Sit back and let our guide take you on an unforgettable trip. Get acquainted with local history, culture, folklore and more. It is about 30 km 20 miles long, 45 km wide, and quite deep 84m. Whale watching tours are operated from many of icelands harbors. The ultimate guide to icelandic wildlife travelade. The westfjords are one of the most stunning but least visited places in the country and so youll get to see the whales in their natural. Wild westfjords isafjordur 2020 all you need to know. Often likened to a bridal veil, the falls are 30 metres wide at the highest point and 60 metres wide at its lowest point. Fishing has been the towns main industry, and it has one of the largest fisheries in the country. It is connected to the rest of iceland by a 7kmwide isthmus between gilsfjor. South iceland is where all of your big tourist attractions like the golden circle, blue lagoon and jokulsarlon are at. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. Holmavik whale watching in the westfjords extreme iceland. Latrabjarg cliffs in the westfjords are widely considered one of the best bird watching spots in europe, with a dozen species making their nests.
In a powerful jeep, youll travel over a variety of terrains and enjoy spectacular views of fjords and mountains as you explore the svalvogar peninsula. West tours has been running different types of tours for over 20 years. Ten places have over 50 residents and akranes is the most densely populated with 6,500 inhabitants. Hike through the wild fjords for inspiring views of the landscape. If you dont travel to iceland during the summer, keep in mind that many of the roads some that lead to more isolated fjords on the west coast of the island are closed from late fall to midmay. Fin whales safe from iceland hunt, minke whales not so. A minke whale among the fjords in husavik bay, iceland. About 7 to 14 days need to be calculated for the full tour. Just 50 km north of reykjavik, you are invited to snap up an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unique icelandic fjord with boats, beaches. The population centres in west iceland are as varied as they are many. Some ruins from this period can still be seen in the fjord. The beautiful whale bay branches into the mountainous landscapes between the points akranes and kjalarnes. Inspiring scenery at every turn, extraordinary landscapes, and astounding natural wonders.
Whale watching holmavik westfjords tours best price. Head west to its fjords and splendid isolation and nature are close at hand. All of the larger communities put everincreasing emphasis on dynamic tourism where a wide selection of recreation and services are offered. Explore the wildlife of the westfjords on this whale watching tour. Jagged bird cliffs and broad multihued dream beaches flank the south. The westfjords of iceland will provide visitors to iceland with exactly what most looking for. Icelands popularity with tourists doesnt mean that solitude is hard to find. Tips for an epic icelandic road trip mapping megan. The westfjords is where icelands dramatic landscapes come to a riveting climax and where. But because of the lack of flat land or simply lowlands in general agriculture is very limited in the area so habitats in the westfjords depend on. Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales and orcas in their natural environment on a 3hour original whale watching tour from husavik, capital of whale watching in iceland.
Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. A humpback whale breaches in skjalfandi bay, north iceland. Whale watching around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling. Whaletrips norway the best tips for whale watching in. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5 tons approx. Be prepared to capture a photo of the giant whales of iceland. Posted in west iceland by another iceland located a short drive away from the capital city of reykjavik, the whalefjord or hvalfjor. We also regularly see minke whales, dolphins and harbor porpoises. Whale watching westfjords tour from holmavik with extremely good chances to see humpback whales in their natural feeding grounds. Certainly today there is no presence of whales in the fjord. A portrait of the legend of the valley of glymur with the rau. Sea kayaking in whale fjord near reykjavik hvalfjordur e. Access hourly, 10 day and 15 day forecasts along with up to the minute reports and videos from accuweather.
Walk along the 400 metre sea cliffs at latrabjarg scenic boat ride to the secluded island of vigur searching for puffins, arctic foxes, whales. Top 22 things to see and do in the west fjords iceland monitor. West fjords are a stunning, remote part of iceland. The fjord is approximately 30 km long and 5 km wide. It lies on the denmark strait, facing the east coast of greenland. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in.
Book your tickets online for the top things to do in westfjords region, iceland on tripadvisor. The fjords are very mountainous and incredibly beautiful. Mar 01, 2018 whale watching tours are operated from many of icelands harbors. The exhibition displays 23 manmade, life size models of the whales that are found around iceland. This is the place to go if you want to explore iceland undisturbed. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. The innermost part is framed with steep mountains, dropping almost straight into the. Two fjords discovery kayak in the west fjords of iceland. Since iceland resumed whaling in 2003 first under the guise of scientific whaling, later as commercial whaling greenpeace has worked to stop whaling in iceland, shares norman.
The westfjords of iceland are much less travelled than most other corners of the country, due to their vastness and distance from mustsee destinations such as the jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, lake myvatn, and the sites of the golden circle. Majestic glaciers grind their way through cracked lava fields, gushing geysers explode with a powerful force, glittering ice caps pierce the. We are very excited about our our renewed trips to iceland in march 2017. By night seekout the spectacular aurora borealis northern lights we only offer this tour and are unable to arrange holidays to iceland at any other time. The national street 1 circles the whole island and therefore its mostly called circular road. This peninsula of 8600 square kilometres, stretching out into the icy waters of the denmark strait, with dramatic fjords cutting deep into its heart, is the result of intense. It is, in fact, one of the countrys most spectacular and awe. Pilot whale occurrence in shallow coastal waters has increased in west iceland over the last few years. The fjord is famous for its wildlife and stunning views. Here you get a rare opportunity to experience nature of from the sea and get a spectacular view of the mountains and all the small fjords embracing this larger fjord or bay. It is really high chance to see humpback whales in the summer and a lot of them. The westfjords is a huge peninsula in the most northwestern corner of iceland. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around icelands coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Tour departures are matched to cruise ship schedules to ensure that our customers make it back to the dock in time for ship departure.
