A Travel Guide to the Best Fjords in Iceland
Iceland is known for its dramatic natural scenery, and the Iceland fjords are a true testament to this.
The fjords of Iceland offer some of the most impressive sights you can imagine. They’re also the ultimate outdoor playgrounds, with amazing hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. No trip to Iceland would be complete without experiencing the country’s great fjords.
What Is a Fjord?
Iceland fjords are long, deep, narrow sea inlets with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. These beautiful natural features are formed when glaciers carve out valleys that are then flooded by the sea.
Fjords are known for their dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. Not only do fjords in Iceland offer beautiful scenery, but they’re also great places for outdoor adventures. Some of the best kayaking and hiking in Iceland is done around fjords.
Are There Fjords in Iceland?
There are some truly spectacular fjords in Iceland. Iceland has around 109 fjords, mostly located in the Westfjords and Eastfjords regions. These fjords offer stunning landscapes with steep cliffs, deep waters, and picture-perfect views.
What Can You Do at the Fjords?
Besides the amazing views, visiting Iceland's fjords lets you enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
Hiking is popular, with plenty of fjord trails offering stunning views of mountains and sea. Kayaking in the calm fjord waters lets you explore hidden coves and see wildlife up close. Boat rides are another great way to experience the fjords, providing opportunities for whale watching and fishing.
If you’re interested in camping in Iceland, then campsites in the fjords are perfect for those who love nature. Many fjords also have hot springs or geothermal pools, ideal for relaxing after a day of adventure.
The Best Iceland Fjords
If you’re going on an adventure trip in Iceland, then we’d recommend visiting a few fjords along the way. Here are the best ones to add to your itinerary.
Near Reykjavik:
If you plan a trip to Iceland, then chances are Reykjavic will be your starting destination. Here are some of the best fjords within close reach of the nation’s capital city.
Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord)
Just north of Reykjavik, Hvalfjörður stretches for 30 kilometres - a seriously expansive size for a fjord.
The fjord is so vast that a tunnel was built in 1998 to shorten travel time between Reykjavik and Akureyri, bypassing the lengthy drive around the fjord.
Hvalfjörður has plenty of history, having served as an important naval base for the Allies during World War II. If you visit, you can explore the beautiful landscapes and discover remnants of wartime structures. It’s a worthwhile destination for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
Borgarfjörður (Fortress Fjord)
Also north of Reykjavik, Borgarfjörður is distinguished by its fertile lands and hot springs.
This fjord is home to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, which supplies hot water to neighbouring towns. Borgarfjörður offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and geothermal activity. Many visitors come to this fjord to experience its lush landscapes and to bathe in its geothermal pools.
The area is also rich in Icelandic sagas and folklore, which offers an interesting cultural experience alongside the natural attractions.
On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a popular destination in Iceland for its unreal natural beauty. Here are some of the best fjords you can find in this area.
Breiðafjörður (Wide Fjord)
Breiðafjörður lies west of Reykjavik on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This fjord is known for its many spectacular islands, with Flatey Island being the most famous. The fjord is also famous for its vibrant birdlife and rich marine ecosystem.
If you’re planning to visit Breiðafjörður, we’d recommend taking a boat tour to explore the islands and observe puffins, sea eagles, and seals.
Breiðafjörður also offers some historical significance, having a connection to the Icelandic sagas. It’s this history and the fjord’s unique geography that make it a fascinating destination for all kinds of visitors.
Grundarfjörður
Grundarfjörður is a beautiful fjord surrounded by impressive mountains, including the iconic Kirkjufell. This striking landscape around the fjord has made it a favourite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
The town of Grundarfjörður, nestled at the edge of the fjord, offers a quiet atmosphere that’s well worth a visit. While you’re here, you can hike to scenic viewpoints, explore the town's charming streets, or embark on whale-watching tours to see the rich marine life in the area. This is a great home base if you’re exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Kolgrafafjörður
Kolgrafafjörður is known for its dramatic scenery and abundant Icelandic wildlife.
This fjord gets a lot of attention when large schools of herring enter its waters, which attracts various marine predators, including orcas. This can make it an amazing destination for kayaking in Iceland.
The fjord's next-level beauty and up-close wildlife opportunities make it a special destination for nature-loving visitors. If you’re in the area, we highly recommend taking a scenic drive along the fjord for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
In the Westfjords:
The Westfjords area of Iceland has some of the most impressive fjords in the country. It’s also a remote part of the country, so the fjords here are known for their untouched natural beauty.
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Lónafjörður
Lónafjörður is known for its breathtaking scenery. In fact, it’s often considered to be the most beautiful fjord in the country.
