Westfjords

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

Deserted beaches, ink-black cliffs, glacier-gouged valleys, snow-crusted peaks: the Westfjords encapsulate all the natural splendor you’d expect from Iceland – only without the crowds.

The people of Northwestern Iceland – known as Vestfirðingar – have, over the years, humorously threatened to secede from the rest of Iceland by establishing the Democratic Republic of the Westfjords. This jest highlights the unique identity of the massive northernmost peninsula, home to only 7,000 residents, which feels like a land of its own.

The impact of tourism inIcelandhas been widely documented, from aJustin Bieber music video closing a canyontorules being introduced to improve the behavior of campers. However, problems caused by too many tourists are typically confined to the well-trodden south of the country. By visiting Iceland’s furthest reaches, you can escape the crowds altogether and benefit regions that need tourism most.