The Ultimate Guide to Westfjords + Itinerary
Read our travel guide to Iceland's Westfjords, including the two-day itinerary and practical information. Is visiting Westfjords in Iceland worth it? How much time do you need? When to go? How to plan your trip? What are the best things to see and do? How to get around and how to reach this region? We got you covered.
Statistics show that only one traveler out of ten visiting Iceland make it to the Westfjords region (sometimes spelled West Fjords).
What statistics do not reveal is that 100% of people who decide to include Westfjords in their Iceland itinerary leave this scarcely populated and remote place with unforgettable memories and a huge smile on their faces.
Yeah, we totally made that up, but this was precisely our case.
Prepare yourself for a lot of driving, unpaved roads, spectacular views, stunning landscapes, cute little settlements with traditional architecture, hot springs, and mountainous passes.
Simply for everything that makes a regular road trip one of the best road trips in your life.
So what are you waiting for? The dusty roads of Westfjords await you.
But before you set off, it is good to do proper research, do a bit of planning, get inspired, figure out what to expect, and run your imagination wild.
Luckily, you've come to the right place as we provide you with all the necessary info you need to know before driving around Westfjords, Iceland.
Here's our travel guide on Westfjords, including our own itinerary. Let your ultimate Westfjords adventure begin right now.
Why Visit Westfjords
Iceland has lately become a top tourist destination, and it was very hard, if not impossible, to escape the crowds.
Therefore, it was one of the reasons why we decided to travel to Westfjords.
Another reason was that we could not wait to see the fjords, snow-capped mountains, puffins, cliffs, shipwrecks, or waterfalls.
Hadn't we seen it during our trip already?
Well, we had, but Iceland's nature is so addictive that we could explore new places and see similar attractions over and over again without getting bored.
Unlike East Fjords - which we highly recommend you, by the way - Westfjords is a detour from the iconic Ring Road.
It is also one of the reasons why so many travelers skip this region, as you will need at least two or three additional days.
If you are looking for an off the beaten path destination that will leave you speechless, we believe visiting Westfjords is the right decision.
How to Get to Westfjords
In general, there are three ways how to get to Westfjords. It's either by car, ferry, or plane.
When you think of the best ways to get to this remote part of Iceland, always think about how you plan to get around.
We believe that the easiest way to get to Westfjords is by car, as it's also the best way to get around.
Therefore, when traveling by car, it is already decided. Most travelers rent a car in Reykjavik and start their adventure there.
If you travel by ferry, you will probably have your car with you as well, although it's possible to rent a car there.
When you decide to fly, you need to figure out whether you rent a car later or you choose a different type of transportation.
We'll cover your options down below, but in this section, we will outline your options on how to get to Westfjords more closely.
Car
If you are getting around Iceland by car or campervan, it just makes sense to get to Westfjords this way as well.
After visiting Kolugljufur Canyon, we followed the Ring Road, and as we were not sure about the conditions on Road 68 (we traveled in a 2WD campervan), we rather arrived in Westfjords on Road 60 via Budardalur.
As mentioned above, the best place to rent a car in Iceland is Reykjavik or directly at the airport at Keflavik.
It's about 400 kilometers from Reykjavik to Patreksfjordur or 450 kilometeres to Isafjordur.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of things to see and do along the way, so it will take you more time to get there.
Ferry
A standard ferry connects the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords.
The ferry leaves from Stykkisholmur on Snaefellsnes and arrives in Brjanslaekur in Westfjords via Flatey island.
The schedule varies throughout the year, so you should always check the new announcements for the latest updates before you go.
In general, there are one to two departures daily during the summer and at least one departure during the wintertime.
The ferry usually does not run on Saturdays, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Tickets are cheaper in the offseason, but in the main season, be prepared to pay around 6130 ISK per person, plus a similar amount in case you travel with your vehicle.
