Driving the Westfjords Way Route in Iceland

The Westfjords is one of Iceland’s most wild and scenic regions. Located on the extreme west of Iceland and sliced through by deep and reflective fjords, this is one of the country’s less traveled areas. So if you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Iceland and experience something a bit more unique on your visit, driving the Westfjords Way is the perfect holiday for you. It’s also one of the 5 best road trips in Iceland!

The Westfjord Way is a scenic route through the Westfjords region, rich in culture from folktales to local arts and steeped in Viking history. The natural landscapes are also unparalleled, including dramatic seascapes and cliffs, wildlife havens for birds and Arctic foxes, and a wealth of geological marvels. If exploring this untouched region sounds ideal, read on for our guide to getting the most out of driving the Westfjords Way route in Iceland, including an itinerary and the best attractions to see along the way. 

Preparing to Drive the Westfjords Way

Any road trip in a foreign country requires research and planning. One of the most important things to decide is which time of year you’re going to visit.  Summer is the most popular time and the easiest for your average tourist. All roads will be fully accessible due to mild weather and you can take advantage of long daylight hours, giving you plenty of time to explore. The only drawback is that this will be a busier time to visit (even though it’s a generally quieter area of Iceland.) If you’re planning to drive the Westfjords Way in the summer, make sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time, as things can fill up faster at this time of year. 

Autumn is another good time to visit the Westfjords. There will be fewer tourists and you’ll have a chance to spot the Northern Lights. Drawbacks include the possibility of adverse weather conditions and the daylight hours beginning to decrease. 

It is possible to visit the Westfjords during the winter, but you’ll need to take extra care planning. Winter weather is unpredictable and can affect your travel plans. You’ll also have limited daylight hours to explore the sights, meaning you’ll be able to fit less in your itinerary at this time of year. That being said – it is possible!

You’ll also want to make sure you choose an appropriate rental car. Find out about which type of car you should rent in Iceland. 

How to Get to the Westfjords 

Driving to the Westfjords region from Reykjavík will take you about 2 hours. Bear in mind, this just gets you to the beginning of the Westfjords, at which point you enter an enchanting and tranquil natural landscape. Begin your journey out of Reykjavík by joining the Ring Road (Route 1) North. After passing the small settlement of Bifröst, you’ll join Route 60 which will lead you into the Westfjords. Sticking to Route 60 and 61 will lead you through beautiful and wild terrain, taking you along fjords and through misty expanses, before looping you back down to Route 1. 

Drive the Westfjords Way in 3 Days

You could easily spend a week exploring the Westfjords if you want to take in all the sights, but 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in the area to explore the Westfjords Way and the top attractions. We’ve put together a 3-day itinerary for you to explore the region. 

Day 1: Reykjavík to Patreksfjörður

Distance: 237 mi (383 km)

Time: ~5 hours (without stops or detours)

Plan for an early start to get out of Reykjavík and venture deep into the Westfjords. Your first destination is Patreksfjörður, one of the largest towns in the region and a well-known fishing town. The town offers a number of hotels and guesthouses, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. It acts as a perfect base for the first day of your adventures along the Westfjords Way. 

Attractions to see along the way:

• Stop at Erpsstaðir Dairy Farm to sample homemade ice cream and other local dairy products. 
• Visit the Reykhólar Seaweed Baths, where you can take part in a natural spa experience in geothermal waters infused with locally harvested seaweed with beneficial elements for the skin. 

Day 2: Patreksfjörður to Ísafjörðu

Distance: 92 mi (149 km) (without detours)

Time: ~2.25 hours (without stops or detours)

Prepare for a day of adventure. Before heading north out of Patreksfjörður, make a short detour south to take in the amazing red sands of Rauðasandur Beach, stretching an expansive 6 mi (10km) along the coast. After you’ve enjoyed the tranquillity of the beach, head west to the famous  Látrabjarg Cliffs. This area is famous amongst bird watchers for the many species that nest along the cliffs. If you’re visiting between May and July, you’ll get to glimpse nesting puffins and their young!

Explore the cliffs and take plenty of photos before jumping in the car and heading north towards Ísafjörðu, enjoying amazing coastal and fjord views along the way. Arrive at Ísafjörðu, where you’ll find plenty of hotels and lodging options and a wealth of amazing restaurants. It’s the largest town in the region and offers plenty of interesting galleries, cultural events, and museums such as the Westfjords Heritage Museum. 

Attraction to see along the way:

• Take in the beauty of Dynjandi, an amazing two-tiered waterfall.

Day 3: Ísafjörður to Hólmavík 

Distance: 139 mi (223 km) (without detours)

Time: ~2.5 hours (without stops or detours)

Your final day in the Westfjords delivers more adventure and stunning scenery along the fjords and the shoreline. Start out early from Ísafjörður and make your way towards the village of Hólmavík. Spend your last night in the Westfjords in this charming fishing village, exploring the small community, and finding a delicious restaurant. There is an excellent swimming pool you can enjoy for a refreshing experience. 

If folklore and magic are interests of yours, make sure to visit the Museum of Sorcery and Magic, which offers insights into Icelandic folklore. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before heading back to Reykjavík early the next morning. 

Top Detour Suggestions:

• If time allows and you want to see one of the most remote parts of Iceland, and in fact all of Europe, we highly suggest traveling to the extreme northern tip of the Westfjords to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts since it is one of the only places in Iceland where you can see Arctic foxes in the wild, due to their protected status in the area. The nature reserve is also a haven for all types of birdlife.  

The Westfjords offer a unique insight into rural Icelandic life and provide an amazing opportunity to see some of the most untouched natural areas in the world. Prepare for adventure and embark upon a road trip along the Westfjords Way!