Connecting the small city of Hnífsdalur and Bolungarvik is a 4-mile cliff-side highway that was reputed to be essentially the most harmful highway on the planet. Earlier than its development within the Nineteen Fifties, residents of Bolungarvik may solely attain Hnífsdalur and past by climbing over a steep hill. The highway offered a a lot wanted transportation route. Sadly, the highway hugs the aspect of a precipitous mountain, boulders the dimensions of small automobiles can rain down unexpectedly. Add to it the relentless battering from the Arctic Ocean, steady erosion made sustaining the winding highway a problem.
In 1973, a 19-year previous passenger Kristinn Haukur Jóhannesson was thrown from a taxi and died because it plunged off the highway. Police studies famous that the steering wheel was not linked however investigators couldn't decide if its malfunction was the reason for the accident. Three different passengers–none sporting a seatbelt–survived with none critical accidents. Fifty-years for the reason that incident, police has reopened the case per the request of the sufferer's household who identified that the automobile was too new to have a malfunction and the taxi driver too skilled to overlook the sharp flip.
In an try to enhance the highway's security, the federal government constructed a collection of concrete shelters within the Nineties to supply drivers some respite in case of landslide. These shelters proved lower than satisfactory and the highway was lastly closed in 2010 when a brand new tunnel was opened.
The route is now a favourite spot for runners, cyclists, and people searching for a scenic stroll. Along with being affected by big boulders and flanked by eroded sides, the shelters have additionally turn into wonderful graffiti spots. There are some actually spooky works.
On the Bolungavik's finish of the highway is the Ósvör Maritime Museum the place one can go to conventional fish-drying huts guided by a retired fisherman decked in unique sheepskin fishing gear.
