Westfjords Iceland Travel Guide

The Westfjords (Vestfirðir) is Iceland's largest peninsula and arguably its most remote region, jutting into the North Atlantic from the country's northwestern corner. Connected to the rest of Iceland by a narrow isthmus, it covers roughly one-quarter of Iceland's landmass but is home to only around 7,000 people — less than 2 percent of the national population.

The landscape here is defined by deep, narrow fjords carved by glaciers, high plateaus blanketed in tundra, dramatic sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The road network is largely unpaved and sinuous, tracing each fjord's shoreline rather than cutting across headlands, which means distances take far longer to drive than maps suggest.

The Westfjords rewards travelers who are self-sufficient, unhurried, and genuinely curious about wild places. It is not a destination suited to a quick stopover. Those who arrive expecting the infrastructure of the Golden Circle or the South Coast will find something very different — and, for many, far more memorable.

Isafjörður is the regional capital and the only settlement of any significant size. It serves as the main hub for services, accommodation, transport connections, and guided excursions into the surrounding wilderness.

Visas

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary by nationality. For guidance relevant to your passport, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Icelandic Directorate of Immigration website before you travel.

When to Visit

Summer (June–August) is the most practical window: mountain roads are open, ferries run on fuller schedules, and near-continuous daylight allows for extended exploration. However, accommodation and any available tours book up quickly, so plan well ahead.

Winter travel is possible but demanding. Many highland and coastal roads close due to snow and ice, and some businesses shut entirely. Those willing to navigate these conditions may be rewarded with Northern Lights, frozen fjords, and a profound sense of solitude.

What to Pack

• Waterproof and windproof outer layers regardless of season
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Layers for rapidly changing weather
• Navigation aids (offline maps or a dedicated GPS device — phone signal is patchy across much of the region)
• A physical road atlas or regional map as a backup
• Emergency snacks and water for long drives between settlements

Money

Card payments are widely accepted in Isafjörður and most guesthouses. Carry some ISK cash for smaller, more remote stops where card facilities cannot be guaranteed. Verify this locally as practices can change.

By Air

Air Iceland Connect operates scheduled flights between Reykjavík's domestic Reykjavík Airport (RKV) and Isafjörður Airport (IFJ). The flight takes approximately 40 minutes and is the fastest way to reach the region. Flight frequency and scheduling vary by season — check the current schedule on the airline's official site when planning.

By Ferry

The Baldur ferry connects Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Brjánslækur in the southern Westfjords, stopping at Flatey island en route. This is a scenic and practical option if you are driving through West Iceland, saving a long road detour. Schedules are seasonal; verify current timetables through Seatours (Sæferðir) before booking.

By Road

Driving from Reykjavík via Route 1 and then Route 60 is the most flexible option if you want your own vehicle in the region. The journey typically takes six to eight hours depending on road conditions, the route taken, and stops. A significant portion of roads within the Westfjords are gravel (F-roads or rural gravel routes), and some sections require a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle — confirm vehicle requirements locally or with your rental provider before setting out.

Having your own vehicle is by far the most practical way to explore the Westfjords. Car hire is available in Isafjörður; availability is limited so book well in advance, especially for summer travel.

The region's road network follows the fjord coastlines, which means a destination that looks close on a map may involve driving 30–60 minutes around a fjord. Factor this into all journey planning. Road conditions change rapidly with weather, and some roads close seasonally — check road.is (Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) for live road conditions before each drive.

A small local bus service connects some communities within the Westfjords, but schedules are infrequent and not suited to flexible sightseeing. Verify current routes and times locally in Isafjörður.

Kayaking and hiking are meaningful ways to experience individual fjords up close. Several operators in Isafjörður offer guided kayak tours — verify current offerings on arrival or through the regional tourism office.

Accommodation in the Westfjords is limited compared to more touristed parts of Iceland. Isafjörður has the widest selection, including guesthouses, small hotels, and self-catering apartments. Outside the capital, options shift to farm stays, guesthouses in village settings, and basic camping facilities.

Camping is popular in summer and is permitted at designated campsites across the region. Wild camping practices are governed by Icelandic law — understand the current rules before pitching a tent on private or protected land.

