Why Visit Iceland’s Westfjords
There are few places left in the world that feel as untouched as Iceland’s Westfjords. Jutting out from the northwest corner of the island, this remote region covers a vast expanse of dramatic fjords, jagged peninsulas, and sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea. It is Iceland at its rawest, a landscape shaped by glaciers and time, where winding coastal roads lead to natural hot springs, quiet fishing villages, and sweeping views that feel almost otherworldly.
Unlike Iceland’s more famous southern coast or the busy Golden Circle, the Westfjords remain largely undiscovered by mass tourism. Many travelers never make it this far, which is exactly what makes the experience so special. Here, the sense of solitude is profound. You can stand on a cliff and hear nothing but the crash of waves below, or soak in a natural pool while seabirds circle overhead. For travelers seeking an authentic connection to Icelandic nature and culture, the Westfjords offer something that is increasingly rare: stillness.
Visiting the Westfjords is less about checking off sights and more about feeling the rhythm of a place. It is about long drives along coastal roads where the next curve reveals another breathtaking view. It is about meeting locals who are proud stewards of their land and sea. It is about discovering that the most memorable moments often come unplanned, like a sudden rainbow over a fjord or a seal bobbing up beside your kayak.
Top Reasons the Westfjords Are a Must-See Destination
Untouched Wilderness
The Westfjords’ landscapes are both vast and intimate. You can stand at the edge of Látrabjarg Cliffs, Iceland’s westernmost point, and watch puffins dive into the sea just feet away. These cliffs are among the largest seabird nesting sites in Europe and stretch for over eight miles. Meanwhile, Dynjandi Falls, often called the jewel of the Westfjords, cascades down the mountainside in a series of wide, tiered veils. It is not just a waterfall; it is an experience that leaves you humbled by nature’s scale.
Beyond these landmarks, countless smaller wonders await:
-
Hidden beaches with red or golden sand
-
Valleys dotted with wildflowers
-
Geothermal springs tucked into the shoreline
Each turn seems to reveal a new kind of beauty that has not been curated or crowded.
True Solitude
In many parts of Iceland, the main sights can feel busy even in shoulder season. But in the Westfjords, you can still find space to breathe. The roads are quieter, the villages smaller, and the pace slower. It is common to drive for an hour or more without passing another car. When you stop, the silence is so complete it feels like the land is holding its breath.
That sense of solitude is part of what makes traveling here so restorative. It gives you the freedom to pause, linger, and connect, not just with the landscape but with yourself.
Local Warmth and Culture
Despite their remoteness, the people of the Westfjords are some of the most welcoming you will meet in Iceland. Many families have lived in the same fishing villages for generations, carrying forward deep-rooted traditions. Towns like Ísafjörður, Patreksfjörður, and Flateyri offer cozy cafes, small museums, and harbor views that feel pulled from a painting.
In Ísafjörður, wander the narrow streets lined with colorful wooden houses, browse the local bookstore, and sip coffee while watching fishing boats drift in and out of the harbor. In Patreksfjörður, end the day with a swim in the town’s geothermal pool, where the warm water meets cold sea air and the fjord glows at sunset.
Natural Comforts
The Westfjords are dotted with natural hot springs, many perched right on the edge of the sea. Soaking in these pools feels like a return to simplicity, with no spa menus or crowds, just the warmth of the earth and the view of the horizon.
A few favorites include:
-
Krosslaug Hot Spring – a stone pool beside the sea
-
Hellulaug – a scenic spot with wide views of the fjord
-
Krossneslaug – a geothermal pool that overlooks the ocean
When you have had your fill of geothermal bliss, head inland for farm-fresh ice cream at Erpsstaðir Creamery or taste hand-harvested Arctic sea salt from Saltverk, one of the most sustainable salt producers in the world. The connection between land, sea, and table runs deep here.
A Flexible 7-Day Westfjords Itinerary to Inspire Your Trip
Tray Tables Up has created a 7-day Westfjords itinerary not as a packaged tour, but as a starting point, a framework to inspire your own custom adventure. Every journey through the Westfjords can and should look different, tailored to your interests, comfort level, and sense of curiosity.
