On the seaside of Bolungarvík is the Ósvör Maritime Museum, a fascinating exhibit built on the ruins of old fishing huts from the 19th century. Lovingly restored, its highlight is a replica of a six-man rowing boat, Ölver, among the oldest of its kind in the country.

The museum also features a salt house, fish sheds, a fish drying area and tool sheds with all the fishing paraphernalia from a bygone age.  It gives a good insight into the harsh conditions fishermen faced in centuries past in the Westfjords. Two documentaries about fishing have been filmed here.

The curator welcomes guests in a traditional fisherman outfit and guides them through the area. 

Ten ideas for a recreation in Northern Westfjords:  

1. Check out the view from the new viewing platform on Mt. Bolafjall, if you dare!
2. Visit the  Westfjords  Heritage Museum in Ísafjörður and learn more about the history of the region.
3. Take a walk through the old town of Ísafjörður with Ísafjörður Guide and learn about the history of the houses and the people who lived there.
4. Get to know Iceland’s first settler at The Arctic Fox Center  in Súðavík.
5. Go angling and catch the boil.
6. Sail to the Hornstrandir region or to the island of Vigur in Ísafjörður Bay (puffin island).
7. Take a look at the Old Smithy from 1913 in Þingeyri  village, where all the machines are still working.
8. Check out the tree and flower park Skrúður in Dýrafjörður.
9. Set off on a kayaking expedition past historic trails, seals and birds.
10. Walk along Dynjandi, the biggest and most famous waterfall in the Westfjords

For further information and ideas go to www.westfjords.is