Plane
For those of you short on time who do not mind renting a car in Isafjordur and exploring just a part of the area the best option is to buy a flight ticket from Reykjavik to Isafjordur.
This idea also assumes that you would drop the car off in the same location.
It is also an option for those of you planning your visit for the winter.
You can fly in, explore some of the most beautiful places around the town, and then fly out.
How to Get Around Westfjords
If having a car is the best option for getting to the top attractions on Ring Road, it is at least twice as true here in Westfjords.
The roads and the landscape look like they were designed for a proper road trip, so getting around by car makes sense here.
Public transport is almost non-existent here, and if you prefer taking a tour, you have to get to the starting point anyway.
Of course, unless you plan to take a multi-day tour from Reykjavik that includes this region as well.
No matter how we look at it, we are getting only one answer.
Having your own transport is the best way to get around Westfjords.
Not only does it make sense from the practical side, but only this way, you'll be able to make plentiful stops.
Do I Need a 4WD Car?
Before we traveled to Westfjords, we were searching for an answer to our question of whether it is necessary to have a 4WD car because many roads (including parts of the main one encircling the peninsula) are not paved.
We even asked our car rental company, and they told us it is completely fine to travel around the Westfjords with a 2WD car.
However, some companies might have a different policy about this, so it's better to ask them first if it's okay or not.
Also, remember that this applies only to the summer months as conditions are entirely different here in the winter.
If you still believe that public transport is your best bet, then know that Bus 61 connects Isafjordur and Holmavik, and Bus 62 goes from Patreksfjordur to Isafjordur but only in June, July and August.
Driving Tips
Westfjords is a remote region, and there are a few things about road safety you should know.
Driving in Westfjords can be challenging for many reasons. Gravel roads, potholes, wind gusts, ice, or snow.
It all depends on the current road conditions and time of the year. Driving in Westfjords was perfectly fine in summer, even with a regular 2WD car.
So drive slowly, soak in the atmosphere and the scenery. And always keep your eyes on the road.
Coincidentally, Westfjords was the place where one of our tires was punctured by some kind of nail, so we had to change the flat tire there and visit the car shop the next day so they could fix it.
It's often recommended not to drive to Westfjords in winter as it can be even more challenging.
By the way, Westfjords has plenty of fuel stations (quite often simple self-service stations), so you do not have to worry that you will run out of fuel.
Still, always make sure to know where is the nearest gas station.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
As mentioned above, we traveled around the Westfjords by car.
Therefore, before reaching the region, we had to decide whether it was better to travel clockwise or counterclockwise.
My initial plan was to see puffins on Latrabjarg the first day, so we followed the route clockwise.
For a short period, Martin was grumpy because all the views were on his side, so I could hardly take photos from the moving car, and we had to stop more often than ever.
Yeah, I did not mind that at all.
Still, even though we had to deal with such a 'problem,' we really enjoyed the trip and believe there is no wrong or right decision in this scenario.
Only make sure that your decision fits your plan and interest.
How Many Days Do I Need for Westfjords
Westfjords is a vast region, so you will need at least two to three days to get the most out of your trip.
Keep in mind that you will need to cover more than 900 kilometers in order to drive around the entire peninsula.
What is important to know is that many parts of the road around Westfjords are not paved, so travel time is usually much longer than expected.
This is something you for sure should keep in mind. Yes, some of the roads are unsealed, and the estimated time from GPS navigation is often far from reality.
There are tons of quick stops along the way, so be prepared for long and tiring days on the road.
We decided that two days should be enough, as the days in the summer in Iceland are super long. Ideally, you should allocate three days for Westfjords if you don't like doing things in a rush.
Yes, we managed to drive around Westfjords and see all the places we've mentioned above in two days.
But it is necessary to say we traveled in Iceland in the summer, so we took full advantage of long days and were usually up from 7-8 AM till midnight every day.
We can't stress enough that our days on the road were really long.
In case you would like to travel in a more relaxed manner or you plan on visiting Iceland when it gets dark early, we would say it would be optimal to plan three days for Westfjords.
