Haukadalur is a valley with clearly defined dimensions: it is about five kilometres long, approximately 700 metres wide at the sea, and narrows somewhat farther inland. At the end of the valley, mountains rise to 800–1,000 metres; the Haukadalsá originates in the highlands there. The opening onto the coast, the shape of the valley and its higher inland end provide points of reference for Haukadalur’s different historical sites and trails.

Saga Sites and Historical Traces

Haukadalur is the main setting of the Gísla saga Súrssonar. The Landnámabók also mentions the area: it describes Vésteinn Súnn as the man who settled Dýrafjörður and lived in Haukadalur. In Gísla saga, Seftjörn is described as a place where people from Haukadalur used to play ice hockey. This episode adds a specific activity, set in a historical location, to the saga landscape.

At Gíslahóll are ruins believed to date from the era of the saga literature. Below Kolturshorn, further ruins are associated with Annmarkastaðir, the home of Auðbjörg. The dating of the Gíslahóll ruins is tentative; the identification of the site as Annmarkastaðir is also tentative. Ruins of fishing huts can still be seen at Grísavík—another historical trace in the landscape of Haukadalur.

French Fishing and Maritime Memory

Haukadalsbót was one of the most important resting places for the crews of French fishing schooners that fished off Iceland’s west coast. The cemetery of the French sailors is located at the inner entrance to Haukadalur; the remains of several sailors from these fishing vessels lie there. The well-kept cemetery is a visible testament to the connection between France and Iceland. It is worth checking the cemetery’s current condition before visiting.

Hiking Trails and Cross-Country Skiing

The “Haukadalur – hringur” hiking route takes 3–4 hours and has an elevation gain of 80 metres. Along the route, you can hike through Koltursdalur to Kolturshorn. This trail is difficult to find and is not suitable for inexperienced hikers. Two different details are therefore important for planning: the route’s duration and elevation gain, and the challenging route-finding to Kolturshorn.

In winter, the cross-country ski route in Haukadalur follows a marked hiking trail that begins just above Seftjörn and passes Gíslahóll. Conditions can vary. The trails therefore differ in character: for the hiking route, the duration, elevation gain and restriction for inexperienced hikers are relevant; for cross-country skiing, the starting point, route and seasonal conditions are the key points of reference.

On the Haukadalur–Lokinhamradalur route, the Þverá plunges through a narrow gorge in many places. Alongside the valley’s dimensions, this narrow gorge offers a different kind of landscape: here, the focus shifts from the valley as a whole to the course of the river.

Theatre in Haukadalur

Kómedíuleikhúsið, also known as The Comedytheatre, is located in Haukadalur in Dýrafjörður. Founded in 1997, it is the first and only professional theatre in the Westfjords. Alongside the traces of sagas and fishing, Haukadalur is also home to a cultural institution.

Haukadalur offers a range of possible focuses for a trip: saga literature and historical sites, the legacy of French fishing schooners, the theatre, or the hiking and cross-country ski trails. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip here, this distinction can help with planning: each trail comes with its own timings, navigation considerations and seasonal details, while the historical sites bring different chapters of the valley’s history to light.

Discover more destinations: Kirkjuból, Staður, Ísafjörður, Drangsnes, Látur, Saurbær, Hólmavík, Thingeyri

For the full travel overview: Westfjords.