Best Sights of the Westfjords: 2-4 day Driving Tour
Escape the crowds of the south to experience Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes, where tiny fishing villages sit along calm fjords below towering flat mountain tops.
Best of the Westfjords
Only a small fraction of visitors to Iceland make the journey to the Westfjords, a rugged peninsula in far northwestern Iceland with mountains, multi-colored beaches, and sleepy fishing villages. The opportunities for scenic drives are limitless with winding roads following the undulating coastline past deep-blue fjords and verdant headlands. Hiking and wildlife watching is also exceptional, and you can experience traditional ways of life in the Westfjords' charming settlements.
The Westfjords are an unrivaled spot for reconnecting with the power of nature. You can climb past misty cascades to feel the thunderous roar of Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, or look for Arctic foxes and seals amid the jagged sea cliffs of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Kayaking trips along the fjords take in the shore’s diverse scenery, while excursions to the fascinating Saltverk factory show how salt is made from seawater using only geothermal energy.
The Westfjords are an unrivaled spot for reconnecting with the power of nature. You can climb past misty cascades to feel the thunderous roar of Dynjandi, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, or look for Arctic foxes and seals amid the jagged sea cliffs of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Kayaking trips along the fjords take in the shore’s diverse scenery, while excursions to the fascinating Saltverk factory show how salt is made from seawater using only geothermal energy.
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Westfjords Essentials
Six Great Day-Hikes in the Westfjords
Home to a rugged landscape and trails for every type of hiker, the Westfjords region provides a perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland on foot. Marvel at geysers, have a picnic on the shores of a scenic bay, and take in the mountain peaks as you make your way through one of the country's most beautiful trekking areas.
What to Do in Ísafjörður and Beyond
Ísafjörður (Isafjordur) is the largest town in Iceland's beautiful Westfjords, making it a perfect jumping off point for day trips around the region. The town itself, surrounded by dramatic scenery, also has a lot to offer in the way of historical value and opportunities to get out into nature.
Kayaking around Isafjordur, heart of the Westfjords
Paddle through majestic fjords below towering mountains as you spot seals, whales, and birds along the way. Here are a few kayaking options ranging from a couple hours up to a full week of exploring at your own speed.
Guide to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - Remote Wilderness in Northwest Iceland
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remote wilderness in the northwest claw of Iceland’s West Fjords. A wild gem of green slopes, snow-capped glacier peninsulas, and slate-blue bays, Hornstrandir is largely uninhabited and accessible only in during summer by daily ferry. It’s precisely these features that make it one of the best-preserved parts of Iceland--nothing for miles except green valleys, tufts of dandelions and Angelica, and pebbled shores. If you’re lucky, you may just spot a flying goose or an Arctic fox.
Best Panoramic Hikes around Ísafjörður: Calm Fjords and Untouched Nature
Isafjordur is home to some of the best hiking areas in all of Iceland. Whether you’re looking for short hikes with jaw-dropping views, day trips to remote areas, or multi-day backpacking treks where you can camp out away from it all, the heart of the Westfjords has it all. Here are a few hikes to that will really make your time in the Westfjords memorable.
Westfjords Itineraries
Discover West Iceland: Family-Friendly Road Trip - 7 Days
Packed full of family-friendly wildlife excursions and exhilarating drives through Iceland's rugged Westfjords region, this seven-day itinerary takes you past waterfalls, mountains, fjords, and red-sand beaches to wind up in the contemporary environs of Reykjavík. Along the way, discover tiny fishing villages untouched by time, remote islands full of seabirds, and the breathtaking landscape of Iceland's lesser-traveled western side.
Relaxed West Iceland Family Self-Drive - 10 Days
Experience West Iceland's wild beauty with this 10-day road trip, perfect for families who want to see the country's natural wonders at a more leisurely pace. Journey across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and encounter tiny fishing villages, black sandy beaches, and epic mountains before finishing in the remote and untouched Westfjords. Savor moments with whales, seals, puffins, and Arctic foxes.
