Westfjords Iceland Guide
The Westfjords are Iceland's best-kept secret -- a remote, sparsely populated peninsula of jagged fjords, towering sea cliffs, and untouched wilderness that most visitors never see. Only about 3% of tourists make the journey here, which means you will find raw, dramatic landscapes without the crowds that define the south coast and Golden Circle. This is Iceland at its most elemental: just you, the wind, the ocean, and some of the most striking scenery on Earth.
Why Visit the Westfjords
The Westfjords represent the last frontier of Icelandic tourism. While the Ring Road draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the Westfjords remain blissfully quiet, offering an experience that feels genuinely wild and undiscovered. The landscape is defined by dramatic fjords that cut deep into the peninsula, creating a coastline of staggering complexity and beauty. Sheer sea cliffs rise hundreds of meters from the Atlantic, providing nesting grounds for millions of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots.
Wildlife thrives here in ways it does not elsewhere in Iceland. The Arctic fox, Iceland's only native land mammal, lives in healthy numbers in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where they have grown remarkably unafraid of humans. Seals haul out on remote beaches, and whales are regularly spotted in the deep fjords. The bird life is extraordinary -- Latrabjarg alone hosts millions of nesting seabirds in summer, and you can get closer to wild puffins here than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Virtually no crowds means you can stand at thundering Dynjandi waterfall with perhaps a handful of other visitors, walk along the vast red sands of Raudasandur in near-total solitude, and drive for hours without seeing another car. For travelers who want to experience the Iceland that existed before mass tourism, the Westfjords deliver like no other region.
Getting There
Reaching the Westfjords requires some planning, as the region is not on the Ring Road and has limited access points. There are three main ways to get there, each with distinct advantages.
Driving from Reykjavik
The most common approach is driving north from Reykjavik on Route 1, then turning west onto Route 60 or Route 68 toward the peninsula. The drive to the southern Westfjords takes approximately 4-5 hours, while reaching Isafjordur in the north takes 6-7 hours. The road passes through the Westfjords tunnel system and follows winding fjord roads that are scenic but slow. Plan for longer travel times than the map suggests -- the winding roads and gravel surfaces add considerably to journey times.
Baldur Ferry from Snaefellsnes
The Baldur car ferry runs between Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula and Brjanslaekur in the southern Westfjords. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours and passes through Breidafjordur bay with its countless islands. This is the most scenic way to arrive and saves significant driving time if you are coming from western Iceland. The ferry runs daily in summer but has reduced service in shoulder season. Book in advance, especially for vehicles, as it fills up quickly in July and August.
Flying to Isafjordur
Icelandair Connect operates daily flights from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords. The flight takes about 40 minutes and offers spectacular aerial views of the region. This is the fastest option if you are short on time or want to skip the long drive. Car rental is available at Isafjordur airport, though options are limited so book well ahead. Some visitors fly one way and drive the other to combine speed with scenic driving.
Top Attractions
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi is widely considered the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, and many travelers rank it among the most stunning in the world. The main cascade fans out 30 meters wide at its base, creating a bridal-veil effect that is utterly mesmerizing. The water drops a total of 100 meters over a series of seven cascades, each with its own character and name. A well-maintained trail leads up alongside the falls, with viewpoints at each tier. The sound is tremendous -- "Dynjandi" means "thundering" -- and the mist catches the light in ways that make photography irresistible. Unlike many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, you will often have Dynjandi largely to yourself, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
Latrabjarg Cliffs
Latrabjarg is Europe's largest bird cliff, stretching 14 kilometers long and rising up to 441 meters above the Atlantic. It is home to millions of nesting seabirds, including one of Iceland's most accessible puffin colonies. During the nesting season (late May to mid-August), puffins burrow into the grassy clifftops and are famously unafraid of humans -- you can sit quietly near the cliff edge and watch them waddle past just a meter or two away. The cliffs also host razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, and gannets in staggering numbers. Latrabjarg is also the westernmost point of Iceland and, by some definitions, the westernmost point of Europe at Bjargtangar. The drive is long and the road is rough, but the experience is absolutely unforgettable.
Safety Warning
The cliff edges at Latrabjarg are unfenced and can be unstable. The grass may overhang empty air. Stay well back from the edge, never lean over to photograph birds below, and keep a close eye on children. Several people have had close calls here, and the drop is fatal.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir is the crown jewel of Icelandic wilderness. This uninhabited nature reserve at the northernmost tip of the Westfjords has no roads, no services, and no permanent residents -- it was abandoned in the 1950s when the last farming families left. Today it is accessible only by boat from Isafjordur or Bolungarvik, and everything you need must be carried in. In return, Hornstrandir offers some of the most pristine hiking in Europe, with Arctic foxes so tame they will approach within a few meters, dramatic cliff scenery, and a profound sense of isolation. Multi-day hiking routes connect old farmsteads and weather stations. This is not a casual day trip -- it requires planning, proper gear, and respect for the conditions -- but for experienced hikers, it is the experience of a lifetime.
