Complete Guide to the West Fjords of Iceland

The West Fjords of Iceland is one of the most surreal parts of the country. Most visitors miss this region as it’s remote, tricky to reach, and includes vast areas of untouched landscape. However, this is exactly what makes the West Fjords area so special.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to experience the country’s best natural beauty, then visiting the West Fjords should definitely be on your to-do list.

Skyhook offers some great Iceland adventures that help you get the best of this region!

The West Fjords are a region in the northwest part of Iceland. They’re known for their dramatic landscapes, with steep cliffs, deep fjords, and remote villages.

The area is incredibly scenic and less visited than other parts of Iceland, making it a great place for anyone looking to experience untouched nature and complete solitude.

The region is connected to the rest of Iceland by a narrow strip of land. To get there, you can drive from the capital, Reykjavik, which takes about five to six hours. There are also flights available from Reykjavik to the small airport in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the West Fjords.

Visiting the West Fjords offers a unique experience of Iceland's wild natural beauty.

The area is a lot less crowded than other tourist spots in Iceland, which means you can experience the true peace, quiet and magic of remote Iceland. The landscapes are stunning, with dramatic cliffs, deep fjords, and unspoiled nature.

The West Fjords is a great place for those who love outdoor activities and adventure. It’s one of the best places for hiking in Iceland, enjoying bird watching, and exploring untouched wilderness. The West Fjords also offer a glimpse into traditional Icelandic culture and way of life.

The best time to visit the West Fjords in Iceland is during the summer months, from May to September. During this period, the weather is milder, and the roads are more accessible - which is very important for accessing this remote region.

Heavy snowfall in the winter often makes the area difficult to reach and can cut it off from the rest of the country.

In summer, you can enjoy better road conditions and safer travel. Always check the road conditions before your trip, as the weather can change quickly.

Travelling around the West Fjords is best done by car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The roads are winding and narrow, but the scenery is worth it. We’d highly recommend adding the West Fjords to any Iceland road trip itinerary.

In summer, most roads are accessible. A 4x4 vehicle is definitely recommended for some rougher roads. Always check road conditions before setting out, as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.

Public transportation is limited in the West Fjords area, and it’s not really an option for long-distance travel here. Buses are infrequent, so plan carefully if you use them. Ferries are also available and can be a scenic way to travel between fjords.

Gas stations are few and far between around here, so fill up whenever you can.

Another great option is to take a guided tour in Iceland’s West Fjords. These usually include reliable transportation, making it a lot easier to get around and see the magnificent scenery in this region, while learning about the location from knowledgable local guides.

The main reason to visit the western fjords of Iceland is to appreciate the raw and rugged natural beauty of this area. Here are some of the best destinations to do this.

The Hornstrandir in Iceland is a remote nature reserve known for its untouched natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It's one of Iceland's least populated regions, making it a haven for local flora and fauna.

One of the best reasons to visit the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is to traverse the impressive cliffs through the Almenningar Pass. You get incredible views of Hornvík Bay and pass dramatic waterfalls. Continue your hike by climbing the Hornbjarg bird cliffs and reaching the tip of the Horn. The view from this iconic peak is unreal.

In the reserve, you can spot Arctic foxes, which are rarely seen elsewhere in Iceland, as well as seals and various bird species. The reserve is also rich in arctic plant life, which flourishes due to the absence of grazing animals.

No other place in Iceland gives you the same feeling of remoteness in a totally untouched, beautiful natural wilderness.

Visiting Hornstrandir is best done via a guided tour, as the reserve can only be accessed by boat. Consider joining our three-day wilderness hiking and luxury camping Hornstrandir Traverse tour for the best way to experience this slice of Icelandic paradise.

Drangajökull Glacier is the only glacier in the Westfjords, offering some awesome opportunities for hiking and soaking up the breathtaking views.

Unlike other Icelandic glaciers, Drangajökull is relatively untouched and hardly visited by tourists, providing a more secluded experience.

The surrounding area, including the beautiful fjord of Leirufjörður, offers some of the West Fjords’s most dramatic landscapes. If you want to explore Iceland’s most impressive glacial fjord wilderness, then the best way to do it is by kayaking through the area.

Check out our Iceland fjords sea kayaking tour for the ultimate adventure through this magnificent area.

Ísafjarðardjúp Bay is a remote and totally unspoiled coastal area in north-western Iceland. If you want to experience Icelandic sea mammals and see some of the best sunsets in the country, then this is a great place to go.

We offer a three-day sea kayaking adventure in Iceland's Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, where you can explore the area’s stunning fjords and rich wildlife. You’ll paddle through Seyðisfjörður fjord, enjoy panoramic views of the snowy Snæfjallaströnd coastline, paddle around Vigur Island and the Hvítanes peninsula, see thousands of seabirds and a colony of harbour seals. Along the way, you camp in some of Iceland’s most beautiful remote beaches.

