The Westfjords isn’t usually the first place people think of when planning an Iceland road trip. Most people think of the Golden Circle, South Coast, or driving the Ring Road.
And yes, those regions are beautiful and absolutely deserve attention, but they can also be some of the busiest parts of the country, particularly during the summer months.
This is what makes The Westfjords so special.
Located in northwestern Iceland, this remote region is known for its mountains, fjords, dramatic coastlines, and small fishing communities. It’s also the oldest geological region in Iceland, with rock formations estimated to be around 24 million years old.
My partner and I decided to visit The Westfjords when we were planning our second trip to Iceland. We had done the classic South Iceland road trip on our first visit, and this time, we wanted to go somewhere less visited.
During our Westfjords road trip, we spent our days soaking in remote hot springs, spotting whales, learning about Icelandic witchcraft, and driving along fjords.
I wouldn’t say any part of Iceland is “best.” Every region of the country is beautiful and special in its own way. But The Westfjords stood out to us because of how quiet it was. We were able to experience the landscape without the crowds found in some of Iceland’s more popular regions.
Want to experience this special region of Iceland? Here are the best things to do on a Westfjords road trip.
- 1. Experience the Fjord Landscapes
- 2. Visit Dynjandi Waterfall
- 3. Go Whale Watching in Hólmavík
- 4. Soak in a Remote Geothermal Pool
- 5. Tour Saltverk Sea Salt Factory
- 6. Stop at Garðar BA 64
- 7. Enjoy Coffee and Cake at Litlibær
- 8. Visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
- 9. Stop in Ísafjörður
- 10. Walk Along the Látrabjarg Cliffs
- 11. Visit Þingmannaá Waterfall & Canyon
- Bonus: View the Northern Lights
- Visiting The Westfjords, Iceland: Basics to Know
- The Case for Visiting Iceland’s Westfjords
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Various landscapes throughout the Westfjords.
1. Experience the Fjord Landscapes
Most of my favourite moments in The Westfjords weren’t specific attractions. They were the stretches of road where we rounded a corner and suddenly found ourselves looking out over an enormous fjord.
The drive into Ísafjörður was one of the highlights for me. The road winds between towering mountains and follows the edge of the water, with fjords stretching out in every direction.
Another particularly scenic section is the drive along Önundarfjörður, where you’ll pass wide sandy beaches, dramatic peaks, and an iconic pier that extends out into the fjord.
Across all of Iceland there are specific points of interest to stop at, and this is absolutely true of The Westfjords. But what’s also true in The Westfjords is that the drives are an experience in themselves.
So give yourself plenty of time in your itinerary for unplanned stops, scenic pullouts, and short walks. In a lot of ways, road-tripping The Westfjords really is about the driving itself.
2. Visit Dynjandi Waterfall
If there’s one attraction you shouldn’t miss in The Westfjords, it’s Dynjandi.
Standing 100 metres (328 feet) tall, Dynjandi is the largest and most famous waterfall in the region.
Unlike many of Iceland’s waterfalls that plunge straight down a cliff, Dynjandi spreads out as it descends, creating a wide, tiered cascade that resembles a bridal veil.
What makes Dynjandi especially impressive is its scale. The waterfall is around 30 metres wide at the top and expands to roughly 60 metres wide at its base. Even from the parking lot, it’s impossible to miss.
To get to Dynjandi you do need to do a short uphill hike from the parking area. The trail is well-maintained and takes about 15 to 20 minutes each way, depending on how often you stop.
And trust me, you’ll want to stop often.
As you make your way up the path, you’ll pass a series of smaller waterfalls that are part of the same river system. These include Bæjarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, and Hæstahjallafoss.
When you reach the base of Dynjandi, you’ll notice right away how intense the force of the waterfall is, and standing next to it, you’ll be surrounded by mist.
The walk back down from the highest viewpoint is beautiful too. As you descend, you have really gorgeous views of the surrounding landscapes.
Parking at Dynjandi Waterfall costs 750 ISK (about $6 USD) for a standard passenger car. Access to the site itself is free, and the fee goes directly toward trail maintenance and facilities.
In the service area you’ll find picnic tables, charging facilities, public toilets, and a cooking area.
Dynjandi waterfall
3. Go Whale Watching in Hólmavík
Northern Iceland is known for whale watching, and The Westfjords is no exception.
We joined a tour with Laki Tours out of Hólmavík, which is a small fishing community located on Steingrímsfjörður, a long fjord that provides excellent feeding grounds for marine life.
