The Go Campers Guide to the Westfjords

The Westfjords of Iceland is where the extremes of the country all collide. Soaring table-topped mountains emerge from silent fjords, where only a handful of towns cling to the coastline and a traditional way of life. Its isolation from the rest of the country means that it sees the least number of tourists; there are more who venture up into the highlands for the three months they’re accessible than visit here. But for those who travel here, the incredible feeling of being the only ones at the end of the earth away.

Traveling into the Westfjords is a time-consuming undertaking. It’s far bigger than it looks and takes much time to navigate. While the region only comprises about 10% of Iceland’s landmass, it also represents about 50% of Iceland’s coastline, and it is along that coastline where you’ll find the rough roads. Usually, it takes a day’s detour off the Ring Road to get into the fjords, so many decide not to do it. But for those who do, they discover one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Read on to discover the best of the region and how to tackle it in a campervan.

How Much Time Will You Need?

It’s a question many ask us while they avidly gaze at the Westfjords on the map in our office at Go Campers. As stated above, it’s a big undertaking, and we generally recommend spending 3 to 4 nights camping out in the region to visit all that it has to offer. Driving up and down the fjords is a tiring but rewarding task.

Services

The towns in the Westfjords are few and far between, but of course, you can find a small shop and gas station in all of them. This is generally where all the campsites are located as well, so you’ll likely be returning to the civilization at night.

The cheapest groceries you’ll be able to find will, of course, be at the supermarket Bonus. However, the only one in the region is in the capital, Ísafjörður. If you’re catching the ferry across from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, there is also a store in Stykkishólmur.

For the most part, the gas stations in the region are self-service. This means that you can only pay with a card and need a pin number on that card. If the card that you have requires you to sign, your only option will be to purchase a pre-paid fuel card before you reach the region or plan to fill up at the major stops.

The Westfjords in a Campervan

For the most part, you don’t necessarily need a 4x4 to travel through the Westfjords. The roads are rough in many areas, but there’s only one F-Road that is off-limits to regular vehicles. Campsites are regular and well-equipped, offering gorgeous views over the mountains and fjords. For a complete list of the campsites in the area and their opening dates, check out our map of campsites in the country. (https://www.gocampers.is/useful-info/campsites)

What to See and Do

One of the best things about the Westfjords is that just driving through them is an experience to remember. Waterfalls with no names stream down from the tops of the mountains everywhere, joining rivers that wind their way out to the fjords.

The mountain passes provide astounding views over the region, and the small towns are all unique and welcoming. Hot springs hide all over the fjords, as do wonderful hiking trails. On top of all that, there are some of Iceland’s greatest attractions.

Dynjandi

Dynjandi is a crashing waterfall found roughly in the middle of the region, which is one of the most impressive in the entire country. What would draw an unimaginable crowd if it were found on the ring road? It’s amazing to sometimes have this waterfall all to yourself. Crashing down over several cliffs, it almost resembles a staircase. There is a trail that leads you up to the very base of the waterfall, where you can really appreciate its size and power.

Látrabjarg

Widely considered one of the best bird-watching locations in all of Europe, Látrabjarg is a long series of sea cliffs that swarm with many different species of birds, including the puffin, during the summer months. Stretching about 12km south of one of the Westfjords peninsulas, this is also the westernmost point of Iceland. The large cliffs plunge hundreds of meters into the ocean below, and a hiking trail clings to the tops of the escarpments, leading you the 12km to Rauðasandur. This ‘red sand beach’ can also be reached by campervan, and there is a beautiful campsite right next to the sand where you can often find seals sunbathing or playing.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

The northern part of the Westfjords comprises the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a wild and unforgiving place. No roads lead into the region; you must go on foot or by boat, but what awaits is an unforgettable experience. Hiking through the uninhabited nature reserve might allow you to see the elusive Arctic Fox, Iceland’s only native land mammal. Visiting this area requires a lot of planning, as there are no services in the entire region.

Hot Springs & Pools

The Westfjords has some of the best hot springs and pools in the whole country – mostly because they’re deserted. You can find a lot of hot springs hidden within the fjords, often without any signage. Check out the map below if you want to take a relaxing dip in the Westfjords.

The Old Herring Factory

The Old Herring Factory in Djúpavík is an abandoned wreck of a factory but is an interesting site to feel the history of the region, and Vigur Island is a perfect spot to walk amongst the varied birdlife that flocks to Iceland over the summer months.

Towns

Ísafjörður is the region's capital, but with a population of just 2500 people, don’t expect a big bastion of civilization. The town is perched on a piece of land that juts out into the dark blue waters of the fjord and is surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the region. Here, you can find a scattering of restaurants, cafes, and bars, and this is also where you can catch a ferry over to the wild Hornstrandir Peninsula.

Nearby to the town is the beautiful Bolafjall Mountain, which, if you’re feeling fit, is a great hike to do, offering great views over the area and towards Hornstrandir. The next town over is Súðavík, a quirky little place and home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Head in the other direction to find Flateyri, a quaint place with a long history of avalanches; check out the avalanche wall above the town protecting it now.

Bildudalur is where you can find the intriguing and mysterious Icelandic Sea Monster Museum, which is well worth stopping at. Further to the south and close to the Látrabjarg cliffs is Patreksfjörður, a beautiful town and the biggest settlement you come across if you’ve traveled along the southern edge of the region. This is also the best town to base yourself on if you will explore the Látrabjarg Peninsula in detail. The campsite here has a well-equipped indoor cooking facility, with showers and toilets.

Below, you’ll find a map with all of the above locations marked down, and many more. However, we don’t want to give away everything – part of a good campervan trip in Iceland is the unexpected places you stumble across along the way.

Conclusion

The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful regions. Getting there takes time, but it’s worth it. With steep cliffs, quiet fjords, and hidden hot springs, it feels wild and untouched. Whether you're driving the winding roads, watching puffins at Látrabjarg, or relaxing in a hot spring, the experience is unforgettable. If you want to escape the crowds and see a different side of Iceland, this is the place to go.

About the author

James Taylor

James Taylor is an Australian travel writer who has spent more than a decade exploring Iceland’s wild corners in every season – most often with a campervan. He has updated guidebooks for DK Eyewitness and Bradt, written features for major travel publications like Nat Geo Traveller, Lonely Planet and The Times, and clocked thousands of kilometres on Iceland’s roads. His on-the-ground experience means he knows the country inside out, from winter road trips to midnight-sun swimming pools to remote trails in Hornstrandir. He’ll also sheepishly admit that a good portion of his “research time” for his next guidebook or article is really just him hiking with friends in tow.