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Westfjords
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Explore Iceland’s Westfjords for immense sea cliffs, remote fjords, fishing villages, Arctic wildlife, historic towns and demanding scenic roads.

The Westfjords form Iceland’s north-western peninsula, a broad, deeply indented region of steep-sided fjords, high tablelands and isolated coastal communities. Rather than circling a single central town, travel here follows a long network of winding roads around bays and across mountain passes. Ísafjörður, the region’s principal town, occupies a narrow sand spit in Skutulsfjörður and provides the main centre for transport, services, museums and cultural life. Smaller settlements such as Bolungarvík, Súðavík, Flateyri, Suðureyri, Þingeyri, Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur reveal different aspects of the peninsula’s maritime history.
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The landscape is defined by layered basalt mountains shaped into flat-topped profiles during successive ice ages. Their slopes fall directly towards narrow fjords, where waterfalls, scree fields and small farming communities punctuate the coastline. In the south-west, Látrabjarg rises as a vast sea cliff and supports colonies of seabirds during the nesting season, while the pale sands of Rauðisandur extend along a remote bay nearby. Dynjandi, a broad, tiered waterfall above Dynjandisvogur, is one of the region’s most recognisable natural features. Further north, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve preserves an uninhabited landscape of cliffs, tundra and Arctic fox habitat accessible mainly by boat or on foot.
The Westfjords’ cultural identity is closely connected to the sea. Fishing, boat building, seasonal farming and trade shaped the settlements, while long winters and difficult communications encouraged practical self-reliance. Ísafjörður’s old town contains well-preserved timber buildings associated with merchants and seafarers, and museums across the region interpret fishing, local folklore, maritime technology and the lives of communities that were once more populous than they are today. In Súðavík, the Arctic Fox Centre focuses on Iceland’s only native land mammal; in Bolungarvík, the Ósvör museum recreates a nineteenth-century fishing station.
The southern and northern parts of the peninsula have distinct rhythms. The Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur area is celebrated for dramatic coastal scenery and birdlife, the central fjords combine heritage villages with mountain roads and waterfalls, and the Ísafjarðardjúp area leads towards quieter settlements and access points for Hornstrandir. In Strandir on the eastern side, Hólmavík is associated with the Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery, reflecting the region’s seventeenth-century history of supernatural belief and prosecution. Outdoor travel ranges from short waterfall and shoreline walks to demanding multi-day treks, but distances, weather and road conditions make patient planning essential.

When is the best time to visit Westfjords?

Best: June–August · 12–14°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January290
February280
March390
April580
May970
June (best)1260
July (best)1460
August (best)1470
September1180
October790
November490
December2100

Getting to and around Westfjords

How to get there

Domestic flights connect Reykjavík with Ísafjörður, although schedules and seasonal availability can change. Bíldudalur also has limited domestic air access, while other local airstrips serve small communities irregularly or seasonally. By road, the main approaches are Route 60 from the south-west towards the southern fjords and Route 61 from the Hólmavík area towards Ísafjarðardjúp. The Baldur ferry links Stykkishólmur in western Iceland with Brjánslækur, outside the Westfjords but a useful southern gateway for travellers bringing a vehicle. There is no direct Ring Road connection, so journeys from Reykjavík require substantial driving time.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to explore the Westfjords, particularly the southern coast, Strandir and smaller fjord settlements where public transport is limited. Main roads include paved sections, gravel roads and narrow mountain routes; some are seasonally difficult or closed, and travel times are much longer than distances on a map suggest. Local buses operate on selected routes but do not provide comprehensive access to every attraction. Boat services are important for Hornstrandir excursions and hiking logistics. Ísafjörður is the main base for taxis, vehicle services and regional connections, while cycling and walking require careful preparation because of weather, gradients and limited roadside facilities.

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Best attractions in Westfjords

The Westfjords’ attractions are primarily shaped by landscape, maritime history and the pleasure of reaching places at the end of long fjord roads. Dynjandi is the region’s best-known waterfall, descending in broad tiers above Dynjandisvogur, while Rauðisandur offers a striking contrast of pale sand, red-toned shore and open sea. At Látrabjarg, visitors can watch seabirds from one of Europe’s great coastal cliffs, with careful attention to unstable ground and nesting areas. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve provides demanding walking through an uninhabited coast of alpine ridges, abandoned farms and Arctic fox habitat. Ísafjörður’s Westfjords Heritage Museum explores fishing and seafaring, the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík explains the biology and history of Iceland’s native fox, and the Ósvör museum near Bolungarvík presents a reconstructed fishing station. Hólmavík’s Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery adds a cultural-historical dimension in Strandir. The region also suits kayaking, sea angling, birdwatching, photography and scenic driving, provided visitors allow for weather and slow roads.

