Driving the Westfjords: A Day-by-Day Plan

The Westfjords represent Iceland's last frontier—a dramatic peninsula where ancient basalt cliffs plunge into Arctic waters and traditional fishing villages cling to existence beneath towering peaks. This seven-day driving itinerary covers 1,200 kilometres of challenging but spectacular roads through Iceland's most remote region, from the thunderous cascade of Dynjandi to the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg.

Preparing for the Journey

The Westfjords demand respect. Many roads remain gravel, mountain passes can be treacherous in poor weather, and services are sparse. A four-wheel-drive vehicle isn't essential but strongly recommended, particularly for Route 612 to Látrabjarg. Fuel up whenever possible—petrol stations are few, and prices average 280 ISK per litre (€1.95).

Visit between June and September when all roads are accessible and accommodation operates. Even summer brings unpredictable weather; pack warm, waterproof clothing regardless of season.

Day 1: Reykjavík to Ísafjörður (456km, 6 hours)

Depart early via Route 1 north, then Route 60 west through Borgarnes. The landscape transforms dramatically at Búðardalur, where fertile farmland gives way to increasingly stark terrain. Route 60 becomes a gravel road for 30 kilometres beyond Reykhólar—your first taste of Westfjords driving conditions.

The ascent over Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass (552 metres) offers the first spectacular views of the fjords below. Descend carefully on the serpentine road to Ísafjörður, the region's unofficial capital with 2,600 inhabitants.

**Stay:** Hotel Ísafjörður (from 18,500 ISK/€129 per night) occupies a renovated warehouse in the historic Neðstikaupstaður quarter. Book dinner at Tjöruhúsið (mains 4,500-6,800 ISK/€31-47), famous for its daily fish menu served family-style.

Day 2: Ísafjörður to Patreksfjörður via Dynjandi (174km, 4.5 hours plus stops)

Today's highlight awaits 35 kilometres south: Dynjandi, Iceland's most beautiful waterfall. This 100-metre cascade tumbles down in a bridal veil formation, with six smaller falls below creating a 15-minute hiking trail. The thunderous roar is audible from the car park.

Continue south on Route 60, stopping at Hrafnseyri to visit the birthplace museum of Jón Sigurðsson, leader of Iceland's independence movement (admission 1,000 ISK/€7). The museum operates June-August only.

The road to Patreksfjörður winds through Arnarfjörður, Iceland's second-largest fjord, with towering mountains rising directly from sea level. This 60-kilometre stretch is entirely gravel but well-maintained.

**Stay:** Fosshotel Westfjords (from 15,200 ISK/€106 per night) in Patreksfjörður offers modern comfort in this fishing village of 640 residents.

Day 3: Westernmost Europe – Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur (140km, full day)

Today ventures to continental Europe's westernmost point at Látrabjarg cliffs. Route 612 deteriorates significantly beyond Patreksfjörður—the 45-kilometre drive takes 90 minutes on rough gravel roads.

Látrabjarg stretches 14 kilometres with cliffs reaching 441 metres above the Atlantic. From May to August, millions of puffins nest here alongside guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The birds show remarkable fearlessness; puffins often perch within arm's reach, though touching wildlife is prohibited.

The lighthouse at road's end marks Europe's westernmost point (24°32'W). On clear days, spot Greenland's mountains 300 kilometres distant.

Return via the extraordinary Rauðisandur beach—10 kilometres of red-golden sand in the Arctic, a geological anomaly created by crushed scallop shells. The contrast with black volcanic coastlines elsewhere proves striking.

**Evening:** Return to Patreksfjörður for dinner at Stúkuhúsið (mains 3,200-5,400 ISK/€22-38), serving excellent fish in a cosy timber building.

Day 4: Patreksfjörður to Hólmavík (245km, 4.5 hours)

Retrace Route 60 north past Dynjandi, then continue to Flókalundur where Route 62 branches east across Westfjords' most challenging mountain pass. Kleifaheiði pass reaches 300 metres with gradients exceeding 10%—exercise extreme caution in wet conditions.

The descent reveals Dýrafjörður fjord, considered among Iceland's most beautiful. The road hugs precipitous cliffs before reaching the tiny settlement of Þingeyri (population 260), historically significant as Iceland's first trading post, established in 887.

Continue east on Route 60 through Ónundarfjörður, then north on Route 61 to Hólmavík, home to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. This fascinating institution explores the dark period of 17th-century witch trials when 21 people were executed (admission 1,500 ISK/€10).

**Stay:** Galdrasýning Guesthouse (from 12,800 ISK/€89 per night) provides basic but comfortable accommodation above the museum.

Day 5: Hólmavík to Akureyri (278km, 4 hours)

The final Westfjords stretch follows Route 61 through Strandir, the region's most isolated coast. This dramatic coastline features black sand beaches, hot springs, and abandoned farms—testament to rural Iceland's harsh realities.

Stop at Krossnes for the remarkable geothermal pool (free admission), where a concrete basin harnesses natural hot springs beside pounding surf. The water maintains 38°C year-round, creating an surreal Arctic bathing experience.

Continue south through Norðurfjörður, then east on Route 68 across the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði pass (again) to rejoin Route 1. The landscape gradually softens approaching Blönduós, then continues to Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital.

**Stay:** Hotel Kea (from 21,500 ISK/€150 per night) provides luxury accommodation in Akureyri's heart. Dine at Strikið (mains 4,200-7,800 ISK/€29-54) for exceptional Nordic cuisine with panoramic Eyjafjörður views.

Day 6: Akureyri to Lake Mývatn (103km, 2 hours plus activities)

Today's short drive allows exploration of Lake Mývatn's geological wonders. Route 1 east passes through Laugar, then Route 848 leads to the lake.

Mývatn's name translates as "Midge Lake"—fair warning for summer visitors. The area showcases Iceland's volcanic forces: pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and the geothermal area of Námafjall with its bubbling mud pools and steam vents.

The Mývatn Nature Baths offer a northern alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with mineral-rich waters maintaining 36-40°C (admission 5,500 ISK/€38, towel rental 800 ISK/€6).

**Stay:** Hotel Reynihlíð (from 16,900 ISK/€118 per night) overlooks the lake. The hotel restaurant serves dinner buffets featuring local specialities including Mývatn's famous sticky brown bread, baked underground using geothermal heat.

Day 7: Lake Mývatn to Reykjavík (470km, 5.5 hours)

The return journey via Route 1 traverses central Iceland's highland edge. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall, where chieftain Þorgeir threw his pagan idols after Iceland's conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD.

The route continues through Akureyri, then south across the Öxnadalsheiði pass (540 metres) before descending to Reykjavík via the Hvalfjörður tunnel (1,000 ISK/€7 toll).

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