BOAT TRIP TO VIGUR ISLAND - TOUR B
Excursions
- 3 hours
- Limited capacity per departure
Vigur is a lovely island, two kilometres long and just 400 metres wide - a green oasis in the blue waters of the fjord Isafjardardjup. During spring the island is the nesting place for countless birds. In July puffins, arctic terns, black guillemots and eider ducks can be seen in large numbers. Vigur Island has been home to the same family since 1884, and today there are three generations living under the same roof. They are farmers and live off the treasures of the island.
After an approximate 30-minute boat ride to Vigur, we will walk around the island and have a perfect opportunity to see an abundance of birds in their natural environment. Eiderdown is collected during the spring and cleaned, whilst the nests of the ducks are carefully protected. Some relics of old farming methods are preserved in Vigur, including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark. The windmill has been carefully preserved as well as a 200-year-old eight oar rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland.
The houses also date back to the last century. Viktoria House was erected in Vigur in 1862, made of wood, which was pre-cut into shape in Norway. In 1993 the house was restored by the National Museum of Iceland. The second house was erected by a young priest in 1884, an ancestor of his family still live on Vigur today.
Before heading back to Ísafjörður, refreshments will be served in Viktoria House and we will also have the chance to visit one of the smallest post offices in Europe (which is located on the island), giving us the opportunity to send home a postcard or two.
TOUR NOTES: Due to the steps to get into and out of the boat as well as the walking on the Island, including uneven, gravel, grass and muddy ground, this tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Sturdy and waterproof shoes or boots are recommended. Please note that the sighting of particular sea birds cannot be guaranteed after mid August, and all sightings are dependent on both the season and the weather. Coffee or tea and Icelandic cakes will be served by the farmer’s family.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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