Hvalfjörður is a narrow and deep fjord extending inland from Faxaflói on
West Iceland.
It lies north of
Kollafjörður
and south of
Borgarfjörður.
On the northern side of the fjord is
Akranes,
while
Kjalarnes
lies to the south.
Hvalfjörður is approximately 30 kilometres long and is characterized by steep mountains,
dramatic slopes, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a remarkable natural area.
Near the middle of the fjord on the northern shore is
Grundartangi,
one of Iceland’s largest industrial areas with an important harbour.
Directly opposite, on the southern side of the fjord, lies
Hálsnes,
where Maríuhöfn was one of Iceland’s main harbours during the late Middle Ages.
At the head of Hvalfjörður lies
Botnsdalur,
a popular outdoor recreation area offering scenic hiking trails and impressive landscapes.
Here you will also find Iceland’s tallest waterfall,
Glymur,
which plunges into a deep canyon and is among the best-known natural attractions in West Iceland.
The inner parts of the fjord feature extensive tidal flats that provide rich habitats for birdlife,
as well as abundant mussel beds.
Between 1996 and 1998,
the Hvalfjörður Tunnel
was constructed beneath the outer part of the fjord.
Its opening shortened the Ring Road by more than 55 kilometres and significantly improved travel
between West Iceland and the capital region.
It is still possible to drive around the fjord via Route 47 and enjoy the dramatic scenery along the coastline.
During the Second World War, Hvalfjörður played a crucial strategic role.
At the inner end of the fjord was the Allied naval base known as
Hvalstöðin,
which served as an anchorage and stopover for convoys travelling between continents.
Remains from the wartime period can still be seen in areas such as
Litlisandur,
where several restored military barracks remain.
Hvalfjörður is also rich in folklore and historical legends.
Near the inner fjord lies a small island called
Geirshólmi,
often mistakenly referred to as Harðarhólmi.
The island is linked to medieval outlaw stories and local legends and forms an important part of the
cultural heritage associated with the fjord.
Hvalfjörður thus combines dramatic natural scenery, important transport history,
wartime heritage, and rich folklore, making it one of Iceland’s most diverse and fascinating fjords.
Source:
See here
Photo:
Sverrir
Hvalfjörður er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.