Westfjords Travel Guide

Explore the unforgettable natural beauty and culture of Westfjords, Iceland with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, local cuisine, where to stay, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Westfjords

Located in the northwestern part of Iceland, Westfjords is an isolated and breathtakingly beautiful region hugged by the sea on three sides. This region is known for its spectacular landscapes, dramatic fjords, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture lover, Westfjords offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Westfjords

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Herring Era Museum - Explore the history of Iceland’s herring industry, which brought prosperity to the region in the early 20th century.
  • Dynjandi Waterfall - One of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dynjandi is a must-visit attraction in Westfjords.
  • Latrabjarg Cliffs - This 14km long and 440m tall sea cliff is the westernmost point in Iceland, and home to millions of seabirds.
  • Osvor Maritime Museum - Learn about the maritime history of Iceland and the Westfjords region through interactive exhibits and displays.
  • Vestfirdir Tunnel - This underwater tunnel connects the towns of Bolungarvík and Ísafjörður, providing easy access to the region.

Natural Attractions of Westfjords: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - One of the most isolated places in Iceland, Hornstrandir offers stunning hikes through untouched nature, and the opportunity to spot seals, whales, and other wildlife.
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula - This picturesque peninsula is famous for its glaciers, volcanic craters, lava fields, and hot springs.
  • Vatnajokull National Park - This park is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, as well as stunning waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs.
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - This lagoon is filled with floating icebergs, and you can take a boat tour to get up close and personal with them.
  • Skaftafell National Park - This park is located at the foot of Iceland’s largest glacier, and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horse riding, and glacier tours.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westfjords

Westfjords is a hiker’s paradise, with a variety of trails to suit all levels of fitness. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Westfjords include:

  • Hike to Hornbjarg - A challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the top of Hornbjarg mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the sea.
  • The Drangajokull Glacier Trail - A moderately challenging hike that takes you across Iceland’s fifth-largest glacier.
  • The Raudasandur Trail - A relatively easy hike that takes you to a red-sand beach and offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
  • The Reykjanes Trail - A gentle hike through one of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes, with hot springs and geysers dotted along the way.

Biking is also a popular activity in Westfjords, with scenic routes that take you through breathtaking landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Westfjords: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching Tour - Get up close and personal with whales, dolphins, and sea birds in the waters of Westfjords with a whale watching tour.
  • Kayaking Tour - Explore the fjords and bays of Westfjords from a different perspective with a kayaking tour.
  • Hot Springs Tour - Relax in the natural hot springs of Westfjords, as you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
  • Boat Tour around the Fjords - Take a boat tour to explore the stunning fjords of Westfjords, and see the region’s spectacular coastline from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for Westfjords

Day 1: Explore the town of Ísafjörður and nearby historical sites like the Old Hospital and Maritime Museum.

Day 2: Hike the Hornbjarg trail in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Day 3: Take a boat tour of the fjords and visit the remote fishing village of Hesteyri.

Day 4: Relax in the natural hot springs of Reykjanes or Drangsnes.

Day 5: Take a kayak tour of the fjords or visit the Dynjandi waterfall.

Day 6: Explore the Latrabjarg cliffs and spot millions of seabirds.

Day 7: Take a day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Vatnajokull National Park, and explore more of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Food and Drink Scene of Westfjords

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lamb - Iceland’s lamb is famous for its tenderness and flavor, and you can try it in a variety of dishes, including lamb roast and lamb stew.
  • Fish - Fresh seafood is abundant in Westfjords, and you can try everything from cod to salmon to herring.
  • Skyr - Iceland’s famous yoghurt-like dairy product, Skyr, is a must-try when in Westfjords.
  • Flatkaka - This traditional Icelandic bread is made with rye flour and often served with smoked meat or fish.
  • Rugbrau - This dark rye bread is a staple in Icelandic cuisine and makes a great accompaniment to hearty soups and stews.

