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Djúpvegur - Ísafjarðardjúp

Westfjords  >  Iceland

The old road between Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvik. Magnificent views over the bay of Ísafjarðardjúp and breeding Fulmar boréal.

Ajouté* par Bas Engels
Dernière actualisation 30 janvier 2023

Description

"Djúpvegur" is the old road between Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvik, which became unnecessary after the construction of the tunnel through the mountain. The road was a very dangerous route to drive and many casualties fell during the years by, especially, falling rocks and sudden avalanches. Nowadays, the road is closed for cars and no maintenance is executed to the road and tunnels and so, human activity is very low. Therefore, fairly good numbers of Fulmar boréal breed on the steep cliffs next to the road and can be very closely observed during the breeding season. The road is also a good place for predatory birds. Pygargue à queue blanche can often be seen perched on some rocks on the eastern side of the road. Also Faucon gerfaut can be seen flying over. Songbirds are hard to find. Sometimes small flocks of Bruant des neiges can be seen or a single Traquet motteux is present.

The road provides very good views over the large bay, called "Ísafjarðardjúp". The bay is used by good numbers of cetaceans, like Humpback Whale, Minke Whale and Harbour Porpoise. Also seals, like Harbour Seal and Ringed Seal, can be spotted lying on some rocks near the shore. Many waterfowl can be seen close to shore, like small flocks of Arlequin plongeur, Harelde boréale, Harle huppé en Fuligule milouinan. Within large flocks of Eider à duvet a Eider à tête grise can be present, with a bit of luck. Further offshore, divers, like Plongeon catmarin, Plongeon imbrin and Grand Labbe are present. Large flocks of Macareux moine and other alcids can be seen foraging. Small numbers of Guillemot à miroir can also be spotted on the coast. Species like Fulmar boréal, Puffin des Anglais and Fou de Bassan can be seen shearing over the sea.

Détails

Accès

Before you decide to take a walk or bike here, the road can still be a dangerous place due to falling rocks and avalanches. Always check your surroundings and keep an eye on the steep cliffs. I've done the trip multiple times, but never experienced such an event, but still, keep safety first! Besides natural events, the road and its tunnels (very small ones) aren't being maintenanced anymore. Therefore, large holes can be present in the old tarmac and old fallen rocks are on the track. Also, after heavy snowfall, the road can be blocked by large heaps of snow.

The old road is easy accessable on foot and by bike, but can be blocked by fallen rocks and snow. Therefore on foot is easier. You can park your car at both sides of the old road and walk or bike to the other side and back again. It's possible to hitchhike back, because that's a very common thing to do in Iceland.

Terrain et Habitat

Montagnes , Mer/océan , Plage

Conditions

Montagneux , Rocailleux

Boucle

Non

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Oui

Saison idéale pour observer

Hiver

Meilleure période pour une visite

Hiver

Itinéraire

Route pavée , Sentier large

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Durée de la marche

Accessible via

A pied , Vélo

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

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