The Westfjords of Iceland are one of the country’s most remote and least populated regions. Home to just over 7,000 people, this spectacular corner of Iceland is known for dramatic fjords, steep mountains, small fishing villages, waterfalls, wildlife and long stretches of road surrounded by almost untouched nature.
For travelers looking to get beyond Iceland’s most popular tourist routes, a Westfjords road trip is one of the best ways to experience a quieter side of the country.
However, driving in the Westfjords requires more planning than a trip around the Golden Circle or South Coast. Distances are long, services can be limited, and you can encounter narrow, winding and gravel roads.
In this guide, we cover the best things to do in the Westfjords, how to get there from Reykjavík, the best time to visit, what rental car you need and important Westfjords driving tips.
Westfjords Iceland: Quick Travel Guide
| Question | Quick answer |
| Where are the Westfjords? | Northwest Iceland |
| Best time to visit | June to August |
| How long should you spend there? | At least 3-5 days |
| Do you need a 4×4? | Not always, but a 4×4 is recommended for greater flexibility |
| Main roads | Routes 60 and 61 |
| Reykjavík to Ísafjörður | Around 6+ hours in good conditions |
| Best-known waterfall | Dynjandi |
| Best place for puffins | Látrabjarg cliffs in summer |
| Main town | Ísafjörður |
| Are there gravel roads? | Yes, particularly when traveling to more remote attractions |
| Can you visit in winter? | Possible in some areas, but winter self-drive trips require significantly more preparation |
Why Visit the Westfjords of Iceland?
The Westfjords are very different from Iceland’s busiest sightseeing regions.
Instead of moving between attractions surrounded by other visitors, a Westfjords Iceland road trip can involve long drives through fjords, small coastal villages, mountain passes and landscapes where you may see relatively few other travelers.
Some of the region’s highlights include:
- Dynjandi waterfall
- Látrabjarg bird cliffs
- Rauðisandur red sand beach
- Ísafjörður
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
- Remote fishing villages
- Hot pools
- Hiking trails
- Artic foxes
- Spectacular coastal drives
The region is particularly suited to travelers who enjoy nature, hiking, wildlife, photography and self-drive adventures.
Best Things to Do in the Westfjords
Látrabjarg Cliffs
At the western edge of Iceland, Látrabjarg is one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs and one of the most famous wildlife attractions in the Westfjords.
During the summer nesting season, the cliffs are home to huge numbers of seabirds, including puffins. This makes Látrabjarg one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins.
The cliffs stretch for kilometers along the coastline and rise dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re visiting for the puffins, remember that they are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Stay on marked areas, keep a safe distance from the cliff edge and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
- Best time to visit: Summer
- Good for: Puffins, birdwatching, hiking and photography
- Driving note: Allow plenty of time for the journey and check road conditions before traveling.
Location of the Látrabjarg cliffs
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland and a highlight of almost any Westfjords road trip.
The main waterfall drops approximately 100 metres and spreads across the mountainside in a distinctive fan shape. Several smaller waterfalls can also be seen along the walking trail between the parking area and Dynjandi.
The walk from the parking area to the main viewpoint is relatively short, but allow time to stop at the smaller waterfalls along the way.
Summer generally provides the easiest conditions for visiting Dynjandi. Conditions can become considerably more difficult during the colder months, so always check the weather and roads before traveling.
- Best for: Waterfalls, photography and short walks
- Recommended time: Around 1–2 hours
- Best season: Summer and early autumn, depending on conditions
Location of Dynjandi waterfall
Rauðisandur Red Sand Beach
While Iceland is famous for black sand beaches, Rauðisandur offers something completely different.
The enormous beach stretches along the southern Westfjords and can appear golden, red or orange depending on the weather, light and tide.
Its remote location is part of the attraction. There are no busy shopping streets or large tourist facilities here – just an enormous beach surrounded by mountains and coastline.
The road into Rauðisandur is steep and winding, so drive cautiously and check conditions before making the journey.
