Some things you’d expect...
The Westfjords region is legend for its hiking opportunities. Up mountains, across plateaux, through valleys, and along entire coastlines, you could explore on foot for years on end.
When the snow’s up to your knees, it can be less fun to hike. And this is when the locals strap on their skis and snowboards. Downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross country/Alpine skiing are all popular. Most towns and villages have a ski area, and Ísafjörður is among the top ski resorts in Iceland (including illuminated slopes for night skiing).
This being Iceland, you’ll find plenty of natural hot pots to bathe in. Only, in the Westfjords, there’ll probably be fewer other people in there to get in your way.
…and some things you might not
All those mountains make the Westfjords great for adrenaline sports, including climbing, abseiling, paragliding and mountain biking. In the winter you can even practice ice climbing.
The mountains are also the reason why our roads are usually by the coast and relatively flat. This makes the Westfjords a surprisingly good place for road bikes too – especially because of the great views and sparse traffic.
The Westfjords fishing industry is famous, but did you know you can go out there fishing yourself? Both sea angling tours and trips on a real commercial fishing vessel are available. And the Westfjords has some top quality salmon rivers too.
Scuba diving in the crystal clear fjord water is proving popular – especially as part of ‘catch your own dinner’ tours. The Westfjords are teeming with delicacies! If you’d rather stay topsides, then don’t miss the many kayaking and sailing opportunities on offer.
And finally, with all that nature around, you might not expect to find so many good restaurants and cafés, so much live music, a real-life cinema, art exhibitions and good museums to boot.
Skiing
For those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding there are fine ski resorts throughout the country. They are generally open during the winter, snow and circumstances permitting. There is a ski-resort in Ísafjörður.
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Golf Courses
Golf enthusiasts have many options when it comes to golfing in the Westfjords, a choice of excellent golf courses throughout the region.
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Sea Angling
Great fun for people of all ages, sea angling trips are available all over the Westfjords of Iceland.
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Bird Watching
There are many places in the Westfjords of Iceland that are ideal for bird watching. Látrarbjarg cliff is the largest bird cliff in Europe and gives you fantastic views over the puffins. But there are also other places such as Vigur island, Grímsey island and Reykhólar that are amazing spots for bird enthusiast.
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Kayak Tours / Paddleboarding
Kayaking is an exhilarating experience, the Westfjords have sheltered fjords and are for that reason excellent for sea kayaking.
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Boat Tours
From whale watching to puffin tours to northern light cruises, coast hugging trips and more, they each provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.
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Whale Watching
Around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the hump-backed whale, dolphins and a few others. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages.
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Museums
There is a good variety of museums all over the Westfjords so everybody should find something they like.
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Angling
Iceland has an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with salmon and trout and attract many anglers. The opportunities for participating are limitless.
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Boat Tours
From whale watching to puffin tours to northern light cruises, coast hugging trips and more, they each provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.
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City walk
Fancy a little stroll around town in the company of a guide, then a city walk just might be your thing.
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Culinary experience
The Westfjords are most known for their fish but there is so much more to try and taste. Here are some of the options available.
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Horse Activities
The Icelandic horse is a favorite of many and known around the world as an excellent steed. There are many horse rentals throughout the Westfjords offering short or longer rides.
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Northern Ligths Tour
The northern lights are a thing of beauty and a sighting will stay in your memories for a long time. There are tour operators and travel agencies that offer northern light tours.
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Photo Tours
Photographing Iceland is an extremely popular activity. No surprise there as Iceland is a very photogenic country. Special photo tours are available, where participants receive guidance and advice from a professional photographer, who also selects interesting locations for photographing.
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