Local Beverages

  • Brennivin - Iceland’s traditional distilled beverage, Brennivin, is made from potatoes and caraway seeds.
  • Beer - Iceland has a burgeoning beer scene, with many locally brewed beers available in Westfjords.
  • Coffee - Icelanders love their coffee, and you can find many cozy cafes in Westfjords serving up a variety of brews.

Where to Stay in Westfjords: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Isafjordur - Located in the heart of Isafjordur town, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the town’s attractions.
  • Hótel Edda Laugar Sælingsdalur - This hotel is located in a stunning valley, and offers easy access to hiking and skiing trails.
  • Langadalsena Guesthouse - This guesthouse is located in the beautiful fjord of Patreksfjordur, and offers comfortable rooms and stunning views.
  • The Freezer Hostel - This unique hostel is located in an old fish factory in the town of Rif, and offers a range of accommodation options for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Westfjords: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Woolen Items - Icelandic wool is famous for its softness and warmth, and you can find a variety of woolen items like sweaters, scarves, and gloves in Westfjords.
  • Fish Products - Westfjords is a hub for the fishing industry in Iceland, and you can buy a variety of fish products like smoked fish, dried fish, and fish oil.
  • Artisanal Crafts - Westfjords is home to many talented artisans, and you can find a range of handmade crafts like pottery, jewelry, and glassware.

Local Culture and Customs of Westfjords

Icelanders have a strong connection to their history and culture, and this is evident in Westfjords. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Language - Icelandic is the primary language spoken in Westfjords, but many Icelanders speak English as well.
  • Punctuality - Icelanders are punctual, so be sure to arrive on time for any appointments or tours.
  • Respect for Nature - Icelanders have a deep respect for their natural environment, and visitors are expected to do the same. Always follow the “leave no trace” policy and respect any signs and barriers in natural areas.

Best Time to Visit Westfjords

The best time to visit Westfjords is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, if you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, visit from September through March when the nights are longer and darker.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westfjords

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow the “leave no trace” policy.
  • Be punctual and arrive on time for appointments and tours.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Ignore any signs or barriers in natural areas.
  • Disturb wildlife or their habitats.
  • Leave your trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Westfjords

Westfjords is a safe destination for travelers, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Always follow any safety guidelines provided by your tour operator or accommodation.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking in remote areas or near the coast.
  • Check the weather forecast before embarking on any outdoor activities.

Health in Westfjords

Iceland has a good healthcare system, and emergency medical care is available across the country. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Westfjords: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Westfjords

The nearest airport to Westfjords is the Isafjordur Airport, which is served by domestic flights from Reykjavik.

Bus Stations Near Westfjords

Buses run to and from Westfjords from other parts of Iceland. Some of the bus stations in Westfjords include Isafjordur Bus Terminal, Sudureyri Bus Terminal, and Bolungarvik Bus Terminal.

Other Options

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach Westfjords by sea. There are several ferries that connect Westfjords with other parts of Iceland, as well as neighboring countries like Denmark and Norway.

How to Get Around in Westfjords

The best way to get around Westfjords is by car. There are several rental car companies in the region, and driving allows you to explore at your own pace and reach remote areas that are not accessible by public transportation. If you prefer to take public transportation, buses run between the towns of Westfjords, but they can be infrequent and don’t always run on time.

Where to Go Next from Westfjords: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions you might want to consider after visiting Westfjords include:

  • The Westman Islands
  • The Golden Circle
  • The Blue Lagoon
  • The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Conclusion

Westfjords, Iceland is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers a wealth of incredible attractions, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Westfjords has something for everyone. We hope this guide has helped you plan your upcoming trip and has given you a taste of what this remarkable corner of Iceland has to offer.

Dynjandi waterfall Dynjandi waterfall Atlantic puffin at Látrabjarg Atlantic puffin at Látrabjarg Dýrafjörður, a fjord in the region of Vestfirðir Dýrafjörður, a fjord in the region of Vestfirðir


    Ísafjörður