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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 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. Codalb can often be seen perched on some rocks on the eastern side of the road. Also Șoim de tundră can be seen flying over. Songbirds are hard to find. Sometimes small flocks of Pasărea omătului can be seen or a single Pietrar sur 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 Rață arlechin, Rață de ghețuri, Ferestraș moțat en Rață cu cap negru. Within large flocks of Eider a Eider cu cap cenușiu can be present, with a bit of luck. Further offshore, divers, like Cufundar mic, Cufundar mare and Lup de mare atlantic are present. Large flocks of Pufin and other alcids can be seen foraging. Small numbers of Alcă cu oglindă can also be spotted on the coast. Species like Fulmar, Ielcovan atlantic mic and Corb de mare can be seen shearing over the sea.
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Access
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.