Self Drive Route
Westfjords
Iceland's remote and rugged northwest
Complete self-drive guide to the 950 km Westfjords Way — fjords, cliffs, villages and remote roads.
The Westfjords reward travellers who slow down. A distance that looks short on a map can take much longer because roads follow every fjord, cross mountain passes and include gravel sections. The official Westfjords Way is about 950 km and is best treated as a multi-day road trip rather than a list of attractions to tick off. Five days is a strong first-time plan, with four days possible for confident drivers and six or more days ideal for hikes, wildlife and weather flexibility.
Winter Warning
Do not treat the Westfjords as a normal winter road trip. Main roads and towns remain accessible when conditions allow, but mountain passes, snow, ice, wind and temporary closures can make journeys much slower or impossible. Remote side roads such as the approach to Látrabjarg may not be maintained in winter. Check road.is and vedur.is before every driving day and be ready to change the route.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
11 must-see locations
Reykhólar - Hellishólar
A Westfjords stop near Reykhólar, set among the low coastal landscapes of the southern part of the region.
Useful southern gateway area for the Westfjords. Allow extra time if weather or gravel sections are slowing the day.
Patreksfjörður
Patreksfjörður, the Westfjords' westernmost fishing village, is a vibrant base for exploring dramatic cliffs and serene beaches.
A practical base for fuel, food and accommodation before visiting Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur.
Látrabjarg
Stretching for 14 kilometers and towering up to 441 meters high, Látrabjarg presents an awe-inspiring vista of sheer rock faces plunging into the churning North Atlantic. The image perfectly captures the vast, green plateau contrasting sharply with the dark, layered rock and the deep blue-green sea. Here, you can safely approach puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nesting on the ledges, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience. The remote location in the Westfjords adds to its allure, promising a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking, untamed beauty.
Keep well back from the cliff edge; nesting burrows make the ground fragile and unstable. The final road section is gravel and winter access is not maintained.
Rauðisandur
Discover Rauðisandur, Iceland's rare red-golden shell beach stretching for over 10 kilometers in the remote Westfjords.
The access road is steep and winding. Drive slowly, especially in poor visibility or wet conditions, and only stop in safe designated areas.
Dynjandi
Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss, is the Westfjords' majestic 100-meter tiered waterfall, fanning out like a bridal veil.
Allow time to walk up past the lower cascades. Paths can be wet and slippery, and conditions change quickly in poor weather.
Flateyri
Resilient Westfjords village, rebuilt after avalanche, offering dramatic fjord views and a historic bookshop.
A worthwhile village stop before Ísafjörður with food and local history; do not rush the fjord driving between settlements.
Ísafjörður
Main town of the Westfjords, combining a historic harbour centre with mountain scenery and access to Hornstrandir.
The main service hub of the northern Westfjords and an excellent overnight base. Use it to refuel, restock and reset the itinerary if weather changes.
Bolungarvík
A compact Westfjords fishing town beneath steep mountains, with a working harbour and easy access to Ósvör and Bolafjall.
Short detour from Ísafjörður with dramatic coastal scenery. Check local road conditions before exposed viewpoints.
Súðavík
Súðavík: A resilient Westfjords village, reborn from adversity, offering fjord beauty and Arctic fox encounters.
A natural stop on the route east from Ísafjörður. Use the village for a break before longer rural sections.
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Explore Icelandic sorcery, folklore and the 17th-century witch trials at Hólmavík's Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.
A good eastern gateway and service stop on the Strandir side. Refuel before continuing into more remote sections.
Drangsnes
Nestled along a rocky seawall in the charming Westfjords village of Drangsnes, these three inviting hot pots offer a unique seaside geothermal bathing experience. With water around 40°C, visitors can soak while enjoying panoramic views across the fjord towards Grímsey island, often spotting whales and diverse birdlife.
Optional Strandir detour for a slower five- or six-day itinerary. Check opening information and road conditions before committing to remote side trips.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Reykhólar → Patreksfjörður
Enter the southern Westfjords, keep the day flexible and overnight around Patreksfjörður.
Day 2
Látrabjarg & Rauðisandur
Wildlife and coastal day; allow much more driving time than the map distance suggests.
Day 3
Dynjandi → Flateyri → Ísafjörður
One of the route’s signature days, combining the major waterfall with fjord villages.
Day 4
Ísafjörður → Bolungarvík → Súðavík
Explore the northern fjords and use Ísafjörður as a weather-flexible base if needed.
Day 5
Strandir / Hólmavík
Finish the loop through the eastern Westfjords, with an optional Drangsnes detour.
Self-Drive Plans
Alternative Itinerary Options
Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
4-Day Westfjords Highlights
4 daysA faster version focused on Látrabjarg, Dynjandi and Ísafjörður, with fewer side detours.
Best for summer and confident drivers. Keep daily plans loose because weather and road conditions can add hours.
5-Day Complete Westfjords Way
5 daysThe recommended first-time itinerary around the main 950 km touring route with time for villages and the signature natural sights.
A strong balance between driving and exploration; add a sixth day for hikes, wildlife or weather buffer.
6-Day Slow Westfjords
6 daysAdds more breathing room, Strandir and time for weather delays or longer walks.
Best if you want a genuinely relaxed road trip rather than a fast loop.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
Recommended 5 days · 4–6 days works well
Starting Point
Borgarnes, Hólmavík or the Baldur ferry at Brjánslækur
Best Time to Visit
June–August offers the easiest driving, longest daylight and best access to remote coastal roads. Late May and September can be excellent with fewer visitors, but services may have shorter hours and weather becomes less predictable. Some roads to remote attractions, including Látrabjarg, are not maintained for normal winter tourism, so a summer-focused itinerary is the safest default for first-time visitors.