Of course, the more days you will have, the better the experience will be.
It is definitely impossible to see top attractions in Westfjords in only one day unless you decide to see only either the south part of the road encircling Westjords or the region around Isafjordur.
To sum it up, we would say you should not bother to travel just for one day, although many might disagree.
Two days for Westfjords is perfectly doable in summer, but if you have the luxury of three days, go for it.
Westfjords is really worth your time.
What to See and Do
There are plenty of things to do and see in Westfjords, so you won't get easily bored.
Here we would like to share with you our two-day Westfjords itinerary featuring all the interesting places we visited along the way. Feel free to get inspired.
Day 1 Itinerary
After exploring the top attractions in North Iceland, such as Lake Myvatn or Diamond Circle, for a few days, we finally reached the Westfjords.
We drove the first day from Budardalur to Patreksfjordur, where we spent the night.
It would have been faster to drive directly to Holmavik, but we decided that we would travel the Westfjords clockwise.
It was cloudy and extremely windy in the morning, but the skies cleared up during the day.
According to our itinerary, we knew that the highlights of the day would come later, so we enjoyed the scenic coastal drive in the beginning.
The road was both paved and unpaved here but mostly in good condition. The views of the fjords were spectacular.
The road snaked in and out of the fjords, then we had to cross a mountain pass, only to descend again to the sea level.
The only drawback was when we found out we had a flat tire just before Hellulaug Hot Pools, so it took us about an hour to fix it.
It was quite a paradox as we thought if we had a flat tire, it would happen on an unpaved road with sharp rocks, but we were unfortunate on a sealed road as we drove over a nail.
Hellulaug Hot Pools
Hot pools are everywhere around Iceland, and you will find many more or less hidden gems even here in Westfjords.
After changing a flat tire on the side of the road in strong wind, we needed to unwind and warm up our bodies a bit.
Thankfully we found these super-natural pools nearby.
After visiting quite popular artificial pools in North Iceland, such as Hofsos Infinity Pool and Myvatn Nature Baths, we enjoyed soaking in this simple natural hole right by the sea.
The views of the fjord from the hot pool were as great as usual, and we could finally relax here.
In case you are brave, you can cool down in the sea, but we were very comfortable in the hot pool.
Hellulaug Hot Pools is only a short walk from the parking lot, and there are no facilities.
Therefore, change into the swimsuit in the parking, take your valuables with you, and set off.
We stayed in the hot pool for about an hour, but only because we met there a couple of friendly locals.
Otherwise, allow yourself approximately thirty minutes for this place.
By the way, there is no entrance fee to Hellulaug Hot Pools, and we believe it's one of the best free things to do in Westfjords.
Gardar BA 64
Another stop on our itinerary was a shipwreck which is also known as Gardar BA 64.
It is Iceland's oldest steel ship that was beached here after it was no longer safe and suitable for duty.
The whaling ship was built in 1912, and today it's a great little stop while in the Westfjords.
We found this wreck quite interesting, the same as the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck on the South Coast of Iceland.
The rusting and decaying body of a once-powerful machine combined with beautiful untouched nature is pretty photogenic, especially during the sunset or sunrise.
It's not allowed to explore the interior of the ship, and quite frankly, it didn't seem to us the smartest thing to do.
There is a picnic table right next to the vessel, so it might be a good idea to have lunch here before continuing your journey.
This shipwreck is on the way to both Red Sand Beach and Latrabjarg Cliffs, so it is a great stop before you start driving the nerve-wracking roads of Westfjords.
Raudisandur Beach
Then we headed to Raudisandur, Raudasandur, or simply Red Sand Beach. Regardless of how you call it, this place was one of the most beautiful stops on our Westfjords itinerary.
The beach itself and the actual drive were worth the time and effort.
Even though we must warn you, this stretch of the road is unpaved and winding.
