Iceland's most remote and dramatic region, featuring the deepest fjords, soaring cliffs, and one of the country's most charming small towns. The Westfjords see fewer tourists than anywhere in Iceland yet offer extraordinary scenery, Látrabjarg seabird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience.
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords, a region of deep fjords and steep mountains in Iceland's remote northwest that receives a fraction of the visitors seen elsewhere in the country. The town itself sits on a spit of land ringed by mountains and fjord water, with a well-preserved cluster of 18th-century wooden buildings along the harbor now housing cafes, a maritime museum, and small shops. From Ísafjörður, the surrounding region offers some of Iceland's most dramatic and least-visited scenery, including Látrabjarg, Europe's largest bird cliff and a reliable spot for close puffin encounters in summer, and Dynjandi, the Westfjords' largest waterfall. A geothermal swimming pool in town is a low-key local gathering spot for both residents and visitors. Roads through the Westfjords are narrow, winding, and often unpaved between towns, meaning travel times are longer than distances suggest, and many roads close in winter, limiting access largely to the summer months. Visitors typically reach the region either by driving several hours from Reykjavik and around the fjords, by taking a ferry from Stykkishólmur that cuts the trip shorter, or by flying directly into Ísafjörður. Given the driving distances between sights, most visitors spend two to three days exploring the region from a base in or near the town.
| Admission | $0 (free) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open year-round; some roads closed in winter |
| Typical visit | 2-3 days |
| Address | Ísafjörður, 400 Vestfirðir |
Good to know
- Best for
- off-the-beaten-path explorers, photographers, nature lovers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Ísafjörður, 400 Vestfirðir
66.0752, -23.1356 View on map
Highlights
- Well-preserved 18th-century harbor buildings
- Access point for Látrabjarg bird cliffs and puffins
- Dynjandi waterfall a scenic drive away
- Geothermal swimming pool used by locals
- Far fewer tourists than the rest of Iceland
Tips for visiting
- Fly or take ferry from Stykkishólmur to save long drive
- Visit in June for puffins at Látrabjarg and 24-hour daylight
- Thermal pool in Ísafjörður is a local highlight
- Roads are narrow and winding – allow extra driving time
When to visit
Visit in June through August when roads are fully open, puffins are nesting at Látrabjarg, and daylight lasts nearly 24 hours.
Accessibility
The town center around the harbor is walkable and largely flat, but many surrounding natural sites, including Látrabjarg's cliff paths, involve uneven terrain that is not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a visit to Ísafjörður and the Westfjords take?
Most visitors spend two to three days in the region given the driving distances between the main sights.
Is the Westfjords region worth it for kids?
Yes, the puffin colonies and the town's swimming pool are popular with families, though the long, winding drives require patience.
Is photography allowed throughout the region?
Photography is unrestricted throughout Ísafjörður and the surrounding Westfjords landscape.
How do visitors get to Ísafjörður?
Options include a multi-hour drive from Reykjavik around the fjords, a ferry connection from Stykkishólmur, or a direct domestic flight.