This area offers a unique blend of marine wildlife, a beautiful coastline, and vibrant flora. It's an unforgettable place to experience.

The Látrabjarg Cliffs are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during the summer when millions of birds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, nest here.

The cliffs stretch for 14 kilometres and reach heights of over 440 meters, offering breathtaking views.

Visitors can get remarkably close to the birds, but you’ll need to be cautious due to the unstable ground and steep drops.

Often called the "Jewel of the Westfjords," Dynjandi Waterfall is a must-see for anyone visiting this area.

This series of waterfalls culminates in a main drop of about 100 meters, creating a fan-like shape as the water cascades down. The contrasting colours of the white water, black lava, and green moss make it a seriously impressive site.

Several smaller waterfalls can be found nearby, each with its own charm. These waterfalls make Dynjandi a perfect spot for photography and nature walks.

Rauðasandur Beach stands out with its red sand, a rarity in Iceland where black volcanic beaches are common. The sand gets its colour from crushed red and pink shells.

Located beneath the Látrabjarg cliffs, Rauðasandur offers a tranquil setting for walks and picnics. To explore the entire beach, you’ll need to wade across a shallow stream.

Hvítanes is a coastal area known for its seal colonies. Visitors can often see seals lounging on the rocks close to the shore, making it a great spot for anyone interested in marine wildlife.

The area's serene environment and stunning views of the fjords add to its appeal. Hvítanes is easily accessible by car, and a visit here offers a peaceful break with the chance to observe seals in their natural habitat.

Flatey Island, located in Breiðafjörður Bay, is a charming destination with a rich history. You can reach the island by a 2.5-hour ferry from Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur.

The island's colourful, well-preserved houses create a charming village atmosphere. Historically, Flatey was an important cultural and religious centre, and remnants of this era can still be seen.

The ferry ride itself offers scenic views of the surrounding fjords and islands, making it a worthwhile journey.

The West Fjords of Iceland may be known for their amazing natural beauty, but this region is not all remote wilderness. Here are some of the most charming towns in the Western Fjords that are well worth a visit.

Ísafjörður, often called the "Capital of the Westfjords," is a cultural and historical hub. With a population of about 2,700, it's the largest town in the region.

Ísafjörður offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The Maritime Museum provides insights into Iceland's fishing history, while the Edinborg Cultural Centre and the Old Hospital showcase local art and exhibitions.

We’d recommend staying here as a base for kayaking and biking adventures through the stunning fjords and surrounding landscapes.

Bíldudalur, located along the Arnarfjörður fjord, is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history.

The town is home to the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum, where you can learn about local folklore and legends. Nearby, Selárdalur Valley features some great art installations and sculptures by local artist Samúel Jónsson.

Hólmavík, the largest village in the Strandir area, is rich in history and folklore.

The village is home to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, which delves into the region's occult past. Nearby, Drangsnes offers geothermal tubs with mountain views, and Djúpavík features an eerie abandoned herring factory.

Hólmavík also offers whale-watching tours, providing a chance to see Iceland's largest marine residents.

Reykhólar is a small village on the edge of the Westfjords with only around 120 residents. It's a haven for bird watchers, thanks to the area's shallow coast and diverse bird species.

The tranquil setting and natural attractions around the village make Reykhólar a great spot for a relaxing visit.

Patreksfjörður is a charming town in the southern Westfjords, perfect for exploring nearby attractions like Dynjandi Waterfall, Látrabjarg Cliffs, and Rauðasandur Beach.

The town features a popular swimming pool and is close to hot springs. Patreksfjörður is also ideal for bird watching, especially for puffins that nest in the area.

Flateyri is a pretty village surrounded by flat-topped mountains and stunning seascapes. It features a restaurant, pub, swimming pool, and hot tubs.

A highlight of Flateyri is the Old Bookstore, Iceland's oldest original store, which has retained its early 20th-century charm and is still run by a descendant of the original owner.

Þingeyri is a small village nestled at the base of the Westfjords' tallest mountains. It's one of Iceland's oldest trading posts and offers a glimpse into the region's history.

The village is a starting point for various hiking and biking trails, including routes to the stunning Dynjandi Waterfall.

While the West Fjords in Iceland are a bit out of the way, this area’s rugged charm and unspoiled natural beauty make it an incredible place to visit. Whether you plan to go hiking, camping, birdwatching, or kayaking in Iceland, the West Fjords is one of the best places to do it.

As it’s a remote area, we’d highly recommend joining a tour to help you navigate this region safely. Check out our highly-rated tours in north-western Iceland for an unforgettable adventure.