Unlike most of the other unsealed roads we saw in Westfjords, this one was not in the best condition when we were there.
Be careful, and drive slowly, especially if you have 2WD as we had.
As the name suggests, the sand on this beach has a red tint, which is quite unique in Iceland, where most beaches are black because of their volcanic origin.
If you've already been to Reynisfjara Beach or Diamond Beach, this place will prove to you once again how incredibly diverse Iceland really is.
The orange-red color stands out the most when the sun is shining. When the weather is bad, the bright red turns into yellowish-brown, which is not that impressive.
Also, it is better to plan your visit for the low tide because high tide covers most of the beach.
It is only up to you how you decide to spend your time on the beach.
You can walk as far as you want, but be prepared that the beach is ten kilometers long.
As it was cloudy and we were already behind schedule and pushed for time, we took a photo from the viewpoint and headed to the cliffs.
Latrabjarg Cliffs
The side trip to Latrabjarg is quite time-consuming, and not everyone has time for it. In order to get there, you need to drive slowly on an unpaved road.
Latrabjarg marks the end of Road 612, about 46 kilometers from the junction with Road 62.
But having visited this place ourselves, we can only encourage you to do so because traveling to Latrabjarg cliffs was one of the highlights of our two-week journey around Iceland.
Latrabjarg is the westernmost point in Europe, but it would be foolish to travel here just to chase records.
So what can you expect from visiting Latrabjarg Cliffs?
In the first place, it is all here about the massive cliffs towering high above the sea and the epic views from the rim.
There is a narrow path following the edge of the cliffs, and you can walk it for several kilometers without meeting a single person.
While the cliffs are breathtaking, the real highlight here is the birds for many visitors.
Latrabjarg is an important nesting site for puffins and other bird species, and between June and mid-August, this site turns into an incredible bird parade.
Is it worth it to visit Latrabjarg outside the nesting season?
We would say it is because the place is incredibly scenic any time of the year, but for sure, puffins make it a bit more special.
After visiting Borgarfjordur Eystri in East Fjords, we thought that we hardly find a better place for seeing puffins in Iceland, but Latrabjarg indeed shuffled the cards.
The best time to visit the cliffs for bird watching is either in the morning or later in the evening.
However, it applies for the rest of the year as well because the soft light enhances the atmosphere.
Patreksfjordur
Patreksfjordur is one of the largest settlements and administrative centers in the Westfjords.
While the fishing industry is the main source of living here, tourism has started to play a vital role here in recent years.
Patreksfjordur has an excellent location to some of the best Westfjords attractions making it a perfect place that will cater to all your needs.
During the summer, it is a place where many travelers stop for lunch or, as it was in our case, stay overnight.
There are many services in the village, such as grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, hotels, a campground, a swimming pool, and a gas station.
It is also a place where you can arrange a tour if you are tired of driving.
There is also a great little car shop where they patched our punctured tire.
Day 2 Itinerary
The second day of our Westfjords adventure was again very long, arguably even more lengthy than the first one.
Still, the unbelievable scenery made us drive on and on as we wanted to take advantage of a gorgeous sunny day.
And from our own experience, good weather is something we could not take for granted in Westfjords.
Even though we had quite a few things on our itinerary, most of the drive was focused on enjoying vistas of the fjords, lupins that were in bloom, mountain passes, small traditional churches, turf houses, remote settlements, and even views of a glacier.
If you're following in our footsteps, there is the only advice we can give you. Start early, as it's going to be a long day.
Dynjandi Waterfall
The most iconic waterfall in Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall, is one of the must-visit places in this region.
Whether you take Road 62 or 63, Dynjandi is about 90 kilometers east of Patreksfjordur.
The good thing is that eventually, both routes become Road 60, so you do not need to take any detours as the parking is just next to this scenic drive.
Dynjandi is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, but it's not as crowded as Seljalandsfoss or Skogafoss.