Iceland West Coast Road Trip - 8 Days
Experience the best sites along Iceland's west coast and remote Westfjords region with this 8-day tour. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.
Iceland Remote Hiking Adventure - 10 Days
This active 10-day itinerary highlights two major hiking areas in Iceland: the southern highlands and the Westfjords. Start off with a bus trip to Thorsmork for a plethora of trails overlooking moss-covered mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. Next, you'll fly to Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir, accessible only by boat and trail, where you'll take a 3-day trek with a local guide. Return to Reykjavik for a night on the town and a chance to soak your muscles in the Blue Lagoon.
Discover Iceland's Wild West: Family Road Trip - 14 Days
Discover the remote beauty of Iceland's wilder western side with this two-week family road trip. Spend quality time exploring Reykjavík's city sights before journeying west across the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the untouched Westfjords. Explore vast red-sand beaches, venture inside glaciers, and experience thundering waterfalls as you and the kids reconnect with nature and hang out with giant orcas, playful seas, and enchanting Arctic foxes.
Iceland West Coast Road Trip - 6 Days
This unique self-drive tour travels through Iceland's beautiful west coast and Westfjords region, where few travelers roam. Starting in Reykjavík, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.
Best of Iceland's West Coast - 9 Days
This self-driving trip takes you to the highlights of Iceland's west coast and the remote Westfjords area. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.
Best of West Iceland & Scenic Westfjords - 10 Days
Enjoy the best of Western Iceland and the Westfjords on this 10-day summer adventure. Escape the crowds of the South Coast and Golden Circle area at their peak, when accommodations can be hard to secure. Instead, discover more remote areas of the country, while still experiencing the magnificence of this stunning country. Visit black-sand beaches and fishing towns in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, incredible cliffs in Patreksfjörður, delicious, fresh seafood in Isafjordur, plenty of scenic hikes in the remote Westfjords, and more.
Best of the West: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords - 8 Days
This eight-day Icelandic road trip takes you to the highlights of the west. Travel to some of the less-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds of the Golden Circle and South Coast. Explore the Volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry past Flatey Island to the remote Westfjords, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar to seek out active birdlife, see black-, golden-, and red-sand beaches, and visit the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. Spend a couple of nights in Isafjordur, a great base for hiking, kayaking, and day trips across the fjord to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve—only accessible by boat and trail.
Best of the West: Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Westfjords - 7 Days
This weeklong trip covers the highlights of the West and remote Westfjords. Travel to some of the lesser-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds. Spend a few days in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula before ferrying to the remote Westfjords, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Hike along the jagged cliffs at Látrabjarg, visit a red-sand beach, and picnic at the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. Spend time in Isafjordur and drive along the eight-fjord system to stop in small towns.
Iceland's Wild West & Arctic North Family Road Trip - 14 Days
Switch off your devices and reconnect with your family on this captivating two-week Icelandic road trip. Touch down in Reykjavík, where you'll explore 8,000-year-old glittering lava tunnels before heading west to immerse yourselves in nature, waterfalls, and the untouched Westfjords. Along the way, hike icy glaciers, ride Icelandic horses across stunning vistas, and enjoy quality time with the kids as you venture across vast fjords, red-sand beaches, and peninsulas rich in Norse mythology.
Iceland's Wild West & Arctic North - 15 Days
Enjoy both unspoiled countryside and wild volcanic landscapes on this epic road trip through Iceland. Arrive in the west and head north past lava fields and rugged coastline to the Westfjords, a wild and remote area known for its mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. Continue to the far north and see the geothermal highlights along the Diamond Circle before turning south to relax in hot springs and stuff yourself on food tours in Reykjavík.
