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2 days in the Westfjords, the remote Westfjords
I imagine that this was how all of Iceland was a few years ago, vast wilderness where man hasn't interfered much, kilometers and kilometers of carunpaved roads, with practically no one around… Don't get me wrong, Iceland has nature like no other country we've visited. But it's undeniable that some areas are becoming more and more touristy and give less of a sense of endless landscape. That's why we're here to tell you what to do in the Westfjords so you're encouraged to add it to your list of things to do. Iceland itinerary.
In this guide we give you A route with what to do in the Westfjords in 2 days, Also known as Westfjords in English. However, if you have more time and you like adventure in remote areas, don't hesitate to add one or two more days to discover them thoroughly and at your leisure. Let's get to it!
MAP: THE BEST OF THE WEST FJORDS
On this map you can locatecar and save all the points I'm going to recommend., mainly places of interest but also some restaurants, campsites and hotels.
You can go to the map and filter the day to day and everything to do in the Westerfjords
Where are they and how to get to the Westfjords
The West Fjords are located almost 4 hours west of Reykjavik by carretera, although most people visit them entering from the north of the country or after touring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, so the distance is shortened.
Another option is to 'skip' quite a few kilometers of carroad and access by boat from Stykkishólmsbær (a town in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula). From there daily ferries leave to Brjánslækur, a small town already in the middle of the westfjords. In this website You can check prices and schedules.
The ferry exists especially because it is one of the few ways to access these towns during the winter. On the other hand, in summer the carRoute 60, which leads there, is fully accessible..
When to go to the Westfjords
This remote area of the country where very few people live has very little maintenance of the carwinter lockups so it is isolated or very difficult to access only for 4×4. The best time Doing this route through the west fjords in 2 days is during the summer months.
It will depend on the weather each year but approximately it is accessible for any vehicle from early May to late September, although with a 4 × 4 or SUV you will be more comfortable due to the large number of kilometers on the track.
DAY 1: CLIFFS, BEACHES AND HOT SPRINGS
Distance 305km
On this first day of the route We left early from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to head west.It's going to be two days of many kilometers in carIt's a bit of a trek, but that's part of Iceland's charm. It's something to do in the Westfjords that you'll enjoy—trust me, you won't be bored driving!
On the way if you want Start the day with a swim, or just see them, you can stop at the free hot springs of Guðrúnarlaug. They are a replica of the pool of a heroine from the Norse Sagas that was destroyed centuries ago.
100 kilometers later we enter the western fjords, bordering some like Skalmarfjordur, the kind that invite you to stop at every bend. You will find places to do it.
Near the port of Brjánslaekur (where the ferry arrives) there are free hot springs to take a quick dip, or relax if you are touring the Westfjords in more than two days. I recommend you Hellalaugur and Krosslaug.
You can't get lost either Rauðisandur, a wild beach with more than 10 kilometers of golden sand from where it is common to spot dolphins and whales...and seals on the sand. Along the way you'll pass the Gardar BA 64, a 1912 whaling ship that ran aground. It's visible from the same... carThere is a road and a parking lot to stop.
And this intense day ends in Látrabjarg Cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and one of the must-do's in the Westfjords in 2 daysThe parking lot is very close to the edge of the cliffs, but once there you can walk and explore.carTake all the time you want to contemplate its height of up to 440 meters. and try to spot puffins and other birds during the 14 kilometers of path there is.
Accommodation in the Westfjords (day 1)
If you go in van or tent you already know that In Iceland, overnight stays are only allowed in authorized campsites., but if there is a place where you can "skip" this rule, it is here. The depopulation of this region is absolute, so if you enjoy free camping, you know, enjoy it and leave everything as you found it, or better.
If you want to camp, near the Látrabjarg cliffs you have Breidavik Campground.
For car trips the Hotel Harbor Inn y Hotel Breidavik They are among the most affordable in the area and include breakfast. Keep in mind that the most affordable option is the “sleeping bag accommodationsThis is common practice in the more remote areas of Iceland. It means there are no sheets or duvet because you're expected to bring a sleeping bag. The same hotels often have regular rooms as well. carSo, I'm telling you this so you understand the price difference when booking.
DAY 2: BETWEEN WATERFALLS AND FIODOS
Distance 450km
The second day of the route begins with many more things to do in the Westfjords and many kilometers through wonderful landscapes. Today it's the turn of Little-known waterfalls in Iceland but impressive, you can't miss it Fossfjörður Waterfall, Valagil Waterfall and of course the crown jewel Dynjandi, the main reason why many people decide to include the West Fjords on their route through Iceland.
But before reaching the waterfalls I recommend a couple of extra stops; In the village of Tálknafjörður which involves a small detour of 5 kilometers there is a shop called «Self Service Fresh Fish» which, as its name indicates, you can buy fresh fish from some refrigerators and pay for it yourself (there is no one attending!).
You can see Fossfjörður and Valagil from the same parking lot; in the case of Valagil, I recommend you gocarYou'll see it in the distance, half-hidden among rocks in a canyon, and there's a 2-kilometer trail (signposted from the parking lot) that leads you to the waterfall. Especially in June during the spring thaw! You'll also see dozens of unnamed waterfalls in each fjord!
A few kilometers from Fossfjörður are other free hot springs in a beautiful setting. It consists of a small natural pool at a fairly high temperature and a large, warmer pool. You find them as Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool and they even have changing rooms. This was one of the things we enjoyed most in the Westfjords.
When you visit Dynjandi From the parking lot if you look to one side you will have views of the Arnarfjördur fjord and on the opposite side a succession of 8 waterfalls, Dynjandi being the main one. There is a trail that goes past the other 7 waterfalls with unpronounceable names (Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Kálfeyrarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngumannafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss and Hæstahjallafoss) and reaches the foot of Dynjandi. Everything you tell yourself about it falls short, the immensity of this waterfall and what it feels like when you arrive surpasses any explanation that I could write to you here..
on the way to Ísafjörður village you have to stop at the Önundarfjörður pier which has scandalous views. If you feel like it, you are also close to Flat ear, today a bookstore full of antiques where they sell second-hand books, and on the way the first store to open in Iceland in 1900.
Ísafjörður is “the capital” of the Westfjords with around 2.500 inhabitants. You will cross paths with civilization a bit so you can take the opportunity to go to Bónus (Iceland's cheapest supermarket), fill up with gas and even try a local beer at Dokkan Brugghús.
Accommodation in the Westfjords (day 2)
If you are doing a solo route 2 days through the Westfjords, the ideal would be for you to be able to advance at least to the camping Reykjanes tjaldsvæði. (very close to the free Hörgshlíðarlaug thermal baths) Or even go to the Hólmavík campsite. But you also have the option of sleeping in some of the campsites in the town of Isafjörður and dedicatecarhalf a day more to the area.
As for hotels, I recommend in Hólmavík the Hotel Laugarhól or in Isafjördur Hostel in Isafjordur. Please note that in this area There are very few accommodations so try to book well in advance.
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We hope this Guide and Map of what to see in the Westfjords in 2 days te help plancar your route through the wildest region of Iceland. If you are still thinking about whether or not to include it in your itinerary, we encourage you to do so. Thanks for reading us!
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