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Best landmarks in Westfjords

Dynjandi is the Westfjords’ defining natural landmark, its fan-shaped series of cascades spreading across a basalt mountainside above the fjord. The sea cliffs of Látrabjarg form another major geographical marker, extending along the peninsula’s western edge and supporting dense seabird colonies in summer. Rauðisandur is notable for its unusual sand colours and isolated coastal setting, while the flat-topped mountains around the fjords express the region’s distinctive geological history. In Ísafjörður, the Neðstikaupstaður area contains a group of historic timber buildings associated with trading and maritime commerce, making it one of the clearest architectural reminders of the town’s past. Bolungarvík’s Ósvör fishing-station reconstruction evokes the working shoreline of earlier centuries, and the old farm ruins of Hornstrandir mark a landscape abandoned rather than built over. The remote Drangajökull ice cap, visible from parts of the northern peninsula, is Iceland’s northernmost glacier and a significant feature of the wilderness around the Ísafjarðardjúp and Hornstrandir area.

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Explore Westfjords on the map

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Best restaurants in Westfjords

Dining in the Westfjords reflects the region’s fishing economy, small population and reliance on local supply chains. Fresh fish, dried fish, lamb, dairy products and traditional Icelandic baking appear alongside soups, open sandwiches and straightforward café food. In Ísafjörður, the widest choice ranges from cafés and bakeries to restaurants serving contemporary interpretations of Icelandic ingredients, while smaller villages tend to offer seasonal restaurants, guesthouse meals, cafés or pub-style dining. Coastal communities may feature cod, haddock and other local catches, although menus depend on landings and availability rather than a fixed regional formula. Farm shops and roadside outlets can provide local produce, and supermarkets in the larger settlements are useful for self-catering. The Westfjords are also associated with preserved and fermented foods found more broadly in Iceland, but visitors should distinguish established local traditions from dishes marketed simply as Icelandic specialities. Reservations are sensible in summer, particularly outside Ísafjörður, where opening arrangements can be limited or seasonal.

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Best bars in Westfjords

Nightlife in the Westfjords is modest and concentrated in Ísafjörður, with evenings generally centred on pubs, cafés, hotel bars, live music and occasional cultural events rather than a large club scene. The town’s restaurants and bars provide a social focus for residents, seasonal workers and visitors, while smaller places such as Þingeyri, Patreksfjörður and Bolungarvík may have a pub or bar attached to a restaurant or guesthouse. Summer festivals and community events can bring livelier evenings, but their programmes and venues change from year to year. Outside the larger settlements, distances and limited transport make dining locally or relaxing at accommodation more realistic than travelling between venues. Visitors should check current arrangements directly, as remote businesses often operate seasonally and may close on days when demand is low.

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Best nightclubs in Westfjords

Nightlife in the Westfjords is modest and concentrated in Ísafjörður, with evenings generally centred on pubs, cafés, hotel bars, live music and occasional cultural events rather than a large club scene. The town’s restaurants and bars provide a social focus for residents, seasonal workers and visitors, while smaller places such as Þingeyri, Patreksfjörður and Bolungarvík may have a pub or bar attached to a restaurant or guesthouse. Summer festivals and community events can bring livelier evenings, but their programmes and venues change from year to year. Outside the larger settlements, distances and limited transport make dining locally or relaxing at accommodation more realistic than travelling between venues. Visitors should check current arrangements directly, as remote businesses often operate seasonally and may close on days when demand is low.

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Best shops in Westfjords

Shopping in the Westfjords is focused on practical supplies, local food and small-scale craft rather than extensive retail districts. Ísafjörður has the broadest selection of supermarkets, outdoor equipment, books, clothing, galleries and independent shops, while other settlements offer smaller stores serving residents and travellers. Local products may include woollen goods, knitwear, handmade ceramics, artwork, fishing-related crafts and food produced by farms or small businesses. Museums and cultural centres can be useful places to find regionally themed books and souvenirs, although stock varies by season. Farmers’ markets and community markets appear at particular times of year rather than operating as permanent attractions, so current local information is useful. In rural areas, buy fuel and provisions whenever the opportunity arises, and do not assume that every village has a shop open throughout the day. The most distinctive purchases are often durable, locally made items or regional food products rather than generic Icelandic merchandise.