And because there are only a couple whale watching operators in town, you’re often the only tour boat out on the water. We were!
During our trip we saw humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins, all against the backdrop of the dramatic fjords.
What really surprised us about the tour was how quickly we spotted whales. We were only on the boat about 15 or 20 minutes before our guide pointed the first one out.
I think it’s worth noting that Laki Tours has a very obvious commitment to responsible whale watching. The guides prioritize observing whales without crowding, chasing, or disrupting their natural behaviour.
At the end of the tour, as we traveled back to Hólmavík, our guide held an educational session. We were taught about the species we encountered, it was explained why the fjords are such important feeding areas, and our guide talked about the challenges whales face in the North Atlantic.
We also got to look through a book of all the whale tails that have been photographed by the Laki Tours guides in the fjord. They have given many of the whales names, and noted how often they are seen.
Even if you’ve been whale watching elsewhere in Iceland, I’d still recommend doing it in The Westfjords. The combination of fewer boats, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife makes it really special.
Whale watching with Laki Tours
4. Soak in a Remote Geothermal Pool
Like the rest of Iceland, The Westfjords sits on top of intense geothermal activity created by the country’s unique location along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
This volcanic activity heats groundwater beneath the surface, creating the hot springs and geothermal pools that Iceland is so famous for. Many of the pools across The Westfjords are simple, community-maintained baths tucked beside fjords, beaches, and mountain slopes.
They don’t usually have fancy facilities, so be prepared to change into your bathing suit in your vehicle or using makeshift facilities that are maintained by the local communities.
Some of our favourite hot springs in the Westjords were:
- Hellulaug: A small natural pool located right beside the ocean on the southern coast of The Westfjords. Soaking in warm water while looking out at the sea is a pretty unforgettable experience.
- Reykjafjarðarlaug: Located in Reykjafjörður, this hot spring features both a warmer pool and a cooler pool, allowing visitors to choose their preferred temperature.
- Hörgshlíðarlaug: A small man-made pool overlooking a fjord. It may not be the largest pool in Iceland, but the views more than make up for it.
Beyond the scenery and soaking, one of my favourite things about Icelandic hot springs is the social aspect. Soaking in geothermal water is deeply embedded in Icelandic culture, and pools often serve as community gathering places.
It’s not unusual to find yourself chatting with local residents, fellow road-trippers, or travelers from around the world while relaxing in the water. For example, while soaking in the Drangsnes Hot Pots, we met some folks who were living and working in The Westfjords.
One of them was from Italy, the other from Poland. They told us about how they had moved to Iceland for temporary work, but fell in love, and decided to stay. They worked in a fish canning factory in The Westjords, a job that pays well because of the remote location.
Many of the geothermal pools in The Westfjords are maintained by local communities and operate on a donation basis. If you visit, be sure to leave a contribution to help with upkeep.
5. Tour Saltverk Sea Salt Factory
Saltverk is Iceland’s first sea salt producer and harvests flaky sea salt from the waters of Breiðafjörður Bay.
The factory is in Reykhólar, a small, geothermally active village of roughly 100 residents located on the southern edge of The Westfjords peninsula in northwest Iceland.
What makes the operation interesting is that it combines two of Iceland’s most famous natural resources: clean seawater and geothermal energy.
The area around Reykhólar has a long history of salt production dating back centuries.
Breiðafjörður Bay is ideal for making sea salt because of its clean waters and large tidal movements, while the region’s geothermal activity provides a renewable source of heat for the evaporation process.
Saltverk uses geothermal energy to slowly evaporate seawater, leaving behind delicate flakes of sea salt that are harvested by hand.
Today, Saltverk produces a variety of flavored salts, including Arctic thyme, birch-smoked salt, and lava salt. You’ll find their products in restaurants, specialty food shops, and home kitchens throughout Iceland.
When we visited, tours weren’t running, but we still made a point of stopping by the shop. We picked up a few different salts to bring home. Unlike many travel souvenirs that end up sitting on a shelf, we use them regularly in our kitchen.
If tours are available during your visit, they’re a great opportunity to learn more about the production process and the history of salt making in the region.
Even if they’re not, I still think Saltverk is worth a quick stop, especially if you’re interested in local food, sustainable production, or bringing home a souvenir.
Saltverk
6. Stop at Garðar BA 64
Nearby the village of Patreksfjörður (the biggest town in the southern part of The Westfjords) is an abandoned ship on the shoreline.
At first glance, you might assume it’s a shipwreck, but Garðar wasn’t lost at sea or accidentally wrecked.
