THE WILD
WESTFJORDS
The Westfjords of Iceland have long been regarded as a hidden treasure. This enchanting region boasts beautiful fjords, majestic mountains, and charming fishing villages that never fail to captivate visitors. Steeped in history and offering a plethora of hiking opportunities with fewer crowds, the Westfjords provide the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and bask in the tranquility of this remote location. During this journey, you'll embark on challenging hikes that promise substantial rewards and unforgettable stories. Yet, you'll also have leisure days to unwind, savor moments when time seems to stand still, and explore some of the most isolated corners of Iceland, where encountering its unique wildlife can be a rare privilege.
While traversing the ever-changing landscapes of the Westfjords, each fjord unveils new, awe-inspiring vistas, deepening your appreciation for this off-the-beaten-path destination and its seclusion from the crowds.
This adventure includes demanding hikes, stunning fjords, some of Iceland's most imposing sea cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil moments on one of the country's most picturesque islands, abundant puffin sightings, and the potential for a rare encounter with the elusive Arctic fox.
For those less inclined towards strenuous hikes, the itinerary can be easily tailored to suit individual preferences, interests, and fitness levels.
TRIP OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
Ísafjörður is a pretty little town in the Westfjords.
Ísafjörður is a pretty little town in the Westfjords.
DAY 1
DRIVE TO ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
You'll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and we start the trip with a long and scenic drive to the Westfjords until we reach the beautiful town Ísafjörður, located in one of the amazing fjords, where we'll spend the next 3 nights. Along the way we'll admire the beauty of the Icelandic countryside and make some great stops for photo opportunity and leg stretching.
TOTAL DRIVING
5,5 hours
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
No hiking
0
One of the tallest sea cliffs in all of Iceland
One of the tallest sea cliffs in all of Iceland
DAY 2
HORNSTRANDIR
Today is a big day and a big adventure. We’ll be heading to Hornstrandir nature reserve, one of the most isolated places in Iceland! We must travel by a boat for 2,5 hours to reach the spectacular area, Hornvík. Here we’ll go on a hike that takes us up to Horn, some of the steepest and largest sea cliffs in all of Iceland, filled with birdlife, arctic foxes and unreal views!
TOTAL DRIVING
No driving
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
7 km (4,5 mi)
340 m (1,115 ft)
Beautiful waterfall in the canyon Valagil in Álftafjörður.
Beautiful waterfall in the canyon Valagil in Álftafjörður.
DAY 3
ÁLFTAFJÖRÐUR HIKE
We drive over to the next fjord, Álftafjörður, where we take on a beautiful, off the beaten path, hike. It brings us past some stunning waterfalls and big canyons, up to a high mountain pass with great views over the surrounding fjords.
TOTAL DRIVING
1 hour
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
15 km (9,5 mi)
850 m (2790 ft)
The largest waterfall in the Westfjords
The largest waterfall in the Westfjords
DAY 4
MÝRARFELL & DYNJANDI
We leave Ísafjörður behind and start working our way to the southern part of the Westfjords. Along the way we hike up the small mountain Mýrarfell, which gives us wonderful 360° view over the fjord Dýrafjörður. From there we drive to Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords before we work our way to Reykjafjörður for a dip in a natural geothermal pool.
TOTAL DRIVING
2,5 hours
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
3,5 km (2 mi)
205 m (670 ft)
The largest bird cliffs in Iceland, home to millions of birds each summer.
The largest bird cliffs in Iceland, home to millions of birds each summer.
DAY 5
LÁTRABJARG
We spend the whole day hiking along the cliffs of Látrabjarg, the largest sea cliffs in Iceland and Europe's largest bird cliff, which include the all so popular puffins. We hike up to the highest point of the cliffs to get the absolute best panorama views possible!
TOTAL DRIVING
2 hours
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
10,5 km (6,5 mi)
431 m (1415 ft)
The only inhabited island of all the islands on Breiðafjörður bay.
The only inhabited island of all the islands on Breiðafjörður bay.
DAY 6
RAUÐISANDUR & FLATEY
We start the day by driving down to a large, beautiful beach called Rauðisandur (the red sand), filled with red sand for miles and dramatic mountains on each side. After spending time on the beach, we head to the small island Flatey, which is loved by locals. Boasting a very old, picturesque village, rich birdlife and relaxing atmosphere, this is a place where time stands still.
TOTAL DRIVING
1,5 hours
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
No hiking
0
A place where time stands still
A place where time stands still
DAY 7
A WHOLE DAY IN FLATEY
Flatey has, possibly, the most picturesque village in all of Iceland, consisting of very old, colorful and pretty houses. We spend the whole day exploring the island by foot (cars are not allowed on the island) and if the weather allows, we go for a boat ride to some of the surrounding islands.
TOTAL DRIVING
No driving
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
1-2 hours
0
Aerial view of Hallgrímskirkja and the downtown of Reykjavík
Aerial view of Hallgrímskirkja and the downtown of Reykjavík
DAY 8
BACK TO REYKJAVÍK
At noon we say our goodbyes to Flatey and catch the ferry back to the mainland. The ferry takes us to the pretty town Stykkishólmur where we start our drive back to Reykjavík.
TOTAL DRIVING
2 hours
TOTAL HIKING
ELEVATION GAIN
No hiking