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Westfjords essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Icelandic króna, abbreviated ISK, as throughout Iceland. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Ísafjörður and most established accommodation, fuel stations, cafés and shops, but small businesses and remote services may have limited connectivity or prefer a backup payment method. Carry some cash for isolated areas, self-service facilities and unexpected interruptions. ATMs are much less common outside the principal towns, and foreign currency is not a practical substitute for Icelandic krónur in rural settlements.
Safety
The main risks are environmental rather than urban: rapidly changing weather, cold water, fog, rockfall, slippery paths, steep cliffs and long distances between services. Check road and weather conditions before travelling, and do not assume that a road shown on a map is fast or open. At Látrabjarg and other sea cliffs, keep well back from unstable edges and avoid disturbing nesting birds. Hikers in Hornstrandir must be self-sufficient and prepared for a lack of mobile coverage. Follow local advice about avalanches and winter road conditions, and use headlights and reduced speed on gravel roads.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies throughout Iceland. The same number can coordinate assistance for serious incidents in remote areas, including search and rescue, while organised hiking or boating trips may also have local emergency procedures. Give the operator your precise location, route, vehicle details and any visible landmarks; GPS coordinates are particularly useful in the Westfjords. For non-urgent outdoor planning, consult Safetravel and local rescue information rather than treating an emergency call as a substitute for preparation.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect road closures, private land, marked paths and local instructions, and slow down for livestock and one-lane bridges. At bird cliffs, keep away from edges, do not handle wildlife and avoid loud disturbance during nesting season. Ask before photographing residents, working boats or private homes, especially in small villages. In Icelandic pools and changing rooms, follow the required washing routine before entering the water. Do not leave rubbish, drive off marked roads or take stones, plants or historic objects from the landscape.
Local Tips
Use Ísafjörður as a practical base for the central fjords, but consider moving accommodation when exploring the southern coast or Strandir to avoid repeated long drives. Keep fuel topped up whenever a station is available and buy provisions before heading into sparsely settled districts. Boat trips are the usual way to reach Hornstrandir, and operators may require flexible plans because of sea conditions. In summer, daylight is exceptionally long, but fog and rain can still arrive quickly; allow spare time rather than building an itinerary around tight connections.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[hah-loh]
GoodbyeBless[bles]
YesJá[yow]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVinsamlegast[veen-sah-mleh-gast]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu[feer-ee-geh-dhuh]
How are you?Hvernig hefurðu það?[hvair-ning heh-vur-thu thah]
Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?[feent. ohg thoo]
Do you speak English?Talarðu ensku?[tah-lahr-thu eng-sku]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeh skeel eh-kee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMig langar að sjá matseðilinn, vinsamlegast[mig lan-gar ahd syaw maht-seh-dhil-lin, veen-sah-mleh-gast]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeh bor-thah eh-kee kyot]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseMig langar að borga, vinsamlegast[mig lan-gar ahd bor-gah, veen-sah-mleh-gast]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aðstoð![ahd-sto-th]
Go away!Farið burt![far-id boort]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna![hring-dhu ee lur-greh-luh-nah]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn![hring-dhu ee layk-nin]
I'm lostÉg er villtur[yeh air vil-tur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yeh air vay-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mig langar að kaupa...[mig lan-gar ahd koy-pah]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeh air bah-rah ahd skoh-thah]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[khvahd koh-star thah]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thahd air ohf deer-t]
Can you lower the price?Geturðu lækkað verðið?[geh-tur-thu lai-kahd ver-thid]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[khvahd air kluk-kahn]
It's one o'clockHún er eitt[hoon air eit]
Half past (10)Hálf (10)[halv (10)]
MorningMorgunn[mor-gun]
AfternoonEftir hádegi[ef-tir how-day-yee]
EveningÞetta kvöld[theh-tah kvold]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee gayer]
TodayÍ dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow mor-gun]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er...?[kvar air]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[khvahd air hay-mih-lis-fang-id]
Can you show me (on the map)?Geturðu sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[geh-tur-thu seent myer (ow kor-tin-oo)]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær fer næsti (strætó)?[kven-air fer nay-sti (stray-tow)]
A ticket (to ....)Miða (til ....)[mee-tha (til)]

History of Westfjords

Settlement and the Sagas

The Westfjords were settled during Iceland’s main period of Norse migration in the late ninth and early tenth centuries. Its fjords offered landing places, grazing and access to rich waters, while saga traditions preserve memories of early farmsteads, feuds and large local landholdings. The peninsula’s terrain encouraged communities to develop around individual fjords rather than a single urban centre. Archaeological remains and historic farms continue to illustrate how early Icelanders combined livestock keeping, fishing and seasonal use of remote coastal areas.

