Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Iceland’s Westfjords

Deserted beaches, ink-black cliffs, glacier-carved valleys, and snow-capped peaks: the Westfjords encapsulates the natural beauty anticipated from Iceland – only without the crowds.

This fjord-laden, mountainous, and almost completely tree-free peninsula attracts significantly fewer visitors compared to Iceland’s more renowned areas, making it an excellent location for those seeking solitude. Spanning more than 8,494 square miles (22,000 square kilometers) yet home to fewer than 7,000 inhabitants, it remains one of Iceland’s most sparsely populated regions (the official population density in the Westfjords is comparable to the Falkland Islands).

For those pursuing untamed nature, the Iceland Westfjords does not disappoint. It boasts extraordinary beaches tinged with mineral colors, towering cliffs teeming with seabirds, quaint fishing villages, mist-enshrouded fjords, remote headlands, and waterfalls that descend with a thunderous sound. Geologically, this area represents Iceland’s most ancient region: it feels both mythical and enigmatic, akin to a landscape from the sagas.

The remoteness of the peninsula is a primary reason it remains relatively unexplored. Although the southern edge can be reached in a single day by driving along the Ring Road from Reykjavik, reaching the western or northern extremes typically requires the better part of a week – assuming access is possible at all. The Westfjords present navigation challenges even in favorable weather, with numerous valleys and fjords linked via ferries or high mountain passes that are often snowbound for a significant portion of the year. Much of the peninsula’s interior lacks paved roads, necessitating a 4WD vehicle, if not a requirement in all instances. Villages – and fuel stations – are sparse.

However, the rugged nature of travel in the region has its evident advantages. Few tourists possess the time (or inclination) to venture here, leaving the Westfjords primarily to Icelanders and more adventurous travelers. Whether you intend to camp, kayak, hike, bike, bird-watch, or whale-watch, the Westfjords retains a wildness that is increasingly rare to encounter.

Here are the foremost attractions in the Westfjords, Iceland.

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1. Get drenched by Dynjandi

If the Westfjords possess a most notable feature, it is perhaps Dynjandi: the impressive, multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down a 328-foot (100m) cliff face, recognized as both the tallest and largest waterfall in the Westfjords. It is the most prominent of several falls you encounter on the ascent from the parking area (a series of challenging names including Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hundafoss, and Bæjarfoss). Only when you stand beneath the main stream do you grasp the sheer force of the water emerging from the surrounding glacier. Its designation translates to “the Thunderer,” which is fitting: the waterfall produces a volume that can be quite overwhelming, rivaling more famous waterfalls like Gullfoss, Godafoss, and Dettifoss. Be aware that access to the falls is along a rugged road that can be challenging in inclement weather.

2. Watch the sunset on Rauðasandur

Located at the southwestern edge of the Westfjords, Rauðasandur comprises a picturesque 6-mile (10 km) crescent, a rarity in Iceland, featuring sands that, instead of the usual black volcanic grain, showcase a shimmering palette of reds, pinks, golds, oranges, and rosy hues that glow magnificently at sunset. Almost entirely unpopulated for the majority of the year, it provides a surreal ambiance – under ideal lighting conditions, one might envision strolling along a shoreline on an extraterrestrial planet. Access is via a bumpy, 6-mile (10 km) side road off Route 612. For those who appreciate remote beaches, Breiðavík is also a site worth exploring.

3. Photograph puffins at Látrabjarg

Látrabjarg may be considered paradise for bird enthusiasts. Each summer, numerous seabirds flock to these steep, 1,312-foot-high cliffs (400m) to nest, soar, quarrel, and breed. Fulmars, kittiwakes, terns, gannets, razorbills, and skuas are among the species present, yet it is the charming puffins who capture the spotlight – their waddling demeanor and awkward flight are endlessly delightful (making it hard to fathom how Icelanders can indulge in them as a delicacy, typically served smoked). Even if avian observation is not your passion, Látrabjarg merits the journey: it represents Iceland’s most westerly point.

4. Hike into Hornstrandir

The Westfjords indeed evoke a sense of wilderness; however, Hornstrandir takes this to a level of true wildness. Established as a protected nature reserve since 1975, this rugged northern expanse of tundra, glacier, crag, and cliff serves as the ideal location to rekindle the spirit of Iceland prior to the arrival of the first Viking settlers.

The area’s unspoiled rivers, clifftops, beaches, mountains, and fjords are strictly preserved and monitored by rangers, with camping permitted solely at designated sites (additionally, carrying out all waste is mandatory). Accordingly, this region offers abundant adventure opportunities, from hiking and climbing to whale watching, facilitated by various guiding services, such as Borea Adventures. With some luck, you might even glimpse an Arctic fox, as Hornstrandir is among the few places where one can observe Iceland’s sole native mammal. For guaranteed sightings, consider visiting the Arctic Fox Center located in Súðavík.

5. Chill in the hot pot at Krossneslaug

Hot springs, both natural and artificial, abound in Iceland, and the Westfjords are no exception: numerous locations offer the opportunity for a soothing soak, some widely known and others favored only by locals. Few are as visually captivating as Krossneslaug, a geothermally heated pool on the Strandir coast that overlooks a rocky ebony beach reminiscent of an Ingmar Bergman film. The scenery is breathtaking, with geothermal water available at a pleasant temperature of 93°F to 100°F (34°C to 38°C).