Boat, whale and puffin adventure in the westfjords hit iceland. The lofoten and the vesteralen 300km north of the polar circle are. The westfjords are known for being home to some of the most colorful wildlife in iceland including the arctic fox, whitetailed eagles, whales, and seals. The museum also houses the whale cafe and the whale souvenir shop.
While you can rely on seeing sperm whales in summer, orcas and humpbacks crowd the fjords full of fish in winter. Dynjandi is the largest waterfall in the west fjords and visiting the chute makes for a beautiful little hike. Travel the wild westfjords 4 day tour hidden iceland. This fact, however, says nothing about of the incredible wonders to be found here. Jun 21, 2017 icelands popularity with tourists doesnt mean that solitude is hard to find. The largest whale exhibition in europe, located at grandi district, about a 15minute walk from the town centre. The westfjords are one of the most stunning but least visited places in the country and so youll get to see the whales in their natural, unspoilt, habitat. The 15 best things to do in westfjords region updated. Tips for an epic icelandic road trip iceland is literally a country which takes your breath away. Discover, explore and admire the most western part of europe. Whale watching tour from reykjavik, iceland arctic. Wildlife, whales and birds found in the westfjords of iceland. This whale was in the area of holmavik, and i am proud to say that the saviour is a good friend of mine. Birds and wildlife in the westfjords of iceland this page has a list of birds and mammals local to the westfjords.
The 112 iceland app can be used for two things, both for added safety on your iceland trip. Rib boat tours in the fjord, bird islands or a trip to hornstrandir. It is a peninsula in northwestern iceland, connected to the rest of iceland by a 10 km wide isthmus between gilsfjor. Is4 is a large peninsula in northwestern iceland and an administrative district. The mountains are high and steep, and the roads are narrow. Places to visit and things to do in westfjords iceland. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. The tour departs from the small and remote town of holmavik, located in the westfjords of iceland.
The bay offers you breathtaking scenery, great history and rich with wildlife were seabirds, whales and seals can be observed in their natural habitat. The best of the westfjords in a day trip from the capital. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whalewatching destination on the icy. Whale fjord posted in west iceland by another iceland located a short drive away from the capital city of reykjavik, the whalefjord or hvalfjor. Whale watching westfjords in holmavik iceland unlimited. By day see the orca killer whales hunting in the fjords. With a population of about 2,600 isafjordur is the largest town in the peninsula of the westfjords.
Edda elisabet magnusdottir is a marine biologist at the university of iceland who specializes in whales. You will spend about two hours on the water, among the wildlife and beautiful landscape. The landscape is beautiful as well as the view out to the ocean and the brei. From whale watching to puffin tours to northern light cruises, coast hugging trips and more, they each provide an enjoyable and memorable experience. Activities, interesting places, restaurants and much more. Many local kids are thought that iceland looks like a dragon, and the westfjords are its head. It is connected to the rest of iceland by a 7 km wide isthmus between gilsfjor. The following is a list of 54 bird species that breed in the west fjords. Boat, whale and puffin adventure in the westfjords hit. Whaling in iceland began with speardrift hunting as early as the 12th century, and continued in a vestigial form until the late 19th century, when other countries introduced modern commercial practices. Exploring icelands westfjords luxe adventure traveler.
Apr 24, 2017 west fjords are a stunning, remote part of iceland. All tour operators have a high success rate, however, those in the north can boast the best success rates of all. Around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others. Join us on a icelandic whale watching tour from the old harbor of reykjavik. Whale fjord was the site of much british and us military activity during world war ii. Whale watching is mostly done in the north of norway. Whale watching at holmavik, westfjords guide to iceland. Over 30 pilot whales were similarly stranded at rif on sn. Choose to disembark the jeep and walk a segment of the trail to get up close to icelands fascinating flora and fauna with luck, youll catch a glimpse of seals, arctic foxes and whales. We offer small group and private shore excursions from all ports in iceland. If you start the 1 500 km journey, you will travel past glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, geysers, fjords and black beaches and you will see everything iceland has to offer plus having great chances to experience all four seasons. Top 22 things to see and do in the west fjords iceland. If the luck is with us we can see sperm whale, pilot whale, orca orand blue whale.
Laki tours offers responsible whale watching from holmavik in the southeastern westfjords area called strandir. In 2017, we saw whales on all tours but one, making your chances excellent for spotting whales on the tour. This tour takes place in a remote area in the west of iceland and is the only whale watching company in holmavik. Attached to the mainland by a narrow isthmus of land barely 10km wide, the west fjords are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and leastvisited corners of iceland. The westfjords is where icelands dramatic landscapes come to a riveting climax and where mass tourism disappears only about 10% of icelands visitors ever see the region. The ocean around iceland is cold during winter time and thats when the whales go south to warmer waters, to the caribbean wouldnt we all. Icelands westfjords are a birders and nature lovers paradise. Whale fjord the next fjord to reykjavik, the capital of iceland. The lofoten and vesteralen, far in the north of norway, are perfect places for whale watching all year long. Whaletrips norway the best tips for whale watching in norway. Wikimedia commons restaurants buy about 60% of the minke whale meat sold in iceland, and about 100 restaurants in iceland. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object clarification needed to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling commission in 1986, and that still. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively.
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