A 4×4 rental car can be a good choice if Rauðisandur and other remote Westfjords destinations are part of your itinerary.
Ísafjörður
No guide to the Westfjords would be complete without Ísafjörður, the region’s largest town.
Surrounded by steep mountains and the sea, Ísafjörður makes an excellent base for exploring the northern Westfjords.
Visitors can explore the town, eat at local restaurants, learn about the area’s maritime history or use Ísafjörður as a starting point for hiking and boat trips.
It’s also an important place to refuel, buy groceries and prepare before traveling into more remote parts of the region.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
For travelers looking for an even more remote Icelandic experience, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve sits at the northern edge of the Westfjords.
There are no roads into Hornstrandir, so you cannot drive your rental car into the nature reserve. Visitors generally reach it by boat and explore on foot.
The reserve is known for hiking, dramatic cliffs, abandoned settlements and Arctic foxes.
Trips range from day hikes to multi-day expeditions, so proper preparation is essential.
If you’re exploring the Westfjords by rental car, you can park before taking an organised boat trip into Hornstrandir.
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft
For something completely different, stop in Hólmavík and visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.
The museum explores Icelandic folklore, magical practices and the country’s history of witchcraft.
Hólmavík is also conveniently located for travelers entering or leaving the Westfjords, making it an interesting addition to a Westfjords driving itinerary.
Don’t Forget the Small Towns of the Westfjords
One of the best reasons to spend several days in the region is that the Westfjords are about more than individual attractions.
Small towns and fishing villages are part of the experience. Depending on your route, you may pass through places such as Patreksfjörður, Bíldudalur, Þingeyri, Flateyri, Bolungarvík and Hólmavík.
Stopping overnight rather than trying to rush through the region gives you more time to explore these communities and reduces the amount of driving you need to complete each day.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Westfjords?
We recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days in the Westfjords.
Although the region may not look huge on a map, driving takes longer than many first-time visitors expect. Roads often follow the coastline around long fjords rather than traveling directly between two points.
A longer trip also gives you flexibility if weather changes your plans.
Example 4-Day Westfjords Road Trip Day
1: Reykjavík → Hólmavík
Drive north from Reykjavík and enter the Westfjords. Explore Hólmavík and stay overnight.
Day 2: Hólmavík → Ísafjörður
Continue through the fjords towards Ísafjörður. Allow plenty of time for viewpoints and stops along the way.
Day 3: Ísafjörður → Dynjandi → Patreksfjörður
Travel south through the Westfjords, stopping at Dynjandi before continuing towards Patreksfjörður.
Day 4: Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur
Explore the southern Westfjords, including Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur, before continuing your Iceland road trip.
If you have more time, spending 5–7 days in the Westfjords allows for shorter driving days, additional hikes and more flexibility.
Best Time to Visit the Westfjords
Summer: June to August
For most travelers planning a self-drive Westfjords trip, summer is the best time to visit.
Long daylight hours provide more time for sightseeing, and roads are generally easier to navigate than during the colder months.
In June, Iceland experiences extremely long days and the Midnight Sun, giving you additional flexibility when planning your route.
However, summer doesn’t guarantee perfect weather. Rain, fog and strong winds can still occur.
Always check the latest forecast and road information before starting a long drive.
Summer is also the best season for travelers hoping to see puffins at Látrabjarg.
May and September
May and September can be quieter alternatives to peak summer.
However, conditions are more changeable. Snow and ice can remain or arrive in mountainous areas, and weather can affect your itinerary at short notice.
If traveling during the shoulder season:
- Check road conditions every day.
- Check the weather forecast before departure.
- Allow additional travel time.
- Keep your itinerary flexible.
- Consider choosing a 4×4 rental vehicle.
- Avoid continuing if official information indicates that conditions are unsafe.
May can also offer opportunities to see puffins as birds begin returning to Iceland’s cliffs.
Read our Iceland in September guide if you’re considering an early autumn trip.
Winter: October to April
A winter road trip through the Westfjords is considerably more challenging than visiting in summer.