Best of West & North Iceland - 12 Days
This off-the-beaten-path road trip is especially great during summer months when peak crowds head for Iceland's south coast and Golden Circle (and accommodations can be hard to find). Instead, you'll escape to more remote areas of the country, traveling from Reykjavik all the way to its sunnier north coast with stops in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords (by way of car ferry), Husavik, and Lake Myvatn. There's plenty of time to experience unique geological features along the way with lava fields, volcano hikes, massive waterfalls, and geothermal pools, not to mention cool Scandinavian culture and cuisine.
Highlights of Iceland's South, West & North - 13 Days
See it all on this adventure that covers the highlights and hidden wonders of Iceland. There's no time to waste, as right when you arrive you'll visit the waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, and beaches on the Golden Circle and South Coast. Continue the journey halfway around the island as you travel north to historic landmarks, coastal cliffs, and volcanic landscapes, before returning to the mother of all hot springs, the Blue Lagoon.
Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords & Golden Circle - 7 Days
This weeklong itinerary will take you to the north, away from the crowded south coast. On this trip, you will enjoy the volcanic Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the scenic and remote Westfjords.
Iceland's Magical Ring Road: Waterfalls, Lava Fields, Hot Springs & Wildlife - 13 Days
See the magic of Iceland's Ring Road with this 13-day self-drive tour. Start in Reykjavík for whale watching and a vibrant downtown scene. From here, drive the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its crashing waterfalls and black-sand beaches, then ferry to the Westfjords. Hike the cliffs of Látrabjarg, kayak to Vigur Island, and ride horses along the Westfjords' "Alps." Walk among icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, visit breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and end with a dip in the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Best of Iceland's Wild West & Arctic North: Family Friendly Road Trip - 10 Days
Leave your cares behind you on this rejuvenating 10-day Icelandic family adventure that kicks off in the iconic Blue Lagoon Spa and ends with a journey into the icy heart of the Langjökull glacier. Along the way, discover Norse mythology, waterfalls, and lava caves among the wild beauty of Borgarfjörður and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Go horseback riding, whale watching, and puffin spotting along the northern coast, then head for the myriad charms of Reykjavík via the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn.
Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Westfjords: Best Itinerary Ideas
Most people visiting Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westfjords spend about 12 to 14 days in Iceland, which usually includes some time on the Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri as well. For travelers wanting to visit Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westfjords exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five days. For the best itineraries, including Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westfjords, keep reading below.
Iceland Off The Beaten Path: West and North Escape - 10 Days
This 10-day driving itinerary is great for the summer when the crowds of the south coast and golden circle area are at their peak and accommodation can be hard to find. Instead, escape to the more remote areas of the country to experience some of the best that Iceland has to offer, with few other people to share it with.
Best of Iceland's West & North: Snaefellsnes, Westfjords, Vatnsnes & Diamond Circle - 12 Days
Two of Iceland's more remote and scenically stunning yet lesser-visited regions—Westfjords and North Iceland—are the focus of this scenic 12-day active self-drive adventure, which also includes the mesmerizing Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The non-stop experiences range from clifftop hikes and wildlife viewing to helicopter flightseeing, as well as visits to many of Iceland's iconic and less familiar but equally spectacular sites.
Active Iceland Adventure: North to South – 11 Days
This 11-day itinerary checks off an entire bucket list of iconic sites, from Iceland's northernmost to its southernmost points. You'll snorkel the crystal-clear waters of the Mid-Atlantic Rift, hike to see puffins and Arctic fox in the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and gallop along Löngufjörur Beach on a tame Icelandic pony. These are among many activities you'll enjoy as you explore the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland, "Golden Circle," and South Coast, plus Reykjavik.
Iceland Ring Road & Westfjords Adventure - 12 Days
This epic 12-day road trip is a perfect way to absorb Iceland as you traverse all four corners of the country. You'll visit popular spots along the famous 828-mile Ring Road, and head off the beaten path to detour through the Westfjords (great for mountain biking and kayaking). The self-drive loop also includes stops in Iceland's two biggest cities, and numerous natural sites like volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, glaciers, and more.
