Top 15 activities to experience in Iceland's Westfjords

With deserted beaches, jet-black cliffs, glacier-carved valleys, and snow-capped peaks, the Westfjords offer the stunning natural beauty you'd expect from Iceland – but without the crowds.

This fjord-filled, mountainous, and mostly treeless peninsula attracts far fewer tourists than Iceland’s more famous areas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude. Spanning over 8,494 square miles (22,000 square kilometers) with a meager population of about 7,000, it's one of Iceland’s most sparsely populated regions (the official population density in the Westfjords is comparable to that of the Falkland Islands).

If you crave untamed nature, the Westfjords of Iceland will not disappoint. You'll find breathtaking beaches adorned with mineral colors, towering cliffs alive with seabirds, quaint fishing villages, misty fjords, dramatic headlands, and roaring waterfalls that leave you in awe. Geologically, this region is the oldest in Iceland, exuding a mythic and enigmatic aura reminiscent of ancient sagas.

The peninsula’s relative seclusion is its main allure. While its southern edge can be accessed within a day's drive from Reykjavik along the Ring Road, reaching the western or northern points can take nearly a week – if you can get there at all. The Westfjords present navigation challenges even in favorable weather, with many fjords and valleys connected by ferries or steep mountain passes often blocked by snow for much of the year. Away from the main routes, much of the area is rugged, with pothole-filled, unpaved roads, making a 4WD vehicle preferable, if not always necessary. Villages and gas stations are few and far between.

The challenging nature of travel in the Westfjords offers a significant benefit: few tourists venture here, leaving this stunning area largely to Icelanders and adventurous souls. Whether you’re camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, birdwatching, or whale watching, the Westfjords provide a wild experience that is increasingly rare to find.

Here are the top activities to enjoy in Iceland's Westfjords.

1. Experience the power of Dynjandi

If there's one iconic sight in the Westfjords, it’s undoubtedly Dynjandi: this stunning, multi-tiered waterfall plunges down a 328-foot (100-meter) cliff, making it the largest waterfall in the region by both height and volume. It is part of a series of waterfalls you'll encounter on the way from the car park, which includes names like Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hundafoss, and Bæjarfoss. However, it’s only when you stand beneath the main cascade that you truly grasp the immense power of the water crashing down from the surrounding snow. The name means “the Thunderer,” and it’s fitting: the roar of the waterfall is as impressive as that of renowned Icelandic falls like Gullfoss, Godafoss, and Dettifoss. Be aware that the road leading to the falls can be quite rough, especially in wet conditions.

2. Enjoy the sunset at Rauðasandur

At the southwestern edge of the Westfjords lies Rauðasandur, an impressive 6-mile (10km) stretch of sand that is a rarity in Iceland. Unlike the black volcanic beaches found elsewhere on the island, the sands of Rauðasandur glisten with hues of red, pink, gold, orange, and rose, creating a magical glow at sunset. Largely untouched for most of the year, this ethereal beach can transport you to another world, especially in the right light, making you feel as if you’re strolling on a distant planet. It’s accessible via a rough 6-mile (10km) side road off Rte 612. If you’re drawn to remote beaches, don’t miss Breiðavík as well.

3. Snap photos of puffins at Látrabjarg

For birdwatchers, Látrabjarg might as well be paradise. Each summer, countless seabirds gather on these dramatic, 1,312-foot (400m) cliffs to nest, glide, quarrel, chatter, and raise their young. Among the diverse species present, including fulmars, kittiwakes, terns, gannets, razorbills, and skuas, the adorable puffins take center stage with their charming waddle and awkward flight (which makes it perplexing how Icelanders can view them as a delicacy—smoked, of course). Even if birdwatching isn’t your passion, the journey to Látrabjarg is worthwhile as it represents Iceland's westernmost point.

4. Trek into Hornstrandir

The Westfjords are certainly rugged, but Hornstrandir takes wilderness to an entirely different level. Established as a nature reserve in 1975, this remote area of tundra, glaciers, cliffs, and rocky terrain is the premier destination in the Westfjords—if not all of Iceland—for experiencing the island's pristine state prior to Viking settlement.

The region’s unspoiled rivers, cliffs, beaches, mountains, and fjords are meticulously preserved and monitored by rangers, allowing camping only at designated sites (plus, all waste must be taken away). Unsurprisingly, the area offers a wealth of adventures from hiking to whale watching, with several excellent guiding companies, including Borea Adventures. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Arctic fox, Iceland’s only native mammal, which can be found in Hornstrandir. Alternatively, ensure a sighting by visiting the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík.

5. Relax in the hot pot at Krossneslaug

Iceland is renowned for its hot springs, and the Westfjords are no exception: you can find countless spots for a soothing soak, from popular sites to hidden gems known only to locals. Among these, Krossneslaug stands out as an Instagram favorite—a geothermally heated pool perched on the Strandir coast, offering views of a rocky black beach that feels straight out of an Ingmar Bergman film. The ambiance is exceptional, and the water is pleasantly warm, ranging from 93˚F to 100˚F (34˚C to 38˚C).

