A sweeping crescent of pale golden sand in the remote Westfjords, remarkable among Icelandic beaches for its unusually light coloured sand and turquoise water that briefly resembles a tropical bay on clear summer days. The extreme remoteness means visitors are rewarded with near-total solitude even in peak summer.
Breiðavík is a wide, sweeping crescent of pale golden sand in the Westfjords, one of the lightest coloured beaches in a country dominated by black volcanic sand, with clear, cold water that can take on a turquoise tint on bright summer days. The bay is broad and open, curving gently around the coastline rather than forming a tight cove, and while it is exposed to Atlantic wind, the shape of the bay offers more shelter from direct surf than the fully open beaches further south. This is a remote, near-empty beach rather than a family or party destination; the vibe is solitude and wild scenery, reached only after a long drive on gravel roads through Iceland's least populated region, near the Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Amenities are minimal, limited to a small guesthouse near the beach and a car park, with no cafe, toilets, or lifeguard on site, so visitors should come prepared with their own food and water. Access requires a self-drive on gravel roads from either Patreksfjörður or via ferry connections into the Westfjords, and the extreme remoteness means even peak summer rarely brings more than a handful of other visitors.
| Distance | 5 hours from Reykjavik (ferry and drive) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Self-drive only (gravel roads) |
| Best season | June-August |
Amenities
- small guesthouse nearby
- car park
Good to know
- Best for
- solo, couples, photographers, beachcombers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
65.5150, -24.0220 View on map
Highlights
- Rare pale golden sand rather than typical Icelandic black sand
- Turquoise water on clear summer days
- Near-total solitude even in peak season
- Proximity to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs
Tips for visiting
- Fill up on fuel before heading into the Westfjords, as services are sparse
- Bring food and water, since the nearest shop is a considerable drive away
- Allow extra time for gravel roads, which are slower than paved Ring Road driving
- Combine the visit with a stop at Látrabjarg for puffins and other seabirds in summer
When to visit
Visit between June and August when the gravel roads are most reliably clear and the light lingers late into the evening.
Accessibility
The car park sits close to the sand, but the beach surface itself is soft and unpaved, and there are no paved paths or facilities suited to wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Breiðavík?
The beach is reached by self-drive on gravel roads through the Westfjords, typically from Patreksfjörður, with the final approach taking longer than paved-road distances suggest.
Is there anywhere to stay near Breiðavík?
Yes, a small guesthouse sits near the beach, offering one of the few accommodation options in this remote part of the Westfjords.
Is Breiðavík crowded in summer?
No, its remoteness means it sees very few visitors even during peak summer months.