
west-iceland · Iceland
Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord
About Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord
Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) is a 30 km long fjord just north of Reykjavík, named for the large numbers of whales once found here. During WWII it was a major Allied naval base and convoy staging point. The scenic drive around the fjord (Road 47) takes about 1.5 hours and passes the dramatic Glymur waterfall trailhead, a WWII oil tanker hulk on the shore, an old whaling station and the peaceful church at Saurbær. The undersea tunnel beneath the fjord (opened 1998) bypasses the scenic drive.
Did You Know?
- ✔Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord is one of Iceland's many spectacular natural features
- ✔Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates extraordinary geological diversity
- ✔The country experiences continuous volcanic and geothermal activity
Tours Near Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
The undersea tunnel beneath the fjord (opened 1998) bypasses the scenic drive.
Did You Know?
Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) is a 30 km long fjord just north of Reykjavík, named for the large numbers of whales once found here.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area