Self-Drive Iceland North, West & South: Ultimate Winter Adventure - 12 Days
Enjoy an array of diverse regions, geological wonders, and exciting experiences on this 12-day self-drive itinerary, which explores Iceland's north, west, and south in the winter months. Wander through ice caves on the Vatnajökull glacier, snowmobile on the Myrdalsjokull ice cap, view seals on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, and even sample cheese at a goat farm. Add soaks in geothermal hot springs, hikes to iconic waterfalls, and drives through the majestic fjords of Westfjords for a comprehensive, in-depth self-drive exploration of Iceland.
Iceland Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: North & West - 12 Days
Follow an arc from eastern to western Iceland via the north coast on this 12-day active self-drive adventure. You'll pack in many of the country's most iconic sites, from Godafoss waterfall and the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn to the dizzying Látrabjarg cliffs and world-famous Kirkjufell mountain. Plus, you'll thrill to mountain hikes, "Super Jeep" adventures, and even snorkeling in the Silfra fissure of the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Iceland Self-Drive Adventure: Waterfalls, Geysers & Hot Springs - 13 Days
This 13-day driving tour of Iceland takes you to some of the country's most amazing landmarks and historic sites. Travel along Iceland's Ring Road, where you'll see crashing waterfalls and long stretches of lava fields at Lake Mývatn. Visit historic fishing villages for beautiful harbor views and marine life tours, then hike the peaks of Kaldbakur Mountain. See geysers erupt into the sky, walk the cliffs of Arnarstapi, and take in the geological wonders of the Golden Circle and Þingvellir National Park.
Iceland Westfjords Self-Drive Tour - 13 Days
Discover the wild beauty of western Iceland on an epic road trip adventure. Over 13 event-filled days, you'll travel up the country's famous Route 1 and venture down backroads to visit highlights and hidden gems. These include historic fishing villages, rugged sea cliffs, vast fjords, plunging waterfalls, volcanic rock formations, and other geological wonders you can only find in the land of ice and fire.
2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to hike, explore, and soak it all in. This 14-day itinerary covers all the major regions except the highlands, which you can see with a couple more days or by spending less time in some of the areas below.
Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri: Best Itinerary Ideas
Twelve to 14 days is the most popular trip length for Iceland travelers interested in visiting Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri, especially when also including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords. If you're not interested in the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords, about 10 days are enough for your Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in eight or nine days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries including Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri and beyond.
Iceland Highlights & Ring Road Adventure - 15 Days
Hit the road on Iceland's main highway for a 15-day self-drive adventure. You'll arrive in the west and, from there, head south, stopping at waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. As you travel up to the east and north, you'll pass scenic fjords, go whale watching, brave river rapids, hike along sea cliffs, and explore lava caves before completing the circuit back in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital.
Iceland Best of the West: Snæfellsnes & Westfjords - 15 Days
The rugged beauty of Iceland was made for road-tripping, which is precisely what you'll do on this 15-day self-drive excursion. You'll be traveling through the west, which is packed full of highlights ranging from waterfalls and glaciers to fjords and natural hot springs. You'll even have time for a detour to the north, where you'll ride horses, take helicopter tours, and drive the scenic Diamond Circle route.
Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri: Best Itinerary Ideas
Twelve to 14 days is a great length for a Iceland trip with stops in Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Varmahlid or Laugarbakki. Keep reading for more inspiring Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri itineraries.
Other popular travel destinations in Iceland
Reykjavík · South Coast · Snæfellsnes Peninsula · Golden Circle · Northern Iceland · Lake Mývatn · East Fjords · Akureyri · Ísafjörður · Highlands · Westman Islands · Thorsmork · Seydisfjordur
Reykjavík · South Coast · Snæfellsnes Peninsula · Golden Circle · Northern Iceland · Lake Mývatn · East Fjords · Akureyri · Ísafjörður · Highlands · Westman Islands · Thorsmork · Seydisfjordur