- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Optional Excursions:
Guided walk on Vigur Island - Vigur is a lovely island, 1.2 miles long and 400 m wide, a green oasis in the blue waters of the fjord Isafjardardjup. The island is a nesting place for countless birds. It has been the home of the same family since 1884, and today 3 generations still live there under the same roof. They are farmers and live off the treasures of the island.
After a 30-minute boat tour to Vigur, take a leisurely walk around the island and get a perfect opportunity to see an abundance of birds in their natural environment. Eiderducks nest here in great numbers. The farmer protects the nests and is rewarded with the down from the nests, but the ducks pluck their own chests for down, to shelter their eggs. See puffins, arctic terns, black guillemots, and various other birds in large numbers.
Some relics of old farming methods are preserved in Vigur, including Iceland's only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark. The windmill has been carefully preserved along with the 200-year-old 8-oar rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. The houses also date back to the last century. Viktoria House was erected in Vigur in 1862, made of wood, which was pre-cut into shape in Norway. In 1993 the house was restored by the National Museum of Iceland.
Maritime Culture & Traditions - Begin your excursion by driving through the center and taking the narrow coastal road to the tiny town of Bolungarvik where there is a chance to visit the church. Your next stop is at Osvor, a former fisherman's home that was restored in 1988 and once harbored boats. Osvor is a stunning example of nature's grandeur and perfectly illustrates just how difficult life was for Icelandic fishermen up until the 20th century. Drive alongside these impenetrably deep waters to return to Isafjordur via the valley of Tungudalur. On your return, pass through the historic old town and its 18th-century buildings before visiting the Maritime Museum. This is one of Iceland's oldest houses, a monument in itself, next to three other buildings that have also been renovated and date back to 1780. A typically Icelandic tasting is served at the end of your visit, giving you an opportunity to savour local specialities such as Schnapps, dried fish, and locally canned fish cooked the Icelandic way.
Calm Fjord Kayaking - Sea kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend your day, it is also a perfect way to get to know the Icelandic nature up close. So grab a paddle and get ready for a great adventure. The surroundings around the town Isafjordur are one of the best kayaking areas in Iceland and the West Fjords as a whole have earned themselves a great reputation as an appealing kayaking center offering both easy and difficult areas to challenge the inexperienced and of course, the professionals. The reason is the endless possibilities for kayaking in the fjords and bays that are close by but still so remote.
This trip, a calm discovery of the fjord, is perfect for those looking for an introduction to the sea kayaking. Kayaking between the mountains is an unforgettable adventure. Birdwatchers love kayaking as it gives them a different angle and a quiet and subtle way to approach the bird life. Paddling under the magnificent mountains towering over the town around Isafjordur, the traveler experiences the closeness of nature and the beauty of the landscape from an exciting angle and in a safe environment. From the pier, a 15-minute walk leads you to the kayak starting point. Begin with a short lesson in paddling and put the boats out behind the Maritime Museum and paddle a circle inside the fjord while keeping a sharp lookout for various bird species and seals.