Westfjords Road Trip: Iceland's Remote Northwest
The Westfjords road trip is the most remote driving experience accessible by car in Iceland. The peninsula’s deep fjords mean the road winds continuously — 300km of driving covers approximately 100km of direct distance. The payoff is extraordinary solitude, Iceland’s most dramatic waterfall (Dynjandi), Europe’s most accessible puffin cliffs (Látrabjarg), and landscapes that feel genuinely untouched.
Getting to the Westfjords
By car from Reykjavík: Approximately 450km via Route 1 to Borgarnes then Route 60 into the Westfjords. Allow 6–7 hours to Ísafjörður.
By ferry from Stykkishólmur: The Baldur ferry (seatours.is) crosses Breiðafjörður bay to Brjánslækur in the southern Westfjords — 2.5 hours, approximately ISK 3,500 per person and ISK 12,000–16,000 per car. This is the classic entry route from the Snæfellsnes area and saves considerable driving.
By air to Ísafjörður: Eagle Air flies from Reykjavík Domestic in approximately 45 minutes, from ISK 10,000–20,000 one way. Useful if you want more time exploring and less time driving transit.
Suggested 4-Day Circuit
Day 1: Enter via Ferry or Drive — Patreksfjörður Base
Arrive at Patreksfjörður (the main town in the southern Westfjords) in the afternoon. Explore the town, check in to accommodation, and plan the next 3 days.
Day 2: Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs and Rauðasandur Beach
Látrabjarg cliffs are 60km west of Patreksfjörður. An early start gives better puffin viewing before midday crowds (minimal in the Westfjords but mornings are always better for birds). Allow 1–2 hours at the cliffs.
On the return, detour to Rauðasandur red sand beach via Route 614 (gravel mountain track). The rust-coloured beach stretching for several kilometres is extraordinary. Allow 1 hour at the beach.
Return to Patreksfjörður for the night.
Day 3: Drive North to Dynjandi
Follow Route 60 north along the fjords. Dynjandi waterfall is approximately 90km from Patreksfjörður. A 30-minute walk up the gorge leads to the base of the main fall — 100m of tiered fan-shaped cascade. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Continue to Ísafjörður (approximately 80km further). Explore the old harbour, visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum, and have dinner at Tjöruhúsið (book ahead — summer only).
Day 4: Ísafjörður and Departure
Morning: walk the old harbour, coffee, optional Hornstrandir day trip booking or a morning sea kayak tour.
Afternoon: drive south via Route 60 back toward Reykjavík (approximately 6–7 hours), or fly from Ísafjörður Airport.
Key Stops
Dynjandi — Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. The 100m fan-shaped main cascade with 7 smaller falls below it. Free. Allow 2 hours with the approach walk. Campsite at the car park.
Látrabjarg — 14km of seabird cliffs with ground-level puffin access (May–August). 3–4 hours from Ísafjörður.
Rauðasandur — Red sand beach from crushed scallop shells. Accessed via Route 614 (gravel). Striking and little-visited.
Ísafjörður — Historic timber buildings, Tjöruhúsið restaurant (all-you-can-eat fish), Hornstrandir day trips.
Flókalundur — A small hotel at the start of the Westfjords peninsula, on Route 60. Good lunch stop.
Practical Notes
- Fuel: Fill up at every opportunity. Stations are sparse.
- Mountain passes: Check road.is before heading out on passes — they can close with little warning.
- Accommodation: Limited — book everything in advance for July and August.
- Distances are deceptive: 100km in the Westfjords takes 2+ hours due to the winding roads.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a 4WD to drive the Westfjords?
- The main Westfjords arterial road (Route 60 and Route 61) is accessible in a 2WD, but it passes several mountain passes that can be closed or difficult in poor conditions. Some roads to specific attractions (Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur) are gravel and narrow — a higher clearance is helpful. For a full circuit, a 4WD is advisable.
- When is the best time to visit the Westfjords?
- June through August. The mountain passes are most reliably open, the puffins are at Látrabjarg (May–August), and the days are long. May can have late snow on passes. September brings good weather but shorter days and reduced puffin activity. The Westfjords in winter are for experienced drivers only.
- How long does a Westfjords road trip take?
- A minimum of 3 days to cover the main highlights (Dynjandi, Ísafjörður, Látrabjarg). 5 days gives a more comfortable pace with time for Hornstrandir day trips and the lesser-visited fjords. Flying to Ísafjörður saves the drive from Reykjavík and allows more time for exploration.