Bolafjall View Platform: A Close Look at the 2 Hour Tour

Alright, picture this: you’re up in the Westfjords of Iceland, right? It’s wild and rugged and stunning, so you’re looking for views that will just stick with you. That, friends, is where the Bolafjall View Platform comes in. So, that’s a place folks rave about. Many talk about tours that only last a few hours, but are they worth it? Are the views actually any good? I’m gonna break down everything for you. I am going to share all about my time on that very short two-hour tour, telling you all about what you’ll see, what to keep in your thoughts, plus whether it’s actually a “must-do” during your trip. Let’s get right into it, yeah?

What Makes Bolafjall So Unique?

Bolafjall, so, is a mountain kinda doing its own thing in the Westfjords. It sticks out with these crazy steep cliffs dropping straight into the ocean. Seriously, we’re talking some impressive heights here! The view platform itself, just so you know, hangs right near the top, providing this totally unobstructed look across the Arctic Ocean. On nice, clear days, you might even be able to see Greenland, which is quite the view if you ask me! This area is, too it’s almost just brimming with birdlife as well, with loads of different species circling the cliffs. This adds another level to the whole experience; a nature lover’s dream, maybe?

Plus, something many people find super interesting: there is, it turns out, a radar station right near the summit of Bolafjall. This place has some very important history during the Cold War. If history’s kinda your thing, it gives a totally cool added layer to visiting, like a sense of stepping back in time while you are checking out everything else that’s on offer.

The Two-Hour Tour: What to Expect

Alright, two hours might not sound that lengthy, yet let me tell you, a lot can happen during that amount of time! Now, the tour starts with a drive up a very winding road to get to the view platform. Seriously, that road can get a bit narrow and steep in some parts, so holding on might be a good idea, mostly if you aren’t the best with heights! Most tour operators usually take care of the driving for you in appropriate vehicles. This, to be honest, really lets you enjoy the stunning scenery without kinda having to stress about being behind the wheel.

Then, is that after a sometimes bumpy ride, you make it to the platform. The wind, I can tell you, can seriously whip up there. But, wow, that view. It seriously stretches out forever. That wide, wide ocean, those craggy cliffs all around, they kind of create these mind-blowing panoramic vistas. Seriously bring your camera, since you are going to wanna take a lot of snaps.

What about after drinking in those views? Many tour guides know a lot about the area. So, they will share local stories, a little of the history behind the radar station, so, too it’s almost telling you about the wildlife. Depending on the time of year you could very well get to see different things; puffins in summer, for example. Basically, be prepared for an informative, but seriously very quick experience. Because the tour is kinda short you do not get a great deal of time up on the platform itself.

Is the Bolafjall View Platform Worth It?

Okay, here’s the million-dollar thing. Should you use a bit of your trip to visit Bolafjall View Platform? What I reckon: yes, but with some serious things to think over. Obviously the views from there can be truly mind-blowing, but you do need to take into consideration the weather. That can, if you were unaware, change at the blink of an eye. Trust me, is that there’s nothing more frustrating than kinda paying for a tour. Only to wind up seeing a whole load of fog.

And, consider the shortness of the tour. The two-hour stint includes getting up the mountain plus down again, which eats up a good piece of your viewing time. If you, to be honest, enjoy going slowly plus absorbing your surroundings, that could feel seriously rushed. Nevertheless, if you happen to be limited on time or basically just want a real quick blast of some Icelandic wilderness? It’s still well worth it, and the money isn’t really that bad.

Tips for Your Bolafjall Visit

If you have chosen to head on up to the Bolafjall View Platform, these things will make your experience that bit better:

Dress warmly. Really, even during summertime, is that the wind at the top can be strong plus kinda cold. Layers are always a very clever plan.
Check the weather ahead. Is that a lot of tour operators will cancel tours if the weather looks truly poor, but still double-check yourself beforehand. The views are, after all, weather-dependent!
Hold your camera safely. Especially if it is windy. Maybe using a neck or wrist strap will prevent any very bad drops!
Listen to your guide. So, there’s loads they know, everything from telling cool stories up to generally ensuring everyone keeps out of harm’s way.
Take binoculars. Especially if you like looking out for birds or might get a little look toward Greenland. Binoculars add, in a way, an interesting layer to things.

Getting to Bolafjall View Platform

Bolafjall View Platform sits close to the town of Bolungarvík. This spot is at the very tip of the Westfjords. Driving yourself could be an option, yet think about how those roads up there can get, they could feel rather daunting. Especially when it’s only the summer. When is that? The mountain roads are frequently only open around that time. It may be from about June through to August (depending mostly on the weather).

Choosing a guided tour out of Ísafjörður or Bolungarvík would likely remove any hassles regarding travel, plus those tours are always kinda bundled with that all-important local insight. Getting around Iceland’s kinda always an adventure in itself, you know?

Nearby Activities and Attractions

Since you are headed all that way into the Westfjords, then why not have some exploration beyond simply the Bolafjall view? Bolungarvík itself gives, that it turns out, an incredible maritime museum that explains quite a lot about the area’s sea-faring heritage. Plus, Ísafjörður’s right there. This spot offers quite a cool selection of restaurants and tours if you, too it’s almost wish to explore more of the surrounding fjordland.

For someone enjoying hiking, be sure you make that drive up to Dynjandi waterfall. I think that area is an awesome cascade of water flowing down a series of cliffs. Basically, no matter what kinds of things you’re interested in, the Westfjords, they always tend to have it by the bucketload!

Key Takeaways

Bolafjall View Platform delivers a seriously stunning view in the Westfjords.
A two-hour tour could work when you’re low on time. Still, it goes by fairly fast.
Consider conditions of the weather, that is very, very, crucial to those perfect views.
Dress extra warm, due to that wind at the top of the cliffs.
See a tour or even drive up to experience more than the mountain!