Slow Travel Westfjords: A 7-Day Itinerary for Summer Exploration
Before hitting the road, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with safe driving practices in Iceland. Most of the roads are paved but there are still some gravel roads along the route. Given the unpredictable weather, it's wise to visit www.road.is and https://safetravel.is/ for essential information on road conditions, driving tips, and other safety guidelines for navigating Iceland's roads.
Day 1: Dalir & Reykhólar
Start the day early and hit the road. Driving north on route 1 from Reykjavík it will take you approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the start of the Westfjords way, simply turn left on to route no. 60 and once you have crossed Brattabrekka your first mountain pass, your journey around to the Westfjords has officially begun.
First you’ll frive through an area valled Dalir. Make a pitstop for homemade Ice cream at the Erpsstaðir dairy farm. There they also produce skyr, cheese among other delicious dairy products.
For a visit back in time you could go to Eiríksstaðir museum where you’ll find a historically accurate replica of a Viking-age farm. Inside the longhouse you’ll learn about the first settlers and the Icelandic Sagas.
Continue your journey towards Strandir area by driving through the Dalir region.
12 km south of Hólmavík you’ll find the sheep museum, which is a museum and a cultural center, located in Strandir near Hólmavík. You will find an entertaining and informative exhibition about the life & history of the area and of course everything about the Icelandic sheep. It offers a wide range of entertainment suitable for all age groups.
Continue your drive towards your accommodation.
Overnight in Hólmavík/Drangsnes/Strandir Area
Day 2: Hólmavík, Drangsnes, Djúpavík
Today you have multiple options for sightseeing and activites. Here are some suggestions.
You can explore the town of Hólmavík, Drangsnes, Djúpavík and Norðurfjörður.
In Hólmavík you can visit the Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft. At the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, visitors can delve into the lives, customs, and perspectives of 17th-century Strandir inhabitants, offering a unique glimpse into their world.
From Drangsnes village are scheduled boat trips to Grímsey Island, a true gem of nature and a home to thousands of sea birds. The tour is about 3 hours. Here is more info: https://malarhorn.is/boat-trip/ . If you are looking for relaxation, you can find hotpots in the middle of the village https://www.westfjords.is/en/place/drangsnes-hot-pots .
Take a scenic drive up to the historical village of Djúpavík. Besides the breathtaking nature, you are bound to be captivated by the tiny settlements that greet you on the way.
You’ll drive through Bjarnarfjörður fjord on Route 643. Bjarnarfjörður is home to the Sorcerer’s Cottage, an offshoot of Hólmavík’s famous Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery.
The historical village of Djúpavík dates back to 1917, when a herring factory was established in this small creek by the fjord Reykjarfjörður. The houses in Djúpavík are only used as summer dwellings today, except for the hotel. Djúpavík waterfall is
If you are up for a swim with views, Krossnes swimming pool is where it’s at. The pool is heated by natural hot-springs. It is considered an ‘Infinity Pool’ due to the fact it has magnificent views of the ocean, with nothing impeding the view between the two waters. Looking out towards north Iceland, this makes Krossneslaug a fantastic place to spot some of the country’s unique wildlife.
Whales are occasionally seen breaking the surface and raising their flukes, most commonly Humpback Whales, and the area is inhabited by many seabirds and seals. You also have a slight chance to see dolphins.
Driving further north you could enjoy an evening sail to Drangaskörð with local company Strandferdir. One of the most impressive and least-talked-about natural features in all of Iceland, Drangaskörð are a series of seven rocky peaks jutting out into the sea and is an amazing sight in the evening sun..
Stay another night in Hólmavík/Drangnes/Strandir area
Day 3: Driving towards Ísafjörður
It’s time to get back on the road. From Hólmavík you’ll be driving throught multiple beautiful fjords towards Ísafjörður. There you will find Heydalur Hotel that also offers many opportunities for recreation and activites. They offer guided kayaking and horse riding tours that are suitable for most people. There are numerous hiking routes available, birdwatching is excellent during summer and freshwater fishing is also possible. The hot natural pool in Heydalur is a few minute walk from the country Hotel Heydalur. Sitting in the hot natural pool feeling the fatigue in your body float away is a feeling like no other
Another fun stop on your way to Ísafjörður include Litlibær, a house made of timber with stone side walls and grass on the roof. It was inhabited until 1969. Today you can make stop there and have a coffee and waffle. Nearby you’ll find Hvítanes, situated between Hestfjörður and Skötufjörður fjords in "central" Ísafjarðardjúp. As you arrive you should check the rocks at the shore. Hvítanes is one of Iceland most easily accessible seal colony, where large numbers of Harbour seals can be found relaxing on the rocks just meters from the shore.
Continuing you’ll drive through the town of Súðavík. There you can make a visit to The Arctic Fox Centre, a non-profit research and exhibition center, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland.
In and around Ísafjörður, the largest town in the peninsula, visitors have ample opportunities to immerse in culture, nature, and cuisine (We really recommend that you'll try fish at the local restaurants). Adventure seekers can opt for cycling tours, hiking, sea kayaking, rib safari tours, and ATV tours. Those interested in culture and history can explore Ósvör museum, Westfjords heritage museum, or take a walking tour. A new highlight is the viewing platform in Bolungarvík, Outstanding Bolafjall, offering panoramic views of Hornstrandir Nature reserve.
