns past small waterfalls.
• Söðullinn: This easy circular hike covers 4.5 kilometres, takes 1 hour 30 minutes and has 80 metres of elevation gain.
• Geitárhorn: This moderate route is 7.5 kilometres long, takes 3 hours and has 350 metres of elevation gain. It follows an old trail between Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur.
• Þvergil: This moderate, 8.5-kilometre route is listed as taking 3 hours, with 420 metres of elevation gain. A rope assists with the climb at the end of the gorge.
• Bæjarfjall: This challenging route covers 8.5 kilometres, has 430 metres of elevation gain and takes 3 hours 30 minutes. It follows the cliff edge to Rjúpnadalur; the return route goes through Hrafnadalur.

In terms of walking time, Vetrarbrautin is the shortest at 45 minutes, while Bæjarfjall has the longest walking time at 3 hours 30 minutes. Elevation gain also varies, from 70 metres on Vetrarbrautin to 430 metres on Bæjarfjall. Bæjarfjall and Þvergil are both 8.5 kilometres long, but differ in duration, elevation gain and difficulty. The trails are marked and, in many places, have been prepared to make access easier. The trail system is still being developed, so use caution. Check local conditions before setting out.

Pollurinn and Swimming Spots

Pollurinn is a few minutes’ drive from Tálknafjörður, above Road 617. The name refers to natural hot pools nearby, which locals use year-round to enjoy views across the fjord. There is a small changing hut at Pollurinn where you can change and store your clothes. Admission is free; a donation box is available. There are no toilets, and camping is prohibited at the site. Check local conditions before bathing.

Tálknafjörður’s swimming pool has a 25-metre outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, a baby pool and a water slide. Facilities may change, so check before your trip. This lets you consider the swimming pool in town and nearby Pollurinn as two different swimming destinations.

Local Food and Culture

The nearby Dunhagi Café serves regional food, including fresh local fish, Icelandic lamb, vegetarian specialities, and homemade bread and desserts. The café operates seasonally; check its current opening status before your trip.

Another local attraction is Jón Júlí BA 157, displayed as a sculpture in Tálknafjörður. The boat was built in 1955 in Fáskrúðsfjörður. Its display site and place of construction are therefore two different locations. Along with the importance of sea angling, the sculpture gives your travel plans a specific cultural and maritime connection.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Tálknafjörður, the different highlights can help you plan: short hikes, routes lasting several hours, swimming spots or the town’s culture.

Discover more destinations: Hnífsdalur, Látur, Kirkjuból, Borðeyri, Reykhólar, Garpsdalur, Drangsnes, Súðavík

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.