You might start your trip in Reykjavik, then head west toward the quiet charm of Stykkishólmur, a town known for its fresh seafood and views across Breiðafjörður Bay. From there, a ferry takes you into the heart of the Westfjords, where a maze of fjords, cliffs, and hidden beaches awaits.
In this suggested route, you will drive along Route 62, stop for coffee at a local café overlooking the water, hike along Látrabjarg, and end the day soaking in a hot spring under a pastel sky. You could spend another day exploring Dynjandi Falls, browsing the tiny shops in Þingeyri, or taking a boat out to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the most remote and pristine corners of Iceland.
The beauty of this itinerary is its flexibility. Maybe you would rather stay longer in one place, spend a few extra nights in Ísafjörður, or add an offbeat detour to Rauðisandur Beach, known for its red and golden sands. Every adjustment can make your trip more personal and meaningful.
Joycelyn works with travelers to transform this framework into a plan that fits their exact goals. Whether you want adventure-filled days, slow cultural exploration, or luxurious downtime, she tailors every detail, from accommodations and dining recommendations to guided experiences and ferry timing.
Best Time to Visit the Westfjords in Iceland
The Westfjords’ remote beauty shifts with the seasons, and each brings its own magic.
Summer (June to August)
-
Long daylight hours and vibrant wildflowers
-
Roads are open and accessible
-
Ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and fjord cruising
Late Spring (May to early June)
-
Cooler temperatures but fewer tourists
-
Snowmelt-fed waterfalls at their fullest
-
Crisp air and bright, clear days
Early Autumn (September)
-
Golden landscapes and quieter roads
-
Soft lighting perfect for photography
-
A peaceful, reflective time to travel
Winter travel is possible but not recommended without experience, since many mountain passes close due to snow and daylight hours are limited. For most travelers, late May through early September strikes the perfect balance of accessibility and adventure.
What to Expect When Driving the Westfjords
Driving is part of the adventure here. The Westfjords’ network of roads is as scenic as it is remote, winding along cliffs and through valleys. You will often find yourself pulling over to admire a waterfall or to watch seals bask on the rocks.
Driving tips:
-
Plan extra time for travel between towns
-
Keep an eye on weather conditions and road reports
-
Refuel when you can, as gas stations can be sparse
-
Bring snacks, layers, and a camera for spontaneous stops
The reward for the extra planning is total freedom. You can pause wherever inspiration strikes, stop for coffee in an unexpected café, or follow a sign to a hidden beach that does not appear on your map. The journey itself is the experience.
Taste the Westfjords: Food and Local Experiences
Culinary traditions in the Westfjords are rooted in simplicity and sustainability. Seafood is a way of life here. Expect dishes like pan-fried cod, langoustine soup, or salt-cured Arctic char served with fresh herbs and local butter. Small restaurants often feature daily catches, and many rely on geothermal or solar energy for production.
Local highlights include:
-
Saltverk Sea Salt – hand-harvested using geothermal energy
-
Erpsstaðir Creamery – known for its creamy, locally made ice cream
-
Englendingavík in Borgarnes – a charming café and restaurant overlooking the water
For a truly memorable evening, book dinner in a local guesthouse, where you might share a table with travelers and locals alike, trading stories over smoked fish and a glass of Icelandic beer.
Plan Your Westfjords Adventure with Tray Tables Up
The Westfjords are unlike anywhere else in Iceland, raw, peaceful, and full of discovery. But that beauty also comes with complexity: limited infrastructure, remote routes, and countless possibilities. That is where expert guidance makes all the difference.
At Tray Tables Up, Joycelyn helps travelers craft personalized itineraries that balance adventure and comfort. Using her expertise, she handles the planning, research, and coordination so you can simply enjoy the experience. Whether you want to soak in seaside hot springs, drive the fjord roads at your own pace, or combine Iceland’s wild landscapes with a few indulgent stays, she will create a journey that reflects your travel style.
The Westfjords 7-day itinerary is just the beginning, an invitation to dream about what your trip could look like. From there, every detail becomes yours, curated, refined, and inspired by the way you love to travel.
Ready to plan your Westfjords escape?
Reach out to Joycelyn at Tray Tables Up to start shaping your own Icelandic journey, one that is personal, unforgettable, and crafted with care.