Built in Norway in 1912, it is the oldest steel ship in Iceland. It was originally constructed as a whaling vessel, and then later served as a fishing boat and transport ship. It worked in Icelandic waters for nearly 70 years before being retired in 1981.
Rather than being dismantled, the ship was deliberately brought ashore, where it remains today. Over the decades, exposure to Icelandic weather has transformed it into one of the country’s most recognizable “shipwrecks” and a popular stop on a Westfjords road trip.
A stop at Garðar BA 64 doesn’t take long, it’s a quick walk from the parking area (which is free to use) to see the ship up close.
If you’re driving between Dynjandi and Látrabjarg, the Garðar BA 64 shipwreck is an easy detour and a worthwhile place to stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and learn a little more about Iceland’s maritime history.
7. Enjoy Coffee and Cake at Litlibær
Litlibær is a small turf-roofed house that was built in 1895 and is one of the few remaining examples of a traditional Icelandic turf home in the region. Today, it’s a cafe that serves coffee, tea, and baked goods.
For generations, families in Iceland built homes with thick turf walls because timber was hard to come by.
It’s worth thinking about this as you road trip around Iceland, because you’ll start to notice that you actually don’t see many (if any) trees around.
Turf was a good alternative building material because it provides excellent insulation against the sometimes harsh weather in Iceland.
Stopping at Litlibær is well worth it for a coffee break. The house operates as a seasonal café during the summer months, serving homemade waffles, cakes, coffee, and hot chocolate.
But it’s also an interesting stop because it gives you the chance to see what these historic turf-roofed homes are like inside. The interior has been carefully preserved, so it feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the late 1800s.
8. Visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík explores Iceland’s seventeenth-century witchcraft trials and the folklore that surrounded them.
Many people associate European witch trials with women, but Iceland’s history was quite different.
Unlike the rest of Europe, where marginalized women were targeted, Icelandic magical traditions required literacy and access to grimoires (books of magic).
These were mostly owned by educated or church-schooled men, and so as a result, most of the people accused and executed for witchcraft in Iceland were actually men!
Witchcraft has a particularly strong connection to The Westfjords because many of Iceland’s witchcraft trials took place in this remote region during the 1600s.
Isolated communities, harsh living conditions, superstition, and religious tensions all contributed to fears about magic and the supernatural. As a result, The Westfjords became the epicenter of some of the most famous witchcraft cases in Icelandic history.
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft has exhibits, historical records, and artifacts that teach you about real witchcraft trials, Icelandic folk beliefs, and the role that magic played in everyday life.
The museum is also known for its displays of traditional spells, talismans, and folklore.
What most blew my mind was a replica of the infamous nábrók (necropants) that you can see in the museum. These are a magical pair of pants from Icelandic folklore said to be made from the skin of a deceased person and worn to attract wealth.
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft is a fascinating stop and something completely different from Iceland’s waterfalls, hot springs, and landscapes.
Admission to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft in Hólmavík costs approximately 1,300 ISK (about $9.50 USD / $13 CAD) per adult. The museum is small, so plan to spend 1-2 hours there.
After the museum, it’s worth walking around Hólmavík, too!
9. Stop in Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest town in The Westfjords. It’s surrounded by steep mountains and set on a narrow spit of land extending into the fjord, making the views of the town and surrounding area really beautiful.
Ísafjörður has a long history tied to fishing and trade, and many of its oldest buildings date back to the eighteenth century. While you’re there, visit the Museum of Everyday Life for a unique look at contemporary Icelandic culture.
Or, stop by The Westfjords Heritage Museum to learn about the region’s fishing history and the challenges of life in this remote part of the country.
Ísafjörður also has a vibrant food and arts scene! If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, stop by Dokkan Brugghús. We really enjoyed having a flight of their beer along with some excellent fish and chips.
Spend some time wandering the town’s harbour, browsing local shops, or simply enjoying the views across the fjord.
The town also serves as a good base for visiting Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a wilderness area known for its dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, seabird colonies, and Arctic foxes. But even if you’re not heading into Hornstrandir, Ísafjörður is well worth visiting.
10. Walk Along the Látrabjarg Cliffs
Látrabjarg is located at the westernmost edge of The Westfjords and is one of the most incredible coastal viewpoints in the region. Stretching for roughly 14 kilometres and rising up to 440 metres above the ocean, the cliffs are considered the largest bird cliffs in Europe.
During the summer months, they become home to millions of nesting seabirds, including razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, and one of Iceland’s most famous residents: puffins.