Overnight in Ísafjörður.
Day 4. Ísafjörður and surrounding area
Today you have multiple options. If there’s anything you missed yesterday, you could do that today. For an unforgettable experience, venture to the Hornstrandir reserve for a day tour to witness nature's beauty up close. There are a few operators that you can choose to sail with.
Its main attractions are three. First, the bird cliffs surrounding the bay of Hornvík, are a magnet of gigantic proportions. On the eastern side of the bay the cliff reaches a height of more than 500 metres, and the birds are teeming. Second, as there is no infrastructure and the tourists few in relation to the sheer size of the area, the sense of remoteness is strong. The nature is pure and the tranquillity unmatched. Third, the area is a haven for the Arctic fox (think hunting-ban and bird-packed cliffs), the chances of spotting one are high.
Another area worth is Vigur Island, there is daily boat tour from Ísafjörður. Puffins, eiders, guillemoths and arctic terns are this island’s magnets, and they are all abundant. Indeed, as the puffins, which nest in burrows, have dug through much of the island’s soil, travellers have to follow a certain path to avoid falling into one. Eiders and humans share a mutual beneficence; eiders get protecion by nesting in close vicinity of the people, who collect the precious down from the eider nests.
In Vigur you find the smallest post office in Iceland, as well as the only windmill and beautifully renewed houses.
Overnight in Ísafjörður area
Day 5: Fishing villages, Dynjandi & Monsters
Heading toward the southern part of the Westfjords, visit nearby fishing villages like Flateyri, Suðureyri, and Þingeyri, they offer authentic seaside charm shaped by fishing traditions. In Suðureyri you could for example join a walking tour with a taste of the local cuisine. In the fjord of Dýrafjörður, you’ll find the trail of Viking Saga hero, Gísli Súrsson, there you have options of joining a horse-riding tour from Þingeyri or even go for a light hike up to Sandafell.
Following this, marvel at the awe-inspiring Dynjandi waterfall, a spectacular 100-meter-tall waterfall. Hiking up towards the waterfall you will pass 5 other waterfalls, the hike takes approximately 15 minutes.
Drive to Bíldudalur. On the way there make a stop at Foss waterfall, you will also stumble up on the so called A-house, wich has been a popular pitstop among travellers and photographers. This abandoned house is unique for its shape and location.
After Dynjandi the course is set towards Bíldudalur located in Arnafjörður, but according to folktales Arnarfjörður is infested with sea monsters, to learn more about these creatures and sightings we recommend visiting the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. In Bíldudalur you can go whale watching or sea angling. Although the population of Bíldudalur is only about 300, music and culture have thrived there for decades. Don’t forget to visit Melodies of the Past, an exhibition of Icelandic music memorabilia
Overnight in accommodation in/around Bíldudalur/Tálknafjörður/ Patreksfjörður
Day 6: Látrabjarg Birdcliff & Red sand Beach
Head towards Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland and one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs. This natural wonder spans 14 kilometers and rises up to 441 meters in heigh. And it's as steep as it gets, dizzyingly so. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range. But look out, the edges are fragile and loose and the fall is high. Látrabjarg is the most visited attraction in the Westfjords.
Afterwards drive towards Rauðasandur (e. Red sand). It’s an amazing 10 km beach with red sand. Today go and see the magnificent red sand beach “Rauðasandur”. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight and weather, and the beach is the biggest pearl in a string of coves with sand ranging in colours from white through yellow through red to black. Just pure sand enlivened by countless seabirds and seals, an oasis with unique tranquility. You could enjoy a cup of coffee in the French café with spectacular views, where the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the Snæfellsnes peninsula dominates the backdrop, capturing your attention effortlessly.
In Patreksfjörður you can join a kayaking tour with an amazing view over the fjord and the village from a different angle or go for a hike in th surrounding area. A perfect ending for the day is in the Patreksförður swimming pool, a beautiful outdoor pool which offers a spectacular view over the fjord.
Day 7: Back to Reykjavík
Today, you'll journey back to Reykjavik at your own pace, treating yourself to the breathtaking scenery of Breiðafjörður along the way.
Make a stop at Hellulaug a geothermal pool, located just off the hightway, close to the beach in Vatnsfjörður. It is quite lovely to chill out in the pool(38°/100,4 F) while looking out over the fjord. The pool cannot be seen from the road, but there is a parking lot next to the path that leads to Hellulaug. The pool is 60 cm deep.
Stop at Þingmannaá Waterfall. A charming waterfall where explorers can walk behind one of the waterfalls and view it from behind the cascading water. A parking lot is located about 100 meters from the road and to reach the waterfall, a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.
In Reykhólar town you can visit the The Boat and Gift-of-Nature Museum & travel information centre tells the story of how inhabitants traditionally harvested the rich, natural resources in Breiðafjörður. A variety of local products, baked breads, coffee, tea, books and souvenirs are available at our gift shop. It's Open everyday from June 1 to August 30, 11:00-18:00.
Near Reykhólar you’ll find a lovely viewing point from the mountain Klofningur with a panoramic view over Breidafjordur Bay, Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Bardaströnd. You can even hike up the mountain from the farm Stakkaberg. Your journey of the Westfjords have now come to an end. Head to your accommodation in the Reykjavík area.