Thanks to the remote location in Westfjords that requires quite a lot of driving, not that many people get to see it.
It's very different from other famous waterfalls such as Dettifoss or Gullfoss, and the shape of the waterfall is often compared to a veil.
Dynjandi is actually a series of several cascades, but the true gem is the highest waterfall that is wider at the bottom than at the top, and the water drops down over the smooth rocks.
Even though you can see the waterfall from the parking lot, it really pays off to walk the narrow path along the waterfalls to get a closer look.
By the way, the road from Patreksfjordur to Dynjandi was very scenic, so don't rush it.
Flateyri
Another stop on our itinerary was a small village Flateyri about seven kilometers north of a junction of Road 60 and 64.
This cute little settlement is famous because you can find here the oldest book store in Iceland.
At first, we were not sure whether Flateyri was worth the trip. One of the hardest parts of traveling is that you can't simply see it all.
However, as many times before, the road leading to the village was so wonderful that we did not regret it.
The book store is small but interesting, and it also has a tiny museum.
You can chat with an owner here, buy a book, or have a look at what a typical house's interior used to look like many years ago.
Isafjordur
After more than 150 kilometers and several hours of driving, we finally arrived in Isafjordur, situated in the upper part of Westfjords.
Isafjordur is the largest town in Westfjords, but less than 3000 people live here.
Therefore, the atmosphere is very laid back and very different from places such as Akureyri or Reykjavik.
We decided to restock on food in Isafjordur and stretch our legs.
Luckily, the town has Bonus and Netto grocery stores and a picturesque harbor area, so we were able to complete both our goals here.
After some shopping, we walked to the harbor, and then we aimlessly wandered around the heart of Isafjordur, which features many restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and traditional architecture.
Similar to Patreksfjordur, it has everything you need. There are cafes, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, museums, rental car offices, and even an airport.
It's also a popular place to stay overnight if you have three days for Westfjords.
Arctic Fox Center
On the shore of a fjord about twenty kilometers east of Isafjordur lies a small museum that houses an exhibition on arctic fox.
You can learn here more about these stunning animals, how they survive in these harsh conditions, and see both stuffed and live (rescued) foxes.
Yes, the live ones are for sure the main highlight here as arctic foxes are super-cute, especially the pups.
We were lucky enough to spot an arctic fox in nature when hiking in Skaftafell.
Therefore, we did not feel the urge to go inside, but it is for sure one of the most popular activities in the region.
Arctic Fox Center might be a good place to visit for families with kids. Be prepared that it might not be open every time or that they might not have live foxes in the enclosure.
Seal Lookout
If you travel around Iceland on a budget, you might want to make a quick stop about a kilometer north of the Litlibaer Cafe at the Seal Lookout.
If you're lucky, you might be able to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat for free.
There is small unmarked parking on your right-hand side when driving from Isafjordur.
Litlibaer
Litlibaer is a small complex of turf houses where you can slow down, take a photo, buy some local souvenirs, and refresh yourself because there is a small cafe inside one of the houses that serves coffee and waffles.
In case you are more curious, ask a lady working there if she can show you around the museum.
You can easily skip this place if you're short on time or not into similar experiences.
Drangajokull Glacier
It was getting late, but the drive was not less spectacular. On the contrary, the softer light made the scenery even more breathtaking.
To be honest, when thinking of it, our trip to Westfjords now seems like a dream rather than a reality.
We were now on the way to Holmavik from where we wanted to exit Westfjords, but there was one more must-see sight, Drangajokull Glacier.
You can drive to it, but it means you must take a detour via Road 635.
And as we did not have either a 4WD car or time, we decided to cheat a bit and use our telephoto lens to see the glacier.
Yes, the glacier is on the other side of the fjord, so we could see it in its full glory even from Road 61.
It was cool to see such a mass of ice so close to the sea level. In fact, Drangajokull Glacier is the only glacier in Iceland that's body is below 1000 meters above sea level.