The best time to see puffins is generally between late May and early August.
To visit, drive to the Látrabjarg parking area at the end of Road 612. From there, it’s an easy walk to the cliff edge viewpoints.
You can spend as little as 30 minutes here, but it’s worth allowing extra time to walk along the cliff tops and take in the different perspectives.
On a clear day, the views stretch across the North Atlantic, with towering cliffs disappearing into the distance. Even though we visited outside puffin season, I still thought the scenery alone made the drive worthwhile.
And standing at the edge of these massive sea cliffs while waves crashed hundreds of metres below was one of the most memorable landscapes we experienced in The Westfjords.
A word of caution: There are basically no barriers along the cliff edge, and sections of the ground can be unstable. Stay well back from the edge, follow posted warnings, and take extra care if you’re visiting on a windy day.
11. Visit Þingmannaá Waterfall & Canyon
Located near the town of Þingeyri, Þingmannaá Waterfall doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as Dynjandi, which means you may have the place almost entirely to yourself.
While the waterfall itself is beautiful, what makes this stop special is the narrow canyon that the river has carved into the landscape over thousands of years.
A short walking trail leads from the parking area to a viewpoint overlooking the gorge. From here, you can watch the waterfall plunge into the canyon below while steep rock walls rise on either side.
The combination of the waterfall, winding river, and canyon creates a really beautiful landscape that feels very different from many of Iceland’s more open waterfall settings.
The walk only takes a few minutes, making it an easy stop for most travelers. Parking is free, but don’t expect many facilities. There are no visitor centres, cafés, or washrooms here, just a small parking area and a trail leading to the viewpoint.
If you’re driving between Dynjandi and Ísafjörður, Þingmannaá Waterfall is well worth the detour.
Þingmannaá Canyon
Bonus: View the Northern Lights
If you’re visiting The Westfjords between September and April, you may have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights happen when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating ribbons and waves of green, pink, purple, and white light across the night sky.
The Westfjords is one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights because its remote location means there are low levels of light pollution.
Outside of towns like Ísafjörður, there are vast stretches of coastline, mountains, and fjords with very little artificial light, creating really good conditions for aurora viewing.
That said, seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. You need darkness, clear skies, and sufficient solar activity. Even if the aurora forecast is strong, cloud cover can obscure the display.
Time of year also matters. During the summer months, The Westfjords experiences extremely long days and around the summer solstice the sun barely sets at all. Even if aurora activity is happening overhead, the sky is too bright to see it.
For that reason, the Northern Lights season in Iceland generally runs from September through April, when the nights are dark enough for viewing.
We were lucky to spot them twice when we road tripped through The Westfjords. Our best display of the lights happened just outside of Hólmavík, at Hveravik Campsite.
We had checked into the campsite with our camper van for the night, and because the aurora forecast was good, we checked every few minutes once it was dark. And around 10:00 PM, the lights were visible!
If you want to experience the Northern Lights in The Westjords, the best time to go is September, October, March, and early April.
During these months the roads are generally easier to navigate than in mid-winter, and the nights are still dark enough to provide opportunities for aurora viewing.
If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, check both the aurora forecast and weather forecast each evening, then head somewhere away from town lights and be prepared to wait.
Some of the best displays can appear unexpectedly and last only a few minutes, while others can dance across the sky for hours.
Visiting The Westfjords, Iceland: Basics to Know
I hope by this point I’ve convinced you that a Westfjords road trip is worth doing.
It was one of my favourite regions in Iceland, but it’s also a part of the country that requires a little more planning than the Golden Circle or South Coast. Distances can be longer than they appear on a map, services are more limited, and weather conditions can change quickly.
Before you hit the road, here are the most important things to know when planning a trip to The Westfjords.
When is the best time to visit the Westfjords?
Between early June and early September is the best time to visit The Westfjords. This is because in summer, you’ll get the best road conditions which makes for easier, safer travel.
From late September to May, traveling to The Westfjords is risky.
Winter weather brings heavy snowfall which makes the region difficult to reach, and can cut it off from the rest of the country.
We road tripped The Westfjords in early October, which was the very end of the season in the region. If you choose to go in October, be sure to go early in the month and be prepared for potential snowfall.
How long does it take to drive from Reykjavik to Westfjords?
The drive from Reykjavík to Hólmavík, which is often considered the gateway to the Westfjords, takes approximately 3 hours under normal conditions.
That might make the region seem closer than it feels in practice. Once you arrive in the Westfjords, the real driving begins.