Beyond its natural beauty, this fjord is also the ultimate spot for outdoor activities. Hiking trails here offer panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, making it a favourite destination for trekkers. The fjord's clear waters are perfect for kayaking, giving you the chance to paddle close to the shoreline and discover secluded beaches.
Boat rides in Lónafjörður are a great way to experience the fjord from a different angle, often including opportunities for bird watching and exploring remote coves.
Leirufjörður
Leirufjörður is a remote and peaceful fjord, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Hiking in this area provides stunning views of rugged mountains and pristine waters. The trails lead through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to rocky outcrops, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Kayaking in the calm waters of Leirufjörður is also highly recommended.
Ísafjarðardjúp (Ice Fjord Deep)
Ísafjarðardjúp is one of the largest fjords in Iceland, with several smaller fjords branching off from it.
The area around this fjord is known for its dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and rich birdlife. Ísafjarðardjúp is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching opportunities in Iceland.
The town of Ísafjörður, located at the fjord's innermost point, is a hub for exploring the surrounding fjords and experiencing the unique culture and history of the Westfjords area. We’d recommend staying here while exploring this part of Iceland.
Dyrafjörður
Dyrafjörður is another stunning fjord in the Westfjords, known for its unspoiled landscapes and historic sites.
The fjord is surrounded by mountains and valleys, offering some amazing opportunities for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Visitors can explore the historic village of Þingeyri, one of the oldest settlements in Iceland, and learn about the region's interesting maritime heritage.
Dyrafjörður offers tranquillity, natural beauty, and a unique cultural significance - making it a worthy destination while exploring Iceland.
Arnarfjörður
Arnarfjörður is known for its striking natural beauty and folklore.
The fjord is home to the Dynjandi waterfall - one of Iceland's most impressive. The waterfall is a must-see for any visitors to the area.
Arnarfjörður's rugged landscapes and remote location provide a complete sense of tranquillity and adventure. The area is steeped in folklore, with tales of sea monsters and hidden treasures adding to its mystique.
Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints around the fjord are worth the effort, offering views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Skyhook offers a kayaking trip in Iceland's Westfjords, which will take you through both Lónafjörður and Leirufjörður.
In the Eastfjords:
If you want to experience the best Iceland fjords, then you can’t miss the Eastfjords area. Here are some of the best fjords to experience here.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður is famous for its strong historical ties to French fishermen. The town of Fáskrúðsfjörður has a museum dedicated to this history, housed in the restored French Hospital.
Just like the other fjords in this area, Fáskrúðsfjörður offers stunning landscapes, with lush green hills and the tranquil waters of the fjord itself. The hiking and bird watching is particularly good here.
Reyðarfjörður
Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest fjord in the Eastfjords. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, particularly from World War II when it was used as a base by Allied forces.
The town of Reyðarfjörður has a museum dedicated to this period, offering insights into the fjord's strategic importance. The area is also popular for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is a picturesque fjord surrounded by high mountains and known for its colourful wooden houses.
The town of Seyðisfjörður, found at the innermost point of the fjord, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and history. The fjord is a hub for creativity, hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Beyond the art, visitors can also enjoy scenic hikes, explore the town's unique architecture, and experience the unique atmosphere that this fjord offers.
Berufjörður
Berufjörður, located in the southeast, is a lesser-known but equally beautiful fjord. It’s characterized by its tranquil waters and beautiful mountain backdrop.
The small village of Djúpivogur, situated at the fjord's edge, is known for its art installations and great atmosphere. Berufjörður offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and experiencing the serene beauty of Iceland's southeastern coast.
In the North:
Travelling to the far north of Iceland can be tricky. However, when you get to this remote region of the country, you can experience some of the most amazing Iceland fjords.
Eyjafjörður
Eyjafjörður is one of the longest fjords in Iceland. The fjord is surrounded by impressive mountains and offers a wealth of activities and attractions.
The town of Akureyri, located at the base of the fjord, is the largest urban area in northern Iceland. This is a great cultural and economic hub for the area. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, skiing in the nearby mountains, and exploring the vibrant town with its botanical gardens, museums, and shops.
Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður is known for its rich agricultural lands and horse breeding.
The fjord is famous for the Icelandic horse, and you can enjoy horse riding tours to explore the scenic landscapes here.
The area is steeped in history, with many sites related to the Icelandic sagas. The fjord's fertile valleys, river deltas, and historic farms provide an ideal setting for outdoor activities and exploring the unique culture.
Conclusion
There are endless amazing sights and experiences in Iceland, but witnessing the country’s majestic fjords is always a major highlight. No matter what part of Iceland’s coastline you plan to explore, you should be able to find impressive fjords that will be a highlight of your travels in this country.
Interested in an amazing sea kayaking adventure through the glacial fjords of Iceland? Then check out our luxury Kayaking the Glacial Fjords of Iceland adventure.
