The Westfjords are remote, even by Icelandic standards. Our CEO, Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir, hails from here, so holds a special place for us here at Hidden Iceland. As you travel through the winding fjords, you may not see another car for over an hour, as the sparseness of the peninsula becomes increasingly apparent.
From the cliffs of Hornstrandir, you can look out at the North Atlantic and see only open ocean, encounter waterfalls a hundred metres tall and watch them cascade in front of you, or ski through untouched slopes and ride horses without encountering another soul.
The peninsula is less-travelled, but the appeal is in discovering areas others rarely see, and engaging in the many unforgettable things to do in Iceland’s Westfjords.
As such, this is our guide, crafted from years of exploring this magnificent region.
Where are the Westfjords?
The Westfjords are a peninsula found in the northwest of Iceland. For the purposes of this guide, we consider the Westfjords to be everything north of Buðardalur – including Látrabjarg, Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður.
This won’t include North Iceland, nor West Iceland, both of which have their own dedicated guides.
The Best Things to Do In The Westfjords, Iceland
From encountering the seabird colonies that make their home along the cliffs, to hiking remote regions with wide open views of the ocean, there are many exciting attractions and activities here in the Westfjords.
Encounter seabirds at Látrabjarg
The westernmost point of Iceland, Látrabjarg is one of the largest seabird cliffs in Europe. Towering before the Atlantic, the cliffs provide a safe nesting ground for an abundance of birds. Puffins, guillemots, cormorants and razorbills gather here in huge numbers, offering close encounters with wildlife that feels far from the rest of the world.
Hike through Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir offers a glimpse into a truly isolated Iceland. With no permanent residents and no roads to follow, reaching this reserve requires preparation, but the rewards are exceptional. From the Hornbjargsvíti lighthouse standing over the horizon to the dramatic cliffs of Hornbjarg, these are some of the most enticing and untouched spaces in all of Iceland. Since there are no roads, one of the few ways to get here is by boat from Ísafjörður. The boat trip across is short, but the seclusion when you arrive will make you feel like you’ve travelled to another world.
Ski Touring Around Ísafjörður
An increasingly appealing way to explore Iceland’s attractions is on skis. Ski touring combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing and is an adrenaline-filled way to see some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Embrace the remoteness, as you hike up untouched slopes before descending through remote terrain.
Climb through snow-covered fjords, choose your own line, then glide down dramatic descents before finishing at the edge of the ocean. The terrain is wide, the slopes are silent and the scale of the surroundings is nothing short of stunning.
The Best Attractions in Iceland’s Westfjords
The best attractions of the Westfjords are the landscapes that feel untouched by time. Towering mountains, roaring waterfalls and wide-open plains are the main attractions – idyllic scenes of a world far from the everyday.
Dynjandi Waterfall
The defining waterfall of the Westfjords, Dynjandi forms an iconic fan shape as it cascades down – a silhouette that is both striking and instantly recognisable. At over 100m high, and spreading across multiple tiers, the result is mesmerising. The constant rolling roar of water echoes through the fjord and gives the waterfall its name – Dynjandi translates as “thunderous”.
Rauðisandur
Rauðisandur is a coast unlike most in Iceland – whilst the beaches in the south are famously black sand, this shoreline is a soft orange that changes color with the tide. The quiet nature of the beach makes it an ideal place to spot seals, who take advantage of the quiet to sleep on the sand.
Reaching Rauðisandur is a challenge, as it requires navigating a winding gravel road, but the sense of quiet once you arrive makes the journey a vital part of the experience. With a guided tour like ours, your focus moves from navigation to embracing the isolation, allowing you to fully take in the stillness of your surroundings.
Flatey Island
While much of the Westfjords’ appeal lies in its wild landscapes, Flatey Island offers a quieter cultural contrast. A handful of residents call the colorful wooden houses home, creating a peaceful and secluded environment – even by Icelandic standards. Only accessible via the ferry, this island invites a slower pace, giving you time to take in the history and surrounding imagery.
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Westfjords
Spring in the Westfjords promises Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (“I’ll Never Go South”), a beloved annual festival held every Easter. For over twenty years, local bands and renowned acts such as Of Monsters and Men and Sigur Rós have played for free, creating a one-of-a-kind event that is quintessential Westfjords.
Summer is ideal to witness the wide array of wildlife, as puffins and guillemots return to the iconic Látrabjarg Cliffs. The longer days also make for greater sightseeing opportunities, especially through a kayaking tour where you can glide along the fjords, spotting seals and embracing the vast scale of the surrounding mountain scenery.
In autumn, the sights turn golden and red – creating an idyllic backdrop for a horseback riding tour. Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’re an experienced rider, this peaceful journey through age-old scenery offers a timeless and reflective experience amidst awe-inspiring spectacles.
The winter nights in the Westfjords are long and dark, offering ski touring in unique conditions. The mountains provide a variety of untouched slopes and off-piste routes, ideal for seasoned skiers. For those seeking a quieter experience in the wonder of the Westfjords, the Northern Lights are most visible during the darker months – perfect to take in the spectacle in a truly secluded space.
Where to Stay in the Westfjords
The Westfjords are famed for their wilderness and wildlife, yet hidden within them are exceptional places to stay for those who know where to look. From bases in tiny towns to hotels close to wildlife, there are wondrous accommodations to stay in this most remote space. As Iceland travel experts here are our top picks for a luxury stay in the Westfjords.
Heydalur Guesthouse
Deep in the secluded Heydalur Valley is a guest house that provides retreat and relaxation. Not only a cosy bed in a room with underfloor heating, Heydalur Guesthouse is a working farm, a high-class restaurant, and also has its own geothermal pools. It comes together to form a remote getaway that emphasises solitude and tranquility – an escape in and of itself.
Fosshotel Westfjords
Found in the fishing village of Patreksfjörður, Fosshotel Westfjords offers a comfortable base for exploring the southern reaches of the region. The mix of modern design and rugged landscapes provide both sides of a luxury holiday; a close proximity to the natural world and top tier comforts.
Hótel Ísafjörður Horn
The scenic views from your room in the Corner Hótel (part of Horn’s network of hotels across Ísafjörður) perfectly complements the central location. With modern stylish rooms just a short walk from stellar restaurants, the hotel offers a seamless balance of comfort and connection in the heart of the Westfjords.
Hotel Breiðavík
A cosy settlement by the coast, Hotel Breiðavík feels like a cinematic stay at the edge of the Earth in a simple (yet supremely stylish) hotel. The views of the seemingly endless Atlantic are awe-inspiring, the comfort unparalleled, and as a seasonal plus, the dramatic cliffs host puffins in the summertime.
Westfjords FAQs
Can I self-drive the Westfjords?
A self-drive tour of Iceland can be an ideal way to see the Westfjords. However, due to the unpredictable weather and precarious conditions, we aim to only offer this between mid-May and early September. Outside of these months, we strongly recommend an Iceland guide with knowledge and practical experience of the region.
Our expert guides know the best routes around the Westfjords, and can provide updates to your tour as the weather changes. The melting snow and muddy roads can be challenging for cars unprepared for the conditions.
What should I pack for the Westfjords?
As with many trips to Iceland, you’ll want to prepare for the weather. No matter what time of year, waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended – along with sturdy hiking boots that are ready for your walks across the often rugged terrain.
Where else can I visit from the Westfjords?
The Westfjords are large, but it’s a relatively simple drive from Reykjavik – around four hours to Hólmavík and up to seven hours to Patreksfjörður. The road provides scenic opportunities, making the journey to the Westfjords an exciting part of the trip.
Ready to see the best of the Westfjords?
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