The region is shaped by a maze of fjords, mountains, and peninsulas, which means you’ll basically always find yourself driving around a fjord rather than directly across it. Distances that look short on a map can take much longer than expected.
For that reason, I recommend treating the drive to the Westfjords as part of the adventure rather than simply a transfer day.
There are plenty of scenic viewpoints, small communities, hot springs, and roadside stops along the way that are worth building into your itinerary.
It’s also important to remember that the 3-hour estimate assumes good weather and road conditions. Strong winds, rain, fog, snow, or icy roads can significantly increase driving times, particularly outside of summer.
Before setting out, check both the weather forecast and current road conditions, and be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions aren’t good.
One thing I quickly learned while road tripping the Westfjords is that it’s always better to allow more driving time than you think you’ll need.
The scenery is spectacular, and you’ll almost certainly find yourself stopping more often than planned.
How long does it take to drive from Reykjavik to Westfjords?
The drive from Reykjavík to Hólmavík, which is often considered the gateway to the Westfjords, takes approximately 3 hours under normal conditions.
That might make the region seem closer than it feels in practice. Once you arrive in the Westfjords, the real driving begins.
The region is shaped by a maze of fjords, mountains, and peninsulas, which means you’ll basically always find yourself driving around a fjord rather than directly across it. Distances that look short on a map can take much longer than expected.
For that reason, I recommend treating the drive to the Westfjords as part of the adventure rather than simply a transfer day.
There are plenty of scenic viewpoints, small communities, hot springs, and roadside stops along the way that are worth building into your itinerary.
It’s also important to remember that the 3-hour estimate assumes good weather and road conditions. Strong winds, rain, fog, snow, or icy roads can significantly increase driving times, particularly outside of summer.
Before setting out, check both the weather forecast and current road conditions, and be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions aren’t good.
One thing I quickly learned while road tripping the Westfjords is that it’s always better to allow more driving time than you think you’ll need.
The scenery is spectacular, and you’ll almost certainly find yourself stopping more often than planned.
Do you need a 4×4 for Westfjords?
The main routes in the Westfjords are well-paved roads, but you are likely to encounter rough gravel roads, often with plenty of potholes, as you drive the region.
Given this, a 4×4 is recommended for a Westfjords road trip because it will make your travels safer and more comfortable.
It is possible to drive the Westfjords with a 2WD vehicle, but if you choose to do this, be extremely cautious on gravel roads, avoid driving on F-roads, and check weather and road conditions regularly.
When planning your trip, you have a couple of options. Many people rent a 4×4 car and stay in hotels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals.
Alternatively, you can do what we did and rent a 4×4 campervan. This gave us a lot of flexibility and allowed us to stay at campsites throughout the Westfjords.
One thing that surprised me was how many campsites there were, even in small communities.
Many of them are located in beautiful settings beside fjords, mountains, or the ocean, and most have excellent facilities, including washrooms, showers, cooking areas, and common spaces.
If you’re comfortable with camping, a campervan can be a fantastic way to experience the Westfjords and make the most of the region’s incredible scenery.
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The Case for Visiting Iceland’s Westfjords
The Westfjords is home to incredible fjord landscapes, fascinating history, remote geothermal pools like Hellulaug, abundant wildlife, and some of the most memorable drives I’ve experienced anywhere in Iceland.
But one of the reasons I appreciated this region so much is that visiting it can help support a more balanced form of tourism in Iceland.
Most of Iceland’s tourism is concentrated around the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Ring Road.
During the busy summer season, these areas can experience overcrowding, traffic congestion, trail erosion, and pressure on local infrastructure.
By spending part of your trip in lesser-visited regions like The Westfjords, you can help spread tourism dollars across more communities and reduce pressure on the country’s busiest attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I hope you’ll consider adding the Westfjords to your itinerary. And wherever you travel in Iceland, remember to be a respectful guest.
Stay on designated trails, respect closures and warning signs, avoid supporting industries that rely on puffin or whale consumption, and only camp in approved campgrounds.
The landscapes that make Iceland so special are also incredibly fragile. A little care goes a long way toward helping protect them.
Want to have a more thoughtful trip? Here are some of my responsible travel tips to get you started.
- Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
- Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously.
- Choose responsible wildlife tourism experiences.
- Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
- Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it.
- Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
- Be thoughtful in how you shop for souvenirs.
- Take and share photos and videos respectfully.
- Avoid tourism leakage by supporting local businesses.
- Consider your travel privileges.
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