Traveling to the Westfjords in Iceland
The Westfjords are a remote Icelandic region, a peninsula located in northwestern Iceland. The area is very mountainous and connected to the rest of Iceland by a 7 km wide isthmus. The region is characterized by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills, but the uniqueness of the place lies in its addictive tranquility.
In the Westfjords, you can find very unique landscape gems, yet it is an area that is not very touristy. The rough roads deter many travelers, but this allows for rare peace and quiet, even compared to the rest of Iceland. Do not be surprised at all if you find yourself in a situation where you do not meet a single vehicle for a drive of an hour or even more.
The region is endowed with a topography unlike anything we are familiar with. Particularly towering mountains pass between deep fjords that enter like a tongue of water into the land and make driving in the area unforgettable.
Warm recommendation: Visit Iceland with a cruise ship, a detailed description of such a trip in the article: Cruise in Iceland and Norway on the Sky Princess
♦ Booking tours in the Westfjords from the Viator website:
Road Conditions:
A very sparse population lives in the place, and consequently, the road conditions are less good than the rest of the roads in Iceland. Many of the roads are very rough unpaved dirt roads. However, the conditions are good enough for driving and allow passage in a regular private car. You must obey the signs in the area and speed limits, especially in rainy conditions or severe weather.
Common sign in the Westfjords (Photo: Ido Barak)
Latrabjarg Cliffs (Photo by Ido Barak) :
♥ Recommended Accommodation in the Westfjords Region:
Hotel Isafjordur
3-star hotel in the center of Isafjordur. Private bathrooms, internet, and free parking.
Hotel Horn
2-star hotel in the center of Isafjordur. Private bathrooms, internet, and free parking.
Gamla Guesthouse
Guesthouse in the center of Isafjordur. Shared bathrooms and kitchen. Free internet in some rooms. Free parking.
Ways to Get to the Westfjords:
♦ By sea - The ferry that is also suitable for vehicles departs from the town of Stykkisholmur. Full details can be found in the article on West Iceland and on the Ferry website.
♦ By road - The Westfjords can be reached from road no. 61 which branches off the Ring Road and passes through the town of Holmavik or from road no. 60 which reaches the southern area of the fjords.
Recommended Charm Points to Visit:
Ísafjörður
The central and largest town in the Westfjords, where about 3,000 residents live. The capital of the Westfjords is located on a beautiful bay, between high and impressive mountains, which are covered in white even in summer days. Arriving at the town from the south passes through a long, single-lane tunnel of about 10 km and passing through it is an attraction in itself. When you arrive in the town, it is recommended to walk around the main pedestrian street, enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and the wonderful local bakeries. In the local tourist center you can find maps and guidance regarding hikes on the nearby mountains. In addition, there is an option to go on kayak tours for beginners and advanced participants.
In the town you will find two of the most recommended charm points in the Westfjords:
♦ Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Located at the northern tip of the town. Staying in the reserve will be a true "survival" experience - it is a reserve isolated from humans, there are no organized accommodation places, there is no cell phone reception, and around you you will find only... wilderness. However, nature lovers will feel like they have reached the Garden of Eden. In the reserve, which is 350 sq km in size, you will find unique landscapes, cliffs, and bays. The only way to get to the reserve is by ferry departing from the town of Ísafjörður. The ferries run in the summer months only (June-mid August). For more details on the ferry and prices, enter the West Tours website. Please note: when booking a ticket for the ferry, you must also book a return ticket. This way, the reserve rangers can ensure that all travelers boarded the ferry at the planned time, and God forbid did not get lost or injured.
Due to the isolated location of the reserve and the few travelers arriving at it, the trip in the reserve can be dangerous and difficult. The traveler must have navigation knowledge, be equipped with a topographic map of the area and a compass. In addition, it is advisable to equip with food for the entire trip and clothing for any weather. For more tips on safe travel, enter the Safe Travel website.
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♦ Dynjandi Waterfall
In the southern part of the town you will find the Dynjandi waterfall. The waterfall is very impressive, falling in a tiered shape and in thin water trickles from a height of over 100 m. This is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords and actually consists of seven waterfalls, which together create an interesting and expanding shape. Near the waterfalls there is a marked walking path that will allow you to reach impressive viewpoints. The waterfall is located 86 km south of the town of Isafjordur, on road no. 60. From the parking lot to the waterfalls themselves there is a walk of about 10-15 minutes.
Dynjandi Waterfall (Photo by Ido Barak)
Around the town of Ísafjörður you will find several villages worth visiting:
♦ Sudureyri The village is located 23 km east of the town of Isafjordur and is known as the "original fishing village". A tour of the village will introduce you to the lives of the fishermen and their daily routine and maybe you can even try fishing yourselves. In the village there are beautiful walking paths and a pampering geothermal pool.
♦ Flateyri – The village is located 21 km northeast of the town of Isafjordur and the main attraction in it is the "Old Bookstore" museum, which presents the history of the village. In the museum visitors can hear about the avalanche that occurred in 1995 and claimed the lives of 20 of the village residents. Besides the museum, travelers can also visit the International Doll Museum or the local swimming pool.
♦ Thingeyri – The village is 49 km south of the town of Isafjordur and you can find many beautiful walking paths in it, including a walking path leading to the peak of the highest mountain in the Westfjords.
♦ Lungarvik – The village is located 15 km from the town of Isafjordur. In the village you can visit the Maritime Museum and the Natural History Museum of the Westfjords.
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♦ Booking recommended guided 6-8 day tours in Iceland from Viator
Latrabjarg Cliffs
Latrabjarg cliffs are located at the westernmost point in the Westfjords and actually, this is the westernmost point in Europe as well. The magnificent cliffs rise to a height of 440 m(!!!) and their length is 14 km. The cliffs are a particularly favorite nesting place for puffins and other types of sea birds. The power you will feel when you witness the impressive cliffs and the right angle formed between the cliffs and the ocean – cannot be described in words. It is highly recommended to walk along the cliff and enjoy the special view that the Atlantic Ocean offers.
Ways to Get There:
The cliffs are located a 4-hour drive south of the town of Ísafjörður. You must drive on road no. 60, later the road connects to road no. 62 and at its end turns into road no. 612. The road is mostly a bouncy dirt road and the drive is long. The parking at the place is adjacent to the cliffs and from there there is a marked walking path. The walk is very long – remember that you must return by the exact same way, and therefore travelers with an average fitness level are recommended to proceed on foot for up to an hour and a half. There is no safety fence at the place preventing a fall, and therefore you must be careful and walk on marked paths only.
Additional Attractions in the Westfjords:
♦ West Tours company offers organized day trips to Vigur Island recommended for bird watching enthusiasts, to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and other places in the area. In addition, the company organizes biking, sailing, kayaking and other attractions.
♦ Borea Adventures-Iceland company offers various organized trips, also in the winter months. Enter the company website for more information on bird and arctic fox watching trips, Northern Lights tours and many other attractions.
♦ Iceland Tour Guy company offers various day trips in the Westfjords and other areas in Iceland, like the "Golden Circle". In addition, the company offers fishing trips, bird watching and snowmobiling.
♦ Stjornubilar company located in the town of Isafjordur offers various organized trips, in buses or regular vehicles.
View of the Westfjords:
