Planning a Westfjords itinerary is all about balancing dramatic nature, slow travel, and the long driving distances that make this region feel so wonderfully remote. With a bit of structure—and the right overnight stops—you can see the highlights without rushing, and still have time for hot springs, small cafés, and quiet fjord views.
Below is a suggested way to plan your route, with Ourhotels.is properties woven in as comfortable bases along the way: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the heart of the Westfjords.
Start your journey from Reykjavík to Borgarfjörður
Many Westfjords trips begin in Reykjavík, but instead of driving straight north, break up the journey in Borgarfjörður. This area is rich in waterfalls, lava fields, and hot springs, and it’s a natural first stop on your way to the Westfjords.
Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, is an ideal base for your first night. It sits in peaceful countryside with wide-open views, giving you a gentle transition from city to nature. From here you can easily visit:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
– Deildartunguhver hot spring area
– The historic site of Reykholt
– Borgarnes town and its Settlement Center museum
Staying at Hvítá Inn lets you get an early start the next morning, already partway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords.
Add Snæfellsnes Peninsula as a scenic “gateway”
While not technically part of the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature” and makes a perfect gateway to the region. It offers black sand beaches, sea cliffs, small fishing villages, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Base yourself at Stykkishólmur Inn in the charming town of Stykkishólmur. This harbor town is a great place to:
– Walk the colorful streets and harbor
– Take a boat tour among the Breiðafjörður islands
– Visit the local swimming pool and its hot tubs
– Enjoy fresh seafood in cozy restaurants
Stykkishólmur Inn gives you easy access to the northern side of Snæfellsnes and positions you well if you choose to take the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður to the southern Westfjords (in summer), or to continue driving around via road 60.
Plan your driving distances in the Westfjords
The Westfjords are rugged and sparsely populated, with long, winding roads that follow the coastline. When planning your itinerary, keep these points in mind:
– Distances are longer than they look on the map due to fjords and gravel stretches.
– Weather can change quickly; always allow extra time.
– Fuel up whenever you can and keep snacks and water in the car.
– Don’t try to “do it all” in one or two days—focus on a few key areas.
A common and comfortable structure is 3–5 days in the Westfjords themselves, not counting travel days to and from Reykjavík.
Use Ísafjörður as your Westfjords hub
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords and a natural hub for exploring the region. Staying at Ísafjörður Inn gives you a central, comfortable base with easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators, while still being surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can plan day trips to:
– The fishing villages of Suðureyri, Flateyri, and Þingeyri
– Dynjandi waterfall, one of Iceland’s most impressive cascades
– Remote beaches and viewpoints along the fjords
– Hiking trails with panoramic views over the town and surrounding mountains
By returning to the same base each night, you avoid packing and unpacking daily and can travel lighter on your day trips.
Include the must-see Westfjords highlights
When building your Westfjords itinerary, consider these key sights and experiences:
– Dynjandi waterfall: A multi-tiered “wedding cake” waterfall that’s a highlight of any Westfjords trip.
– Látrabjarg cliffs: One of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, famous for puffins in season (typically late spring to early August).
– Rauðisandur beach: A vast red-gold sand beach that feels otherworldly.
– Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system: Deep fjords with calm waters, seals, and birdlife.
– Hot springs: Look for natural pools and local swimming pools for a relaxing soak after long drives.
Depending on your time, you can either loop through the southern Westfjords (Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur, Dynjandi) and then head to Ísafjörður, or focus more on the northern fjords and Ísafjarðardjúp.
Sample itinerary structure using Ourhotels.is
Day 1: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður
– Explore Borgarfjörður region (waterfalls, hot springs, Borgarnes).
– Overnight at Hvítá Inn for a quiet countryside stay.
Day 2: Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes → Stykkishólmur
– Drive to Snