Where to Stay in Westfjords Iceland

Accommodation in the Westfjords is genuinely limited relative to visitor demand in summer — the entire region has fewer hotels and guesthouses than a mid-size Reykjavík street. Booking ahead is not optional in July and August; it is essential. The upside is that properties here tend to be small, personal, and located in settings that larger operations could never replicate.

In Ísafjörður

Hótel Ísafjörður — The main hotel in town and the most comfortable option in the region. Central location on the harbourfront, with straightforward rooms and a decent breakfast. Doubles from approximately ISK 30,000–42,000 as of 2026. The hotel is the default base for Hornstrandir boat tours and West Tours departures. Booking directly is often marginally cheaper than through aggregators.

Gistiheimilið Gamla Kaupfélagið (Þingeyri) — A guesthouse in the fishing village of Þingeyri, 45 minutes south of Ísafjörður on the Dýrafjörður fjord. The building is a renovated general store from the trading era and keeps some of its original character. Rooms are simple but the fjord setting is peaceful. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–26,000 as of 2026. Good base for the Þingeyri ski area in winter.

Outside Town

Heydalur Country Hotel — One of the best-situated properties in the Westfjords, in the remote Mjóifjörður valley on the east coast of the region. The hotel has its own geothermal pool, horses, and direct access to hiking trails. The drive in requires a mountain road passable in summer; in winter access can be limited. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–38,000 as of 2026. The restaurant serves local lamb and fish. A genuine remote experience — no other commercial facilities are nearby.

Drangsnes Guesthouse — A small guesthouse in the village of Drangsnes on the Strandir coast. The three free outdoor hot pots on the shore are steps from the front door. The village has around 70 residents; eating options are extremely limited (self-catering is sensible). Doubles from approximately ISK 20,000–28,000 as of 2026. The location suits those travelling the Strandir coast or arriving from the south via Hólmavík.

Camping

Ísafjörður Campsite — The most serviced campsite in the region, with electricity hook-ups, toilets, and showers. Approximately ISK 2,200 per person per night as of 2026. Central to all guided activities.

Several other campsite-adjacent and wild-camping areas exist across the Westfjords for those travelling by tent. Facilities are generally basic — a flat pitch with toilets at best. Self-sufficiency (cooking equipment, water filtration) is advisable outside Ísafjörður.

Hornstrandir mountain huts — Basic huts run by the Touring Club of Iceland (Ferðafélag Íslands) are the accommodation in the nature reserve. Pre-booking is required; spaces are limited and fill well in advance. Check fi.is for current availability and booking. Sleeping bag required; no bedding provided.

What to Know Before Booking

Facilities outside Ísafjörður are minimal. Most villages in the Westfjords have no restaurant, no café, and no shop open regular hours. If staying outside town, bring food or arrange dinner at your accommodation in advance. Several guesthouses offer dinner by prior arrangement only.

Road access affects arrival. Some properties require driving gravel mountain passes that may be closed or impassable after heavy rain or early snowfall. Check road.is before departure and build flexibility into your schedule.

Ferry from Stykkishólmur. The Baldur ferry runs from Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes across Breiðafjörður to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords, running twice daily in summer. One way approximately ISK 5,500–7,500 adult. This allows a loop: drive to the Westfjords via ferry and return via the ring road (or vice versa), without doubling back through the same roads.

For what to do across the region, see our things to do in the Westfjords guide.