The Westfjords are where Iceland starts to feel truly remote. The roads twist around deep fjords, villages are small, distances take longer than expected, and the landscapes feel wider and quieter than the busier south. This is not the region to rush through as a quick detour.
If you plan it well, the Westfjords can be one of the best parts of an Iceland trip. If you underestimate the driving, it can become a tiring chain of gravel roads, late arrivals, and missed meals. The key is simple: give the region enough days.
Plan at least 3 days for a focused Westfjords loop, and 4-5 days if you want Ísafjörður, Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur, and relaxed driving. Two days is usually too short unless you are only touching one corner.
Route Overview
The Westfjords sit in northwest Iceland, outside the main Ring Road. You can drive in from the south via Route 60, take the ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur, or approach from the north depending on your wider itinerary.
The region is shaped by fjords, which means the map can be misleading. A place that looks close across the water may require a long drive around the coastline. Roads have improved, but gravel, steep sections, sheep, and weather still matter.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Two days: Too short for most travelers. Only consider this if you are visiting one small section, such as driving to Dynjandi and back from a nearby base.
Three days: Possible, but you need discipline. Pick your main stops and avoid overloading the itinerary.
Four to five days: The sweet spot. You can see the major sights without driving late every evening.
One week: Excellent if you like slow travel, hiking, photography, fishing villages, and quiet roads.
Best Places to Visit
Sample 5-Day Route
Day 1: Reykjavík or Snæfellsnes to Patreksfjörður
Drive north and west, or take the ferry from Stykkishólmur if it fits your route. Patreksfjörður is a good base for the southern Westfjords and gives you access to Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur.
Day 2: Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur
Use this day for the far western stops. Do not underestimate the roads. Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur are both worth visiting, but combining them requires time, patience, and decent weather.
Day 3: Dynjandi to Ísafjörður
Drive toward Dynjandi and give yourself enough time at the waterfall. Continue through the fjords toward Ísafjörður. This is one of the most memorable driving days in the region.
Day 4: Ísafjörður and nearby villages
Keep this day lighter. Explore Ísafjörður, visit Bolungarvík or Súðavík, join a tour if conditions are good, or simply enjoy having a day without a huge drive.
Day 5: Ísafjörður to Hólmavík or back toward the Ring Road
Drive out through the eastern side of the Westfjords. If you have time, Hólmavík is a good stop before continuing toward North Iceland or back south.
Road Conditions and Car Choice
You do not always need a large 4x4 for the Westfjords in summer, but you do need a sensible car and realistic expectations. Many main roads are paved, but gravel sections still exist, and weather can make simple roads feel harder.
A small car can work in good summer conditions if you stay on normal roads and drive carefully. A higher-clearance vehicle is more comfortable, especially if you plan to visit Rauðisandur, Látrabjarg, or more remote detours.
In the Westfjords, 100 km can feel much longer than it does near Reykjavík. Fjord roads, gravel, sheep, blind hills, and photo stops all slow you down.
Best Time to Visit
June to September is the best window for most travelers. Roads are generally more reliable, daylight is long, and services are more available. May and October can work, but conditions become less predictable.
Winter travel in the Westfjords is not impossible, but it is a different kind of trip. Roads can close, daylight is short, and storms can isolate areas. Unless you know what you are doing, plan your first Westfjords visit for summer.
Where to Stay
Patreksfjörður: Best for Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur, and the southern Westfjords.
Ísafjörður: Best all-round base, with the most services and tour options.
Hólmavík: Good gateway stop for entering or leaving the region.
Book accommodation early in summer. The Westfjords do not have endless hotel capacity, and distances between towns are not convenient if your first choice is full.
The Bottom Line
The Westfjords are not a quick add-on to an already full Iceland itinerary. They need time, patience, and flexible planning. Give them that, and they reward you with some of the country's quietest and most powerful landscapes.
If you only have seven days total in Iceland, think carefully before adding the Westfjords. If you have ten days or more, and you like remote roads, small towns, cliffs, waterfalls, and space, they may become the best part of the trip.