6. Immerse yourself in culture in Ísafjörður

While it may not rival Reykjavik, Ísafjörður is the closest thing to a bustling hub in the Westfjords. With a population of around 2,700, this small harbor town boasts some of the region's most captivating museums, including the Westfjords Heritage Museum and the unique Museum of Everyday Life, which showcases the daily lives of Westfjords residents through films, personal stories, and artifacts. The town also offers great dining options: check out Tjöruhúsið for fresh seafood or Edinborg for a local brew.

7. Kayak across Ísafjarðardjúp

Ísafjarðardjúp stands out as the largest—and many would argue the most breathtaking—of the fjords in the Westfjords region. Framed by Ísafjörður to the south and Hornstrandir to the north, it offers a stunning display of glacial landscapes. Numerous companies provide guided multi-day kayaking adventures through the fjord, allowing you to camp on secluded beaches and headlands. While paddling, keep an eye out for sea eagles, seals, and occasionally whales. The island wildlife sanctuary of Vigur is a favorite destination, especially for those keen on spotting puffins. It also hosts Iceland's oldest lighthouse, constructed in 1837.

8. Discover the seafaring heritage of the Westfjords

In the quaint town of Bolungarvik, the intriguing Ósvör Maritime Museum delves into the rich maritime history of the Westfjords. During the Viking era, the locals relied on the sea for survival, engaging in fishing, hunting, and trading, which fostered a vibrant maritime culture that persists today. This immersive museum features captivating displays, including turf-and-stone fishing huts, classic rowing boats, and a salt house where fish were dried. The highlight is the charming guide, who shares tales of seafaring while donning a traditional lamb's leather smock.

9. Ride on the Þingeyri peninsula

The secluded Þingeyri peninsula is best explored on two wheels or four hooves. A rugged dirt path meanders along the coastline, tracing the southern edge of Dýrafjörður to the Viking settlement at Haukadalur. This is one of the most breathtaking routes in the Westfjords, ideal for mountain biking or riding one of Iceland’s renowned stout-legged horses. On clear days, you can continue on to the Svalvogar lighthouse. Rentals for bikes and horseback riding tours are available in the small village of Þingeyri.

10. Explore a former herring factory turned art gallery

Herring once thrived in Reykjarfjörður, but the fishing heyday has faded. Innovative locals have transformed the old processing facility into a modern art gallery, The Factory, showcasing bold paintings and striking sculptures by prominent Icelandic artists. It’s an intriguing surprise to find a cutting-edge gallery in the heart of the Westfjords, and it works beautifully.

11. The Westfjords is the prime location for viewing the northern lights in Iceland

With virtually no light pollution, the Westfjords is among the top spots for witnessing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in Iceland. The best aurora activity occurs during the darkest months from October to March, but clear skies are essential for visibility—which can be challenging in the Westfjords. To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, consider reaching out to a specialized guiding company, like Wild Westfjords, which provides up-to-date weather forecasts and aurora predictions. Alternatively, if you have some time, simply linger a bit; the aurora is likely to show itself eventually.

12. Embark on a 4WD adventure along Iceland’s most thrilling road

As you drive along Kjaran's Avenue from Patreksfjörður, you might question the sanity of the person who decided to build a road here (the name Kjaran comes from the local man who carved it out in his free time using a bulldozer). It’s hardly a proper road; more of a gravel track, it’s flanked by steep mountains above and sheer cliffs below, with drops that could make your stomach lurch. This route runs alongside Kaldbakur, the tallest peak in the Westfjords, which can be climbed when the weather allows. It's advised to undertake this journey only with an experienced guide: reach out to Westfjords Adventures for assistance.

13. Embark on a scenic drive along the Strandir coast

In Icelandic folklore, the secluded Strandir coast is believed to be inhabited by trolls, elves, and magical beings, but nowadays, most visitors come to immerse themselves in untouched nature. The eastern Westfjords showcase some of the most striking landscapes in the region: towering mountains, steep cliffs, and expansive fjords embodying the essence of grand nature. The rugged, uneven road from Hólmavík initiates a journey of approximately 150 miles (240km) to Norðurfjörður, a secluded stretch of road where you might go hours without encountering another vehicle. Dotted with coves and beaches frequented only by seals, it feels worlds away from civilization—cellphones and wi-fi are non-existent, and that's just as it should be.

14. Experience the eerie at the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

The Strandir coast has an otherworldly quality, making it easy to understand how tales of sorcery and witchcraft became part of the local folklore. This intriguing little museum in Hólmavik delves into the occult's history, showcasing exhibits and artifacts that reveal both truths and myths surrounding these legends. Among the bizarre items displayed are blood cups, magical staves, witches' brooms, and grimoires (spellbooks). The museum also recounts chilling stories of the witch hunts that plagued the Westfjords during the 17th century.

15. Skip the hike and opt for a quad bike adventure

For stunning views without the effort, a quad bike easily tackles even the roughest trails. ATV Ísafjörður provides two-hour excursions on custom ATVs, exploring paths that are largely inaccessible to other vehicles. While you'll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the fjords, be prepared to get muddy and feel the chill; even the coziest insulated suit may struggle against the Icelandic cold after a couple of hours of riding.