6. Get cultural in Ísafjörður

While it may not rival Reykjavik, Ísafjörður holds the title of the most vibrant city in the Westfjords. Captivating around 2,700 residents, this small harbor city is home to some of the region’s most intriguing museums, including the Westfjords Heritage Museum and the quirky Museum of Everyday Life, which sheds light on the daily lives of Westfjords’ inhabitants through a mix of films, personal narratives, and artifacts. Additionally, the city boasts delightful restaurants and cafes: consider visiting Tjöruhúsið for seafood or Edinborg for a local brew.

7. Kayak across Ísafjarðardjúpur

Ísafjarðardjúpur is regarded as the largest, and arguably the most impressive, of the numerous fjords constituting the Westfjords. Positioned between Ísafjörður to the south and Hornstrandir to the north, it presents a quintessential representation of glacial landscapes. Several tour providers organize guided, multi-day kayaking expeditions along the fjord, with camping at secluded beaches and headlands. During the kayaking journey, you might also encounter sea eagles, seals, and occasionally whales. The wildlife sanctuary of Vigur is a popular destination for those interested in puffin observation, noted as the site of Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, established in 1837.

8. Learn about the Westfjords’ seafaring past

In the quaint hamlet of Bolungarvik, the engaging Ósvör Maritime Museum showcases the maritime heritage of the Westfjords. During the Viking era, locals derived a challenging livelihood from the sea, engaging in fishing, hunting, and trading, thus establishing a maritime culture that persists to the present. This living museum features intriguing exhibits, including a set of turf-and-stone fisher huts, historic rowing boats, and a salt house where catches were preserved. The true highlight is the knowledgeable guide who conducts tours, sharing seafaring tales while dressed in a traditional lamb’s leather garment.

9. Saddle up on the Þingeyri peninsula

The remote Þingeyri peninsula is best discovered on two wheels or four legs. A rough dirt track winds along the coastline, charting the southern border of Djúfjörður to the Viking settlement at Haukadalur. This is one of the Westfjords’ most breathtaking trails, making it ideal for mountain biking or, even better, riding one of Iceland’s renowned stout-legged horses. With favorable weather, visitors can continue to the remote lighthouse of Svalvogar. Bicycle rentals and horseback riding tours can be arranged in the small community of Þingeyri.

10. Visit a herring factory turned art gallery

Historically, herring was central to the economy of Reykjarfjörður, yet the days of fruitful fishing have long passed. Resourceful locals transformed the old fish processing facility into a contemporary art gallery, The Factory, featuring adventurous artwork and striking sculptures by prominent Icelandic artists. It’s an intriguing experience to find a gallery of such modernity in the midst of the Westfjords, and it performs remarkably well.

11. The Westfjords is where to see northern lights in Iceland

With virtually no light pollution, the Westfjords stand out as one of the prime locations for observing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in Iceland. Peak aurora activity spans the darkest months between October and March; however, clear skies are required for visibility, which can sometimes pose a challenge in the Westfjords. For the best chances of witnessing the aurora, consider reaching out to a specialized guiding service that has access to real-time weather forecasts and aurora predictions: Wild Westfjords is a reputable choice. Alternatively, if time allows, simply stay awhile; the likelihood is that the aurora will emerge sooner rather than later.

12. Take a 4WD safari on Iceland’s scariest road

Driving along Kjaran’s Avenue from Patreksfjörður, one may ponder the motivations of the individual who deemed it prudent to construct a road in such a location (as the name implies, it was indeed a local, Kjaran, who carved out the route during leisure hours using a bulldozer). However, this endeavor resembles more of a gravel path bordered by steep mountains above and sheer cliffs below, looming over drops capable of unsettling one’s stomach. This road skirts the base of Kaldbakur, the highest mountain in the Westfjords, which can be summited when favorable conditions prevail. For safety, this road should only be traversed with an experienced guide: consider contacting Westfjords Adventures.

13. Take a road trip along the Strandir coast

In the rich Icelandic folklore, the secluded Strandir coast is considered the realm of trolls, elves, apparitions, and sorcery. However, contemporary visitors primarily seek to experience nature in its most unrefined state. The eastern section of the Westfjords features some of the most striking landscapes in the region: grand mountains, imposing cliffs, expansive fjords, and overall, immense natural beauty. The rough, bumpy road emerging from Hólmavík initiates the approximately 150-mile (240 km) journey to Norðurfjörður, an isolated and predominantly deserted route where stretches may pass for hours without encountering another vehicle. Lined with coves and beaches that only seals frequent, this location feels remarkably detached from the rest of the world, devoid of cellphone service and Wi-Fi – all the more appealing for it.

14. Get spooked at the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

The Strandir coast presents an intriguing atmosphere, making it easier to understand how sorcery and witchcraft became entrenched in local legend. The unconventional museum located in Hólmavík delves into the history of the supernatural, displaying artifacts and exhibits that explore the reality (and often the fiction) underlying the myths. The museum showcases some utterly unusual items, from blood cups to magical staffs, witches’ brooms, and grimoires (spellbooks). Furthermore, visitors will encounter unsettling narratives about the witch hunts that traversed the Westfjords during the 17th century.

15. Don’t hike, take a quad bike

If you desire the vistas without the exertion, a quad bike easily traverses even the most challenging trails. ATV Ísafjörður provides two-hour excursions in custom ATVs, accessing trails that are largely off-limits to most other vehicles. Spectacular views of the fjords await, though prepare to encounter mud and chill: even the warmest insulated suits may not fully shield against the Icelandic cold after an hour or two.

This article was originally published on January 3, 2022, and updated on November 23, 2023.