Raudasandur Beach
Raudasandur, meaning "red sand," is one of Iceland's most unusual and beautiful beaches. Unlike the famous black sand beaches of the south coast, Raudasandur is a vast sweep of reddish-golden sand that stretches for 10 kilometers along the southern coast of the Westfjords. The sand gets its distinctive color from crushed scallop shells and other minerals. On a sunny day, the contrast between the red-gold sand, turquoise shallows, and dark mountains is extraordinary. The beach is home to a large seal colony, and you can often watch dozens of seals lounging on the sand or bobbing in the surf. The access road descends a steep, winding gravel track -- take it slowly and use low gear.
Bjargtangar -- Westernmost Point of Europe
At the tip of Latrabjarg, the lighthouse at Bjargtangar marks the westernmost point of Europe (at longitude 24 degrees 32 minutes west). Standing here, the next land west is Greenland and then North America. It is a powerful, windswept spot that gives you a real sense of Iceland's position on the edge of the world. The lighthouse itself is modest, but the location and the surrounding cliffs make the journey worthwhile.
Hot Springs
The Westfjords have several natural hot springs and geothermal pools, many of them free and rarely visited. Hellulaug is a small geothermal pool right on the edge of the fjord, with views across the water to snow-capped mountains. Pollurinn in Talknafjordur is a free geothermal pool maintained by the local community. Krossneslaug is a remote pool on the northern coast, accessible only by a long gravel road, where you soak in hot water while watching the Arctic Ocean crash against the shore. These are not tourist hot spots -- they are simple, honest, and deeply Icelandic experiences.
Driving the Westfjords
Driving in the Westfjords is unlike driving anywhere else in Iceland. The roads are narrow, winding, and often unpaved. Distances that look short on a map take far longer than expected because you are constantly winding around fjords, climbing over mountain passes, and navigating gravel surfaces. A stretch that covers 100 kilometers on the map might take 2-3 hours to drive.
Road Conditions
- Surface: Many roads are unpaved gravel, including major routes between towns
- Width: Single-lane roads are common, with passing places for oncoming traffic
- Mountain passes: Steep and winding, some with loose gravel and no guardrails
- Blind curves: Frequent on fjord roads -- honk before blind corners on narrow roads
- Sheep: Free-roaming from June to September, often standing in the road
Gas Stations
Gas stations in the Westfjords are sparse. The main stations are in Isafjordur, Bolungarvik, Thingeyri, Bildudalur, Patreksfjordur, and Holmavik. Outside these towns, there is very little fuel available. The golden rule of driving in the Westfjords is simple: fill up your tank at every gas station you pass, even if you still have half a tank. Running out of fuel on a remote gravel road with no phone signal is a serious situation you want to avoid.
Time Estimates
- Isafjordur to Dynjandi: 2-2.5 hours (150 km)
- Dynjandi to Latrabjarg: 2-3 hours (120 km, mostly gravel)
- Patreksfjordur to Raudasandur: 45 minutes (25 km, steep gravel descent)
- Isafjordur to Holmavik: 3-4 hours (230 km)
- Full circle of the Westfjords: 8-10 hours pure driving (not recommended in one day)
Essential in the Westfjords
Check road conditions before every drive. The SkyRoad app provides real-time road status, weather alerts, and navigation for Iceland's remote regions. Download the free app before you arrive in the Westfjords.
When to Visit
Summer (Mid-June to August)
This is the only reliable window for visiting the Westfjords. All roads are open, the Baldur ferry runs daily, puffins nest at Latrabjarg, boats run to Hornstrandir, and you have nearly 24 hours of daylight. Temperatures range from 8-15 degrees Celsius on good days, though wind and rain can make it feel much colder. July is the warmest and busiest month, though "busy" in the Westfjords still means very few people by Icelandic standards.
Shoulder Season (May and September)
Early June and late May can be viable but risky -- some mountain passes may still be snow-covered, and puffins may not have arrived yet. September brings beautiful autumn colors but shorter days, and some services begin to close. The Baldur ferry reduces to a few sailings per week. Weather becomes increasingly unpredictable.
Winter (October to April)
The Westfjords in winter are essentially inaccessible for tourism. Many roads close entirely, some towns become reachable only by air, and services are minimal. The few people who live here year-round are accustomed to extreme isolation. Unless you have very specific reasons and local knowledge, do not plan a winter Westfjords trip.
Midnight Sun
The Westfjords are the northernmost part of mainland Iceland, and from mid-June to early July, the sun barely dips below the horizon. This means you can hike, drive, and photograph at any hour. Many of the best light conditions happen between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the low-angle sun paints the fjords and mountains in golden tones.