Snow, ice, high winds, limited daylight and temporary road closures can all affect travel. Some roads may be closed or difficult to access for extended periods.
For most first-time visitors looking specifically to explore remote Westfjords attractions, summer is the better choice.
If you’re visiting Ísafjörður or another Westfjords town during winter, flying domestically and exploring locally can sometimes be an alternative to completing the entire journey by road.
How to Get to the Westfjords from Reykjavík
Driving from Reykjavik
Driving gives you the most flexibility for exploring the Westfjords.
From Reykjavík, travelers generally take the Ring Road (Route 1) north before continuing towards the Westfjords.
Routes 60 and 61 are two of the region’s most important roads, with the exact route depending on where you’re staying and what you want to see.
For example, driving from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður takes around six hours or more without substantial sightseeing stops, depending on conditions and your route.
Don’t plan Westfjords driving times based purely on distance. Narrow roads, gravel surfaces, weather, mountain passes and sightseeing stops can all make journeys longer.
Taking the Ferry to the Westfjords
Another option is traveling by ferry between Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Brjánslækur in the southern Westfjords.
This can be a convenient way to combine a Snæfellsnes and Westfjords road trip.
Schedules vary by season, so always check the current timetable and whether advance reservations are required before planning your itinerary around the ferry.
If you’re traveling with a rental car, make sure you book the appropriate vehicle space.
What Car Do You Need for the Westfjords?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is:
Do I need a 4×4 for the Westfjords?
Not necessarily.
Many Westfjords destinations can be reached without driving on an F-road, and a 2WD rental car can be suitable for certain itineraries in good summer conditions.
However, a 4×4 rental is often the better choice for a Westfjords road trip, particularly if your itinerary includes remote destinations, gravel roads or travel outside peak summer.
Why Consider a 4×4?
A 4×4 can provide greater flexibility when your Westfjords itinerary includes:
- long stretches of gravel road
- steep roads
- more remote attractions
- variable weather
- shoulder-season travel
Remember that renting a 4×4 does not make every road safe or accessible.
You must still follow road closures, weather warnings and your rental agreement.
If your route includes an actual Iceland F-road, a suitable 4×4 is legally required.
Driving in the Westfjords: What to Expect
Driving through the Westfjords is part of the adventure, but conditions can be very different from those around Reykjavík.
Gravel Roads
You’ll encounter gravel on some Westfjords routes.
Reduce your speed before transitioning from asphalt to gravel and leave additional distance between you and other vehicles.
Loose gravel can reduce traction and stones thrown by other vehicles can damage windscreens and paintwork.
Narrow and Winding Roads
Westfjords roads frequently follow mountains and fjords.
Expect bends, steep sections and areas with limited visibility. Don’t assume you can maintain the maximum speed limit throughout your journey.
Long Driving Distances
A destination that appears close across a fjord may require a much longer drive around the coastline.
Build additional time into your itinerary and avoid trying to cover too much of the region in a single day.
Limited Fuel Stations
Petrol stations become less frequent as you travel into remote areas.
A simple rule is to fill up when you have the opportunity rather than waiting until your tank is almost empty.
Towns such as Ísafjörður, Patreksfjörður and Hólmavík are useful places to refuel and stock up.
Essential Westfjords Driving Tips
Before setting off each day:
- Check current road conditions at umferdin.is.
- Check the Icelandic weather forecast at vedur.is.
- Fill your fuel tank before entering remote areas.
- Carry water, snacks and warm clothing.
- Allow significantly more driving time than your navigation app’s minimum estimate.
- Slow down on gravel and before blind corners.
- Keep your headlights on while driving.
- Never drive onto a road marked impassable or closed.
- Never drive off-road – off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
- Change your plans if weather or road conditions deteriorate.
What to Pack for a Westfjords Road Trip
Even during summer, conditions can change quickly.
Useful items include:
- waterproof jacket
- warm layers
- hiking shoes or waterproof boots
- food and water
- phone charger or power bank
- sunglasses
- reusable water bottle
- offline maps
- basic first-aid supplies
Don’t rely entirely on mobile reception when traveling through remote areas. Downloading maps before your journey is a sensible precaution.
