South

On the long southern shore of the Westfjords, you’ll discover gorgeous Rauðasandur beach, with its endless golden sands and warm (relatively speaking) water for swimming. Next, bring the feeling back to your limbs with a dip in one of the local hot springs. Krossholt near Brjánslækir (where the ferry from Stykkishólmur docks) comes recommended. 

Látrabjarg forms the tip of the south, and is Europe’s westernmost point. It is also a breathtakingly high cliff and home to more nesting seabirds that you could ever need in one day.

The Middle bit

Uninhabited Geirþjófsfjörður is just another beautiful place…unless you know your sagas, that is. A pilgrimage for lovers of Gísla Saga, it’s a wonderful secluded spot for hikers of all types.

A bit further up the road you’ll stumble upon Dynjandi; the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. It’s one of the most photogenic falls in Iceland, thanks to its unusual triangular cascade. The Viking ‘village’ and working replica Viking ship are great reasons to stop in to Þingeyri village.

The High North

The northern Westfjords are characterised by tall, steep mountains – which make for good winter skiing and great summer views. Check out Bolafjall: above the town of Bolungarvík, you might even be lucky enough to glimpse Greenland on a clear day.

Just as spectacular is the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Accessible by boat from Bolungarvík or Ísafjörður, countryside hardly gets less crowded or more inspiring than this, anywhere. 

More than just boats, Ísafjörður is the regional capital and home to the oldest buildings in Iceland, which are now a museum. 

Great food, horse riding, kayaking and natural hot springs are common in the Westfjords, but nowhere brings them all together quite like Heydalur in Ísafjarðardjúp.

The East-Westfjords

Whether it’s the weird and wonderful swimming pool at Reykjanes (think Olympic size, right next to the beach and as hot as a bath), or the witchcraft museum in Hólmavík, the Strandir region has a lot to offer. And don’t miss the large and picturesque Árneshreppur; home to Djúpavík country hotel and abandoned herring factory art gallery, Krossneslaug beachside pool…and just 53 people.