14 Best Things to Do in the Westfjords, Iceland
Deserted beaches, ink-black cliffs, glacier-gouged valleys, snow-crusted peaks: the Westfjords encapsulate all the natural splendor you’d expect from Iceland – only without the crowds.
This fjord-slashed, mountain-studded, almost entirely treeless peninsula receives far fewer visitors than Iceland’s better-known regions, making it a fantastic place to explore if you’re seeking tranquility. Covering more than 8,494 sq miles (22,000 sq km) but with a population of barely 7,000 people, it’s one of Iceland’s most sparsely inhabited areas.
If it’s wildness you’re after, the Iceland Westfjords deliver in style. There are epic beaches tinted with mineral hues, dramatic cliff faces teeming with seabirds, tiny fishing hamlets, mist-shrouded fjords, lonely headlands, and powerful waterfalls that astonish visitors. Geologically speaking, this is Iceland’s most ancient corner, a place that feels mythic and mysterious.
The reason for the peninsula’s relative isolation is its remoteness. Although its southern edge can be reached in a day’s drive from Reykjavik, you’ll need the best part of a week to reach its western or northern tips – if you manage to get there at all. Navigation can be challenging, with many valleys and fjords connected via ferries or high mountain passes often clogged by snow. Away from the main roads, much of the peninsula is rugged and unpaved, making a 4WD vehicle preferable. Villages and petrol stations are few and far between.
However, the tough nature of travel here has an obvious upside. Few travelers have the time or inclination to explore, leaving the Westfjords mainly for locals and adventurous souls. Whether you come to camp, kayak, hike, bike, bird spot, or whale watch, the Westfjords feel wild in a way few places do these days.
1. Get Drenched by Dynjandi
If the Westfjords have a best-known sight, it’s likely Dynjandi: the mighty waterfall that tumbles down a 328ft (100m) cliff face and is, by both height and volume, the largest waterfall in the region. It’s the largest in a series of falls you’ll pass on your way from the car park, including Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, and others. Standing under the main chute reveals the massive force of water crashing down from the surrounding snowcap. The name Dynjandi translates to “the Thunderer,” and it’s aptly named, as the waterfall can be as deafening as better-known Icelandic falls.
2. Watch the Sunset on Rauðasandur
Out at the southwestern tip of the Westfjords lies Rauðasandur, a stunning 6-mile (10 km) crescent of sand. Unlike the black volcanic sands found on many of the island’s other beaches, Rauðasandur’s sands shimmer with reds, pinks, golds, and oranges, glowing beautifully at sunset. Almost deserted for most of the year, it’s an otherworldly location – at the right light, it feels like a beach on an extraterrestrial planet.
3. Photograph Puffins at Látrabjarg
Látrabjarg is a must-visit for birdwatchers. Each summer, thousands of seabirds flock to these sheer, 1,312-foot-high cliffs to roost and breed. Puffins, with their comical waddling charm, steal the show among various seabird species. Even if birds aren’t your passion, the journey to Látrabjarg is worthwhile, as it is Iceland’s most westerly point.
4. Hike into Hornstrandir
Hornstrandir represents the wild at its finest. Since 1975, this rocky northern outpost of tundra, glaciers, and cliffs has been protected as a nature reserve. It offers a unique glimpse into what Iceland was like before Viking settlers arrived. Hikers and adventure seekers can explore pristine rivers, beaches, mountains, and fjords, while spotting wildlife, including Iceland’s only native mammal, the Arctic fox.
5. Chill in the Hot Pot at Krossneslaug
Hot springs abound in Iceland, and the Westfjords boast numerous options. Krossneslaug, a geothermally heated pool situated on the Strandir coast, overlooks a rocky black beach. The picturesque location and comfortable water temperature make it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
6. Experience Culture in Ísafjörður
By Westfjords standards, Ísafjörður feels like a bustling metropolis. This small harbor city of about 2,700 people is home to intriguing museums, including the Westfjords Heritage Museum and the Museum of Everyday Life, which showcases the region’s history through various mediums. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and cafés, including seafood specials.
7. Kayak Across Ísafjarðardjúp
Ísafjarðardjúp is the largest and arguably the most impressive of the many fjords in the Westfjords. Surrounded by stunning glacial scenery, several operators offer guided multi-day kayaking trips along the fjord. Along the way, avid kayakers might encounter sea eagles, seals, and occasionally whales.
8. Learn About the Region’s Seafaring Past
In Bolungarvik, the Ósvör Maritime Museum explores the salty history of the Westfjords, highlighting the maritime culture that has flourished since Viking times. The living museum presents fascinating exhibits, including turf-and-stone fisher huts and vintage rowing boats, allowing visitors to connect with the area’s storied past.
9. Saddle Up on the Þingeyri Peninsula
The remote Þingeyri peninsula is best explored on horseback or mountain bike. The striking dirt track along the coastline provides stunning views of Dýrafjörður and the Viking settlement at Haukadalur. Depending on the weather, you might even ride or cycle to the remote lighthouse of Svalvogar.
10. Discover a Herring Factory Turned Art Gallery
In Reykjarfjörður, an old herring processing plant has been transformed into a contemporary art gallery known as The Factory. Displaying adventurous artworks by leading Icelandic artists, the gallery offers a unique cultural experience that beautifully contrasts its industrial past.
11. Witness the Northern Lights
The Westfjords provide one of the best opportunities to view the Northern Lights, thanks to minimal light pollution. The peak season for aurora sightings is between October and March, though clear skies are essential. For the best chances of experiencing this natural phenomenon, consider contacting a specialist guiding company.
12. Take a 4WD Safari on Iceland’s Most Stunning Road
The road from Patreksfjörður, carved out by local adventurer Kjaran, offers thrilling views but comes with its challenges. With steep drops and narrow paths, navigating this route requires careful driving and, ideally, the guidance of an experienced local.
13. Enjoy a Road Trip Along the Strandir Coast
The isolated Strandir coast is often described as mystical, featuring dramatic cliffs, expansive fjords, and breathtaking landscapes. The journey along this rugged road connects hidden beaches and serene coves, allowing travelers to connect deeply with the untouched beauty of Iceland.
14. Get Spooked at the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Located in Hólmavík, this fascinating museum explores the rich folklore of sorcery and witchcraft in the region. Displays of magical artifacts and exhibits recounting eerie tales provide a unique and thrilling glimpse into Iceland’s supernatural past.
The Westfjords are not only a destination; they are a promise of adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking beauty waiting to be explored.