Practical Tips
- Fill up gas at every station: This cannot be overstated. Stations are far apart and some are unmanned card-only pumps. Always top off.
- Carry food and water: There are very few restaurants or shops outside the main towns. Bring snacks, water, and ideally a packed lunch for each day of driving.
- Limited phone signal: Mobile coverage is patchy at best outside the main towns. Do not rely on your phone for navigation in remote areas. Download offline maps before you arrive.
- Book accommodation ahead: The Westfjords have limited lodging, and what exists fills up in summer. Book guesthouses, hotels, and campsites well in advance, especially in July. Isafjordur has the most options, but even there availability can be tight.
- Check road.is daily: Road conditions change rapidly. Some roads may be temporarily closed due to weather, landslides, or construction. Check road.is every morning before driving.
- Weather gear is essential: Even in summer, expect wind, rain, fog, and cold. Bring waterproof layers, warm fleece, sturdy shoes, and a windproof jacket. Conditions can change in minutes.
- Allow extra time: Everything takes longer than you think in the Westfjords. Gravel roads, scenic stops, sheep on the road, and winding fjord routes all add up. Plan for shorter daily distances than you would on the Ring Road.
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for emergencies. Download the 112 Iceland app, which can send your GPS location to rescue services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting the Westfjords?
Absolutely. The Westfjords are Iceland's most remote and dramatic region, offering an experience that is profoundly different from the well-trodden south coast and Golden Circle. Fewer tourists mean you will have dramatic waterfalls, vast beaches, and towering sea cliffs largely to yourself. The raw, untouched landscapes feel genuinely wild, and wildlife thrives here -- from millions of nesting seabirds to Arctic foxes that have never learned to fear humans. If you have the time and are comfortable with gravel roads and basic facilities, the Westfjords will be the highlight of your Iceland trip.
How long do you need in the Westfjords?
A minimum of 3-4 days lets you see the major highlights: Dynjandi waterfall, Latrabjarg cliffs, and one or two other stops. However, 5-7 days is ideal to explore the region thoroughly without rushing. The driving is slow due to gravel roads and winding fjords, and you will want time to stop at hot springs, walk along beaches, and soak in the scenery. Trying to squeeze the Westfjords into less than three days usually means spending most of your time driving rather than experiencing what makes the region special.
When is the best time to visit the Westfjords?
Mid-June to August is the best window. Before mid-June, many mountain pass roads are still closed or snow-covered, and puffins may not have arrived at Latrabjarg. After August, days shorten rapidly, services begin closing, and weather becomes less reliable. Within the summer window, July is warmest and has the most services open, while late June and early August are slightly quieter. Weather is unpredictable year-round -- even in summer, bring warm and waterproof clothing.
Do you need a 4x4 for the Westfjords?
A 4x4 is strongly recommended. Many Westfjords roads are unpaved gravel with steep mountain passes, and some routes have no tunnels, meaning you must drive over the top. While the main paved highways between larger towns can be navigated in a regular car during dry summer conditions, accessing top attractions like Latrabjarg and Raudasandur requires driving on rough gravel roads where higher clearance and four-wheel drive make a real difference in safety and comfort.
Is it safe to drive in the Westfjords?
Yes, with proper caution. The main hazards are single-lane roads, blind curves on fjord roads, loose gravel, sheep on the road (June to September), and rapidly changing weather. Drive slowly on gravel, pull over at passing places for oncoming traffic, and honk before blind corners. Always check road.is before each day's drive and fill up on gas at every station. If you drive carefully and respect the conditions, the Westfjords are safe and deeply rewarding to explore.
What is there to do in the Westfjords?
The Westfjords offer a remarkable range of experiences for a remote region. Dynjandi is considered Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, a 100-meter tiered cascade that fans out like a bridal veil. Latrabjarg is Europe's largest bird cliff with incredible puffin encounters. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve provides world-class wilderness hiking with tame Arctic foxes. Raudasandur beach is a striking 10-kilometer stretch of red-gold sand. You can soak in natural hot pots like Hellulaug and Krossneslaug, kayak in sheltered fjords, visit the westernmost point of Europe at Bjargtangar, and explore tiny fishing villages that feel frozen in time.
How do you get to the Westfjords?
There are three main options. Driving from Reykjavik takes approximately 4-5 hours to the southern Westfjords, or 6-7 hours to Isafjordur in the north. The Baldur ferry connects Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula to Brjanslaekur in the southern Westfjords, cutting hours off the drive and offering a scenic crossing through Breidafjordur bay. You can also fly directly to Isafjordur from Reykjavik Domestic Airport in about 40 minutes. Many visitors combine methods -- for example, driving in and flying out, or taking the ferry one way and driving the other.