Medieval Churches, Farms and Trade

Throughout the medieval period, the Westfjords remained a predominantly rural society in which farming, fishing and church life were closely connected. Parish churches and farms formed the main settlement structure, while sheltered fjords provided routes for local exchange. The region’s distance from Iceland’s south-western centres reinforced its independence but also limited access to goods and political power. Several modern communities occupy sites whose importance rests on this long continuity of farming, fishing and coastal transport.

Merchants and the Fishing Economy

From the late medieval period into the early modern era, European and Danish merchants competed for Icelandic fish and trading rights. Ísafjörður and other sheltered harbours developed as commercial places where fish, salt, imported timber and household goods changed hands. The Danish trade monopoly, introduced in the seventeenth century, regulated commerce until the nineteenth century. Fishing gradually became the economic foundation of the larger settlements, linking the Westfjords to markets beyond Iceland and encouraging more specialised maritime communities.

Witchcraft Prosecutions in Strandir

The seventeenth century brought a series of witchcraft accusations across Iceland, with a particularly strong association with the Strandir area of the Westfjords. Most of those prosecuted were men, and the charges reflected anxiety about harmful magic, misfortune and supernatural explanations in isolated communities. The trials formed part of wider European religious and legal patterns rather than an exclusively local belief system. Hólmavík’s Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery now interprets these events and their place in Icelandic social history.

Nineteenth-Century Fishing Settlements

During the nineteenth century, commercial fishing and improved boats transformed settlements such as Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and communities around the larger fjords. Seasonal fishing stations became more permanent, and merchants, boat owners, labourers and processors created increasingly structured towns. The old timber buildings in Ísafjörður reflect this period of commercial growth. Fishing remained physically demanding and vulnerable to winter weather, but it provided the economic base for schools, churches, workshops and expanding local administration.

Modernisation, Roads and Population Change

Twentieth-century modernisation brought motorised boats, improved communications, electricity and gradually better roads, but it also altered the balance between small villages and larger centres. Some remote settlements lost population as fishing became more mechanised and employment concentrated in places such as Ísafjörður. Tunnels and major road improvements have made parts of the region more accessible, although the Westfjords remain less densely populated and less connected than Iceland’s south-west. The resulting empty buildings and changing harbours are part of the region’s contemporary landscape.

Hornstrandir and the Return of Wilderness

The northern Hornstrandir coast was gradually abandoned during the twentieth century as isolated farming and fishing became difficult to sustain. The absence of permanent settlement allowed natural processes to reshape old fields, paths and ruins. Hornstrandir was later protected as a nature reserve, creating a large area without roads or permanent residents. Today it is valued for wilderness walking, seabirds, Arctic foxes and coastal scenery, while the remaining farm ruins record the demanding lives of the people who once lived there.

Westfjords in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Westfjords, Iceland

Explore the Westfjords with our 100% free app-based travel guide. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and much more.

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Westfjords, Iceland with Evendo - your ultimate, free travel guide. Plan, explore, and book all in one place!

  • History and travel essentials for visiting Westfjords
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the stunning Westfjords, Iceland. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, our app provides everything you need to make the most out of your trip. Dive into the mesmerizing landscapes of Dynjandi Waterfall, soak in the natural hot springs at Drangsnes, or take a scenic drive around the isolated fjords. Evendo offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

With Evendo, you can explore famous landmarks like the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the charming village of Ísafjörður. Discover hidden gems and local favorites like Tjöruhúsið, a renowned seafood restaurant, or enjoy a cozy evening at Simbahöllin Café. Our app provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

No more hassle of searching for what to see, do, or experience. Evendo allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Navigate effortlessly with features like the 'Near Me' function, which shows you nearby attractions and services. Plus, our curated local tips ensure you experience Westfjords like a true local.

Download Evendo today and embark on an unforgettable journey through Westfjords, Iceland. And remember, Evendo isn't just limited to Westfjords; it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Your next adventure is just a click away!

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