Book all accommodation well in advance for the June–August peak season. Some guesthouses close entirely outside summer, so confirm availability if traveling in shoulder or winter months. Specific hotel and guesthouse recommendations should be verified through current booking platforms or the regional tourism office, as properties open and close regularly in this part of Iceland.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

One of Europe's largest roadless wilderness areas, Hornstrandir is accessible only by boat from Isafjörður (seasonal). The reserve is home to large colonies of Arctic foxes — which are unusually unafraid of humans here — as well as seabirds, dramatic cliffs, and multi-day hiking routes. No permanent population lives in Hornstrandir. Day trips and multi-night hiking expeditions are both possible; plan carefully and carry all necessary supplies.

Dynjandi Waterfall

Often considered the most beautiful waterfall in the Westfjords, Dynjandi (also called Fjallfoss) cascades down a series of rock terraces to the shore of Arnarfjörður. A short walking trail leads from the parking area past several smaller falls to the base of the main drop. It is one of the most accessible major natural sights in the region.

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs

The westernmost point of Iceland and of Europe (depending on how this is measured), Látrabjarg stretches for several kilometres along the coast and rises to considerable heights. It supports enormous colonies of razorbills, guillemots, and puffins during the breeding season (roughly May–August). The cliffs are unfenced in many sections — exercise caution near edges.

Reykjanes Hot Spring (Westfjords)

Not to be confused with the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavík, the small settlement of Reykjanes in Ísafjarðardjúp is home to a geothermal hot spring area with a public pool. Verify opening hours and any admission fees locally before visiting.

Þingeyri and Súðavík

Thingeyri (Þingeyri) is one of the oldest trading posts in Iceland and offers a quiet, authentic glimpse of small-town Westfjords life. Súðavík is home to the Arctic Fox Center (Melrakkasetur), an informative exhibition on Iceland's only native land mammal, with live foxes in an outdoor enclosure. Verify current admission fees and hours on the center's official site.

Isafjörður has several restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. Outside of the capital, food options become sparse — some guesthouses offer dinner for guests (often requiring advance notice), and small villages may have a petrol station with basic provisions, but dedicated restaurants are rare.

Local seafood — particularly cod, haddock, and langoustine — is fresh and frequently featured in Isafjörður restaurants. Skyr, lamb dishes, and traditional Icelandic bread baked in geothermal ground are worth trying where available.

Alcohol is not sold in supermarkets in Iceland; wine, beer, and spirits are available only at Vínbúðin (the state-run alcohol retailer). Isafjörður has a branch — verify current opening hours locally. Restaurants with a licence can serve alcohol with meals.

If you are driving extensively through the region, carry sufficient food and water for the day. There are stretches of road where you will pass no services for several hours.

Emergency Services

The general emergency number in Iceland is 112. The 112 Iceland app allows users to share GPS location with emergency services and is strongly recommended for anyone hiking or traveling in remote areas of the Westfjords.

Healthcare

Isafjörður has a health centre (heilsugæsla) providing primary care. For serious medical emergencies, patients may need to be transferred to Reykjavík. Travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation is strongly advisable.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage in the Westfjords is significantly patchier than in the Reykjavík area or along the Ring Road. Expect dead zones across much of the interior and along less-traveled fjords. Download offline maps (such as maps.me or Google Maps offline) before leaving Isafjörður.

Weather

Weather in the Westfjords is changeable and can deteriorate rapidly at any time of year. Always check the Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast (vedur.is) before heading into the outdoors, and be prepared for conditions to differ from the forecast.

Respect for Nature

The Westfjords contains fragile ecosystems. Stay on marked trails where they exist, do not disturb nesting birds or wildlife, carry out all litter, and follow Leave No Trace principles throughout.

The Westfjords presents genuine safety considerations that travelers should take seriously. Road hazards include narrow gravel roads with steep drop-offs, blind corners, single-lane bridges, and surfaces that become treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Drive slowly, use passing places correctly, and never drive off-road — it is illegal and causes lasting damage to fragile terrain.

Hiking in Hornstrandir and other remote areas requires solid navigation skills, appropriate equipment, and awareness of weather. People have needed rescue in conditions that appeared benign. Always register your travel plans with safetravel.is before heading into remote areas.

Ocean and cliff edges throughout the region are unfenced and can be undercut or unstable. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges at all times, including at Látrabjarg.

Seawater temperatures are dangerously cold year-round. If kayaking or taking boat tours, follow all safety briefings from operators.