Westfjords: travelling between fjords and cliffs

The Westfjords Way is an approximately 950-kilometre circular route through Iceland’s Westfjords. It follows long fjords, crosses mountain passes and passes through tunnels; some sections of the route are still gravel roads. You can travel the full route as a road trip or explore shorter sections. As road conditions can change seasonally, it’s worth checking the current route information before planning your stages.

Cliffs, seabirds and waterfalls

Látrabjarg is one of Europe’s largest seabird cliffs. The cliffs stretch for approximately 14 kilometres and rise up to 441 metres above the Atlantic. During the breeding season, millions of seabirds nest there, including puffins, razorbills, common guillemots and northern gannets. Látrabjarg was designated a nature reserve in 2021. You can reach the cliffs by road; in some sections, you can walk along the cliff edge.

Another natural attraction is Dynjandi: the waterfall plunges approximately 100 metres and consists of a series of six waterfalls. From the designated car park, a 15-minute walk leads to the main area. Depending on the location and season, seals, whales, Arctic foxes, puffins and other seabirds may also be seen along the Westfjords Way. Wildlife-viewing opportunities depend on these changing conditions.

Protected areas and outdoor experiences

Hornstrandir is part of a 589-square-kilometre protected area in the northern part of the Westfjords Peninsula. Watching and photographing Arctic foxes is a visitor activity there in both winter and summer; however, wildlife encounters vary depending on the location and season. The most common way to reach Hornstrandir is by sea. Scheduled departures operate from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður on the Strandir coast. Check seasonal timetables before your trip.

The Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and wildlife watching; fishing and geothermal bathing are also possible. You need a permit to fish. The geothermal pool Hellulaug is located near the shore in Vatnsfjörður. There is a car park beside the access path.

Geology and regional culture

The Surtarbrandsgil protected area was designated a natural monument in 1975 to preserve fossilised plant remains, particularly lignite and clay layers from the Tertiary period. An exhibition about the nature reserve is housed in the old vicarage in Brjánslækur. It is open daily in summer, and admission is free. During opening hours, guided walks to the gorge with a ranger are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Check the current dates before your trip.

The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition centre focused on the Arctic fox. The Westfjords Heritage Museum, usually referred to as the Maritime Museum in guidebooks, offers insights into the maritime history and culture of the Westfjords. The regional food culture also gives your trip its own distinctive flavour: seafood is a central feature, and local lamb, baked goods and other culinary experiences can also be found along the route.

Plan the rest of your trip around the nature and cultural interests that matter to you. This lets you align your hotel search with the kind of trip you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Thingeyri, Patreksfjördur, Bíldudalur, Ísafjörður, Haukadalur, Keflavik, Suðureyri, Holt, Bolungarvík, Flateyri, Látur, Hólmavík, Saurbær, Breiðavík, Súðavík, Borðeyri, Hnífsdalur, Kirkjuból, Garpsdalur, Hagi, Staður, Prestbakki, Árnes, Tálknafjörður, Reykhólar, Sæból and Drangsnes.

Go to the overview of destinations: Iceland.