Westfjords Map

The oldest and least-visited corner of Iceland: deep fjords, waterfalls, Europe's largest bird cliff and natural hot pots, with far fewer people than the South Coast.

From Ísafjörður, boat trips go to Hornstrandir, Vigur island and the Arctic fox reserve.

Westfjords tours ↗
  • Towns
  • Whales & wildlife
  • Hikes & canyons
  • Waterfalls
  • Beaches & coast
  • Hot springs & lagoons
  • Airports & ferries

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Area
~22,000 km²
Population
~7,000
Reykjavík to Ísafjörður
455 km
Dynjandi
100 m

Planning a Westfjords trip

The Westfjords are not on the Ring Road, which is exactly why they feel so wild. From Reykjavík it is about 455 km (6 hours) to Ísafjörður via the Route 60 and 61 fjord roads, or you can fly to Ísafjörður in 40 minutes. A loop of the region takes 4 to 7 days. Many roads are now paved and tunnels such as Dýrafjarðargöng have shortened the southern route, but some sections remain gravel, especially towards Látrabjarg and Rauðasandur.

Season: the Westfjords are best from June to early September. In winter the Dynjandisheiði mountain road can close, and some roads to remote sights are not cleared at all.

Highlights

  • Dynjandi: a 15-minute uphill walk passes six smaller waterfalls before you reach the base of the main fall.
  • Látrabjarg: the westernmost point of Europe outside the Azores, with tens of thousands of puffins, razorbills and guillemots nesting from May to August. Stay back from the crumbling edge.
  • Rauðasandur: a remote beach of reddish sand, often with seals. The road down is steep gravel with hairpins.
  • Ísafjörður: the region's lively hub, with boat trips to Vigur island (puffins and eider ducks) and Hornstrandir.
  • Hot pots: free natural pools such as Pollurinn, Hellulaug, Reykjafjarðarlaug and the Drangsnes tubs.

Boat trips from Ísafjörður to Vigur island and Hornstrandir run from June to August and need booking.

Book boats from Ísafjörður ↗

Getting to the Westfjords

  • By car from Reykjavík: Route 1 to Borgarnes, then Route 60 north. Allow a full day to Ísafjörður.
  • By ferry: the Baldur ferry crosses from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Brjánslækur, near Dynjandi and Látrabjarg.
  • By air: flights from Reykjavík domestic airport to Ísafjörður and Bíldudalur.

Accommodation is limited to small hotels, guesthouses and farm stays. Book well ahead for July.

Hotels in the Westfjords ↗

Plan your trip to the Westfjords

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Ísafjörður.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in the Westfjords?

At least three days to see Dynjandi, Látrabjarg and Ísafjörður; four to seven days for a relaxed loop including the Strandir coast.

Are the Westfjords open in winter?

Ísafjörður and the main towns are reachable year-round, but mountain roads such as Dynjandisheiði can close in storms and some remote areas are not served at all. Summer is strongly recommended for a road trip.

When are puffins at Látrabjarg?

Puffins nest at Látrabjarg from about mid-May to mid-August. Evening is often the best time to see them on the cliff top.

Do I need a 4x4 for the Westfjords?

Not in summer on the main roads. A 4x4 is more comfortable on gravel sections and essential for some side roads and in winter.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.