Is the Westfjords Worth Visiting?
Yes, particularly if you have already allocated enough time to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and South Coast.
The Westfjords offer waterfalls, wildlife, beaches, hiking and some of Iceland’s most impressive coastal scenery, with considerably fewer visitors than the country’s busiest sightseeing routes.
However, this isn’t a region to rush.
If you only have three or four days for your entire Iceland holiday, adding the Westfjords could mean spending too much of your trip driving.
For longer Iceland itineraries, especially during summer, the Westfjords can be one of the most rewarding regions to explore by car.
Westfjords Iceland FAQ
- Do you need a 4×4 to drive in the Westfjords?
A 4×4 is not mandatory for every Westfjords itinerary. Many main roads and towns can be reached in a 2WD vehicle during good summer conditions. However, a 4×4 is recommended for travelers who want greater flexibility, particularly when visiting remote attractions, driving on gravel roads or traveling during May or September.
- What is the best month to visit the Westfjords?
June, July and August are generally the best months to visit the Westfjords by car. These months offer long daylight hours and generally better access to the region. July is particularly popular for Westfjords road trips.
- How many days do you need for the Westfjords?
We recommend at least 3–5 days. Five days or more is even better if you want to explore at a relaxed pace and have flexibility for changing weather.
- Can you drive from Reykjavík to the Westfjords?
Yes. Driving is one of the best ways to explore the Westfjords. Reykjavík to Ísafjörður takes approximately six hours or more in good conditions without lengthy sightseeing stops.
- Can you drive around the Westfjords in a normal car?
It depends on your itinerary, season and current road conditions. A normal 2WD rental car can be suitable for some summer routes. For more remote Westfjords trips, a 4×4 can provide greater flexibility.
- Are there F-roads in the Westfjords?
There are mountain and remote roads in and around the region, but don’t assume every gravel road is an F-road. Icelandic F-roads are specifically marked mountain roads, and you must use a suitable 4×4 vehicle when traveling on them. Always check your exact route before traveling.
- Is Látrabjarg accessible by car?
Yes, Látrabjarg can be reached by road, but the journey includes remote and gravel sections. Check current road and weather conditions before traveling and allow plenty of time.
- Can you drive Hornstrandir?
No. There are no roads into Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Visitors normally travel there by boat and continue on foot.
- Is the Westfjords Ring Road the same as Iceland’s Ring Road?
No. Iceland’s famous Ring Road is Route 1, which circles much of the country but does not loop around the Westfjords. The term Westfjords Way is used for a touring route through the region, which combines several different roads.
- Are there petrol stations in the Westfjords?
Yes, but there are fewer petrol stations than in more populated parts of Iceland. Fill your tank whenever practical, particularly before traveling into remote areas.
- Can I visit the Westfjords in winter?
Some towns remain accessible in winter, but driving conditions can be significantly more difficult due to snow, ice, storms and road closures. For most tourists planning a self-drive tour of the region’s remote attractions, summer is the best time for a Westfjords road trip.
- IS the Westfjords suitable for first-time visitors to Iceland?
Yes, but we recommend the Westfjords for first-time visitors who have enough time and are comfortable with longer driving days and remote roads. If you only have a few days in Iceland, the Golden Circle, South Coast or Snæfellsnes may be easier to include.
Explore the Westfjords with Firefly Iceland
A Westfjords road trip gives you the chance to experience a quieter and more remote side of Iceland – from the towering Látrabjarg cliffs and Dynjandi waterfall to tiny fishing villages and seemingly endless fjords.
The key is to give yourself enough time.
Plan several days for the region, keep your itinerary flexible, check the weather and road conditions every morning, and choose a rental vehicle that suits the roads you intend to drive.
If you’re traveling on a budget, Firefly Iceland offers affordable car rental in Iceland, including cheap economy rental cars and cheap 4×4 rentals.
