The University Centre of the Westfjords offers full service for travel courses, study tours, field schools, and other travel study programs organized by universities and institutions abroad. Ísafjörður is an ideal destination for visiting students. Accommodation is inexpensive, the town is cozy and picturesque, shops and services are all within walking distance, and the University Centre's facilities are spacious and welcoming. The University Centre gladly assists universities who wish to deliver their own course content in Ísafjörður. We also offer "ready-made" educational day tours to destinations around town and in the vicinity. In our short history we have already hosted many successful study tours and we have room to grow.

"Ready-made" activities, daytrips and lectures on offer in 2008

Most travel study programs mix their own content with locally inspired activities. We have put together five super one-day educational programs which appeal to students and other curious visitors. These suggested programs are specially designed to convey knowledge and awareness of rural Iceland, its history, culture, and potential. We can reserve these activities speedily and easily, saving you time and organizational headaches.

Fisheries in the Westfjords

The day starts with three forty-five minute lectures on the history of fishing in the Westfjords, aquaculture (fish farming) research in the Westfjords, and general marine research. After lunch students visit the maritime museum in Ísafjörður, the reconstructed sailor's hut at Ósvör in Bolungarvík, the fish freezing plant in Suðureyri, and take a boat trip to visit the fish farming pens.

The Saga of Gísli Súrsson

Among the Icelandic sagas, Gísla saga is the one with the closest ties to the Westfjords. After a 2-hour lecture and discussion about the saga age and Gísla saga specifically, a forty-minute drive brings students to Haukadalur (where Gísli lived before becoming an outlaw). A hike through the valley ends at the community centre where actor Elfar Logi Hannesson re-enacts events from the saga. Outdoor-oriented groups capable of an 5-6 hour hike can spend a second day visiting Gísli's place of exile in Geirþjófsfjörður.

Witchcraft in Iceland

This program is especially appropriate for groups interested in the folklore and folk culture of Iceland, or in witchcraft in medieval societies. In Ísafjörður, Dr. Ólína Þorvarðardóttir, author of the book The Age of Sorcery, will explain the history of witchcraft in Iceland. The day before or after, typically on students\' journey to or from Ísafjörður, they visit the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík for a short talk on the subject and a storytelling event.

Westfjords Naturally

The ornithologist and environmental scientist from the Westfjords Institute of Natural History join us to talk about research on nature and wildlife in the Westfjords. Students make a field trip to the Natural History Museum in Bolungarvík and go for a hike in Önundarfjörður, the next fjord south from Ísafjörður. In the springtime and early summer, a boat trip to visit breeding eider duck and puffin colonies can also be arranged.

Icelandic Avalanche Defence Structures

In the Westfjords, steep slopes tower over fjord-side villages and winter snows sometimes bring avalanche danger. In 1995, two avalanches took many lives in the towns of Flateyri and Súðavík. Staff members from the Icelandic Avalanche Research Centre will explain how Icelanders have dealt with avalanche danger and will take students to visit the avalanche barriers in Flateyri and Ísafjörður. Students may also choose to watch the movie "Nói Albinói", which dramatizes the events of 1995.

Prices for accommodation and travel depend on the size and special needs of each group. Let us know your requirements and we will help you understand your options.

Further information on Travel Study Programs, contact Pernilla Rein, Project Manager, summerschools@uwestfjords.is