HIKE BETWEEN TWO FJORDS - hiking
About this activity
A guided 7 km hike across an historic mountain pass linking two remote Icelandic fjords, with stops at a restored whaling station and legendary fairy grounds. This lesser-known route reveals centuries of maritime heritage while traversing dramatic coastal scenery in Iceland's rugged Westfjords.
The tour starts by walking from the Westfjords Adventures office in Patreksfjörður to Tálknafjörður by an old route between the two fjords, Patreksfjörður and Tálknafjörður. While walking through Litlidalur and passing Lambeyrarháls, the local guide will tell you about the history of Patreksfjörður and Tálknafjörður, which are both rich of history as bases of English, French, German and Dutch sailors, merchants and navy mariners in the early days. From Lambeyrarháls we will walk to Suðureyri, where Norwegians established and ran a whaling station around 1900. In Suðureyri is a famous ground depression, which is believed to be a fairy settlement. If travelers lie down to rest in the depression they are destined to dream about their future. Around Tálknafjörður is a great birdlife and the scenery is amazing. The tour starts at 09:00 in the morning. We will be picked up by a minivan at the end of the hike in Tálknafjörður and brought back to Patreksfjörður. The tour takes approximately 6 hours, including transportation. Walking distance 7 km, 5 hours, elevation 330 meter. Difficulty: Easy.
Highlights
- ✓Walk a traditional 19th-century route between Patreksfjörður and Tálknafjörður fjords
- ✓Visit Suðureyri's former Norwegian whaling station (circa 1900)
- ✓Explore the mythical Lambeyrarháls depression, believed to be a fairy settlement
- ✓Learn about English, French, German, and Dutch maritime history from local guide
- ✓Spot abundant birdlife around Tálknafjörður and enjoy sweeping fjord vistas
- ✓Easy-grade hike with minivan pickup at endpoint
Insider tips
- ★Lie down in the Lambeyrarháls depression for a moment of rest—locals say it brings prophetic dreams about your future
- ★Bring binoculars for birdwatching around Tálknafjörður; seabirds and marine birds are prolific in summer
- ★The Westfjords are remote; confirm weather conditions the morning of your hike, as conditions can change rapidly
Good to know
- •Total experience is 6 hours including minivan transportation; actual walking time is 5 hours over 7 km
- •Elevation gain is 330 metres with easy difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels
- •Tour departs at 09:00 from Westfjords Adventures office in Patreksfjörður; minivan returns you at the end
- •Wear waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots; Westfjords weather is unpredictable
- •Limited group sizes typical for this remote region; book ahead
Who it's for
Best time to visit
June through September offers the most stable weather, longer daylight, and peak birdlife activity. May and early October are possible but expect cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.