Hvalfjörður

Hvalfjörður (is. = the fjord of the whales) is situated in the west of Iceland between Mosfellsbær and Akranes.

Not so long a time ago, people had to make a long detour of 62 km on the hringvegur (National motorway no.1), if they wanted to go from Reykjavík to Borgarnes. They had to drive around the whole fjord. Today, they have the possibility to go through the tunnel which shortens the way considerably.

On the other hand, travellers will miss a rather beautiful spot of Iceland this way, the rear end of the fjord showing an interesting mixture of volcanic mountains and - in the summertime - green vegetation. At Botnsá f.ex. lupines are to be seen, different sorts of other flowers and moss, as well as small forests of birchwood and conifers. It is a good example for the planting of forests, a project going on in Iceland for some years now.

Very recommendable is the hiking trail to the highest waterfall of Iceland, Glymur, starting at the rear end of the fjord. (See also Wasserfalls of Iceland)

The name Hvalfjörður comes from the lot of whales which could be found and catched there. So there was until the 80ies one of the biggest whaling stations in this fjord.

See also: Fjords of Iceland