The Westfjords in Iceland

All visitors to Iceland come through Reykjavik, but city life isn’t for everyone. In the northwestern corner of Iceland, you’ll find the Westfjords, one of our country’s best-kept secrets. This huge peninsula is off the beaten path, but it’s home to some truly stunning scenery. If solitude and natural beauty are your cup of tea, the Westfjords are what you’re after. Wide open space is the norm here, and within it you’ll find waterfalls, hot springs, and of course, the deep, tranquil fjords that give the area its name. There’s no time of year when the Westfjords aren’t worth a visit. Most visitors travel here during the summer, when plantlife is lush and green. During the winter, though, when the sun disappears, there are few better places from which to view the Northern Lights.

Though people do live in the Westfjords, most places within this area are uninhabited and incredibly peaceful. As a result, many native animals thrive here. This is arguably the best spot in the country to see the Arctic fox in the wild, and the only place you’re likely to catch a glimpse of a sea eagle. Whales, puffins, seals, and a huge variety of birds can all be seen here, too. With only 7500 people living in the entire Westfjords region, it’s possible that you might see more animals than people during your trip!

The Westfjords aren’t purely wilderness, though. There are plenty of small towns and villages that happily welcome tourists. Activities such as horseback riding, hiking tours, boat excursions, and skiing can all be found here. The Westfjords are home to many cultural attractions as well, such as the Maritime Museum in Isafjordur, the Natural History Museum in Bolungarvik, and the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik.

Traveling through the Westfjords requires some advance planning. Many roads are surfaced with gravel or dirt, and their winding routes around the fjords can be confusing. It’s always wise to map out your journey beforehand. During the winter, ice and snow can make these drives dangerous, so pay close attention to road and weather reports. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving for you, you can travel from Reykjavik to Holmavik by bus all year round.