When is the Best Time to Visit Westfjords
Westfjords is a place where traveling can be pretty challenging because of the ever-changing weather, cold wind, rain, and even snow.
Unlike many other places in the Land of Ice and Fire, Westfjords is not an every-season destination, at least for independent travelers.
Summer
The best time to visit Westfjords is during Iceland's summer, usually between late June and August.
The weather is relatively stable in this period, even though no one can guarantee you clear skies, rainless days, and higher temperatures.
June to September is the summer in Iceland, so there should not be snow anymore, and all roads should be passable.
Even though we said, many travelers usually skip this detour off the Ring Road, the same does not apply to locals.
If you're staying in hotels or taking a tour, make your reservation well in advance when traveling around the Westfjords in the summer.
By the way, summer is considered to be the best time to visit Iceland in general.
Spring and Autumn
Spring and autumn, which is the shoulder season in Iceland, is also a good time to visit Westfjords.
Still, in spring, you must always check that all roads are already passable, and autumn months, such as October, can surprise you with early snowfall.
Be prepared that the days will be shorter, so you won't probably need three days instead just two.
Moreover, it is always good to have a backup plan when creating your travel itinerary in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
Winter
Winter, between November and March, is not an ideal time for visiting Westfjords unless you find a tour that offers this kind of experience.
Why is it not recommended to travel around Westfjords in winter?
Westfjords is known for the severe weather, and when getting around, you need to expect to cross several mountain passes and drive on unpaved roads.
While they might appear fine in summer, the roads are in a much worse state than usual during the winter.
What is even more important to know is that roads in the winter can be blocked by snow and impassable for several days, which could ruin your plans.
Moreover, the days are very short, so you would need more days to finish the trip.
Lastly, many tourist facilities and services are closed as well.
If you decide to travel in Westfjords in winter anyway, you should be well-experienced, cautious, and flexible.
Always check the current weather forecast, and be well-prepared.
Don't forget that snow chains and a 4WD car are essential.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack
While Westfjords is considered a remote part of Iceland, the weather is fairly similar to other areas on the island.
Make sure you have a good rain jacket to stay dry and a down jacket to stay warm.
We also bring a regular rain poncho as well.
Bring a telephoto lens and a mirrorless camera with bird eye autofocus for puffins.
If you are looking for more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Where to Stay in Westfjords
There is a decent amount of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in Westfjords.
Most of the places are well-spread around the peninsula, so you don't need to worry about finding a nice place to stay overnight.
Most services are open only during the busy season, so always make sure your desired accommodation is bookable for your travel dates.
You can search for hotels in Westfjords here.
Down below, we've selected the best hotels in locations that are considered the most common overnight stops along the way.
Budardalur | The Castle - This cozy guesthouse can be your getaway to Westfjords. Some of the rooms face the beach, and it is also a great place to spot the Northern Lights.
Patreksfjordur | Fosshotel Westfjords - Amazing location overlooking the fjord, modern rooms, great staff, and perfect services that are expected from this hotel chain, Fosshotel Westfjords is our top pick in Patreksfjordur.
Isafjordur | Hotel Isafjordur - This well-equipped hotel stands right in the heart of the town that features clean rooms, good WiFi, and a tasty breakfast.
Holmavik | Gistihus Holmavikur - This comfortable guesthouse in Holmavik offers great service for the price, plus you can enjoy sitting on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Is Westfjords Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Westfjords is definitely worth visiting if you have enough time.
An entire peninsula is a less-traveled place that allows you to escape the crowds on Ring Road.
The untouched nature and dramatic scenery are absolutely breathtaking, and you can see puffins, cliffs, fjords, traditional villages, hot pools, and beaches here.
The scenic drive around Westfjords was one of the best experiences we had in Iceland, and we only wished we had more time for this region.
However, the scenery is not that different from far more accessible places along Ring Road, and if you don't have an additional two to three days, the world won't stop spinning if you don't make it here.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