Road Conditions
The Westfjords Way includes paved highways, tunnels, mountain passes and remaining gravel sections. Ordinary cars can drive the main route in good conditions; the key is to slow down on gravel and check current conditions before remote detours.
Weather
Wind, fog, rain and sudden temperature changes can make exposed passes and fjord roads difficult. The weather may differ significantly between neighbouring fjords.
Fuel
Fuel is available in the main towns, but distances between services are longer than in South Iceland. Refuel or recharge regularly rather than waiting until the tank is nearly empty.
Food
Ísafjörður and the larger villages have the best selection. Smaller villages and seasonal cafés can have limited hours, especially outside peak summer.
Parking
Use designated parking at major attractions, villages and cliff areas. Never stop on narrow roads, blind bends or soft shoulders for photos.
Toilets
Public facilities are available in towns and at selected major attractions, but long rural sections may have none. Use facilities when available and plan ahead.
Safety
Drive slowly on gravel, watch for single-lane sections and blind corners, and never stop in the roadway for photos. At Látrabjarg stay behind barriers and well back from fragile cliff edges. Respect closures and wildlife protection areas.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely. Town centres and some viewpoints are easy to reach, while waterfalls, beaches and cliff areas may involve uneven gravel, steep paths or exposed terrain.
Winter Driving
A 4x4 is not automatically required for the main Westfjords Way, even though one can be helpful for comfort in difficult conditions. Winter travel is a separate challenge because of mountain weather, ice and road closures; remote side roads may be unmaintained.
Opening Hours
The main towns are year-round communities, but some attractions, museums, ferries, cafés and remote road access are seasonal. Always verify services before a long detour.
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Tours & Activities
7 hoursBIRD WATCHING - puffins and more
Westfjords Adventures
From
43,800 ISK
4 hoursPrivate Dynjandi Waterfall & Historic Westfjords Excursion - from Isafjordur
Nordur Travel Services ehf
From
202,860 ISK
3 hoursPrivate tour from Isafjordur Port: Dynjandi Waterfall & Westfjords Panorama
Nordur Travel Services ehf
From
220,000 ISK
6 hoursSPLENDID COMBINATINON - Dynjandi waterfall & villages
Westfjords Adventures
From
28,900 ISK
9 hoursCROWN JEWEL; KJARAN'S AVENUE & DYNJANDI - jeep tour
Westfjords Adventures
From
41,900 ISK
3 hours 30 minutesDynjandi Waterfall and Farm Visit: Small Group Tour from Isafjordur Port
Nordur Travel Services ehf
From
18,120 ISK
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
The official Westfjords Way is about 950 km, not a short 600 km loop
A 4x4 is not normally required for the main Westfjords Way in good conditions; choose based on season, comfort and planned detours
Expect gravel sections and much slower driving than the same distance on Route 1
Refuel regularly because services can be far apart and opening hours shorter outside summer
Allow at least one weather-buffer day on a longer itinerary if your schedule permits
At Látrabjarg keep well back from cliff edges and use a zoom lens rather than approaching nesting birds
Nearby
Nearby Attractions
Látrabjarg
Stretching for 14 kilometers and towering up to 441 meters high, Látrabjarg presents an awe-inspiring vista of sheer rock faces plunging into the churning North Atlantic. The image perfectly captures the vast, green plateau contrasting sharply with the dark, layered rock and the deep blue-green sea. Here, you can safely approach puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nesting on the ledges, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience. The remote location in the Westfjords adds to its allure, promising a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking, untamed beauty.
Rauðisandur
Discover Rauðisandur, Iceland's rare red-golden shell beach stretching for over 10 kilometers in the remote Westfjords.
Dynjandi
Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss, is the Westfjords' majestic 100-meter tiered waterfall, fanning out like a bridal veil.
Ísafjörður
Main town of the Westfjords, combining a historic harbour centre with mountain scenery and access to Hornstrandir.
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Explore Icelandic sorcery, folklore and the 17th-century witch trials at Hólmavík's Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.
Explore More
Nearby Routes
Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a 4WD for the Westfjords?+
No, not for the main Westfjords Way in good conditions. Visit Westfjords states that an ordinary car is normally suitable for the main route. A 4x4 may still be useful for comfort, winter conditions or specific remote detours, so always check the road you plan to use.
How many days do I need for the Westfjords Way?+
Five days is a strong first-time plan. Four days is possible but driving-heavy, while six or more days gives you more time for hikes, villages, wildlife and weather flexibility.
Are all Westfjords roads gravel?+
No. Many major access roads and key routes are paved, including the principal routes from Reykjavík to Hólmavík, Reykhólar and Patreksfjörður. Gravel sections still remain on parts of the touring route and some remote attraction roads.
Can I drive to Látrabjarg in winter?+
The final road to Látrabjarg is not maintained for normal winter access and can become impassable in snow. Treat Látrabjarg as a summer-focused stop and always check current conditions outside the main season.
Should I drive the Westfjords Way clockwise or counter-clockwise?+
Either direction works. Choose based on weather, accommodation, ferry plans and which part of the region you want to reach first.
Why does driving take so long in the Westfjords?+
Roads follow deep fjords, cross mountain passes and include slower gravel sections. A short straight-line distance can therefore become a much longer driving day, especially when weather or photo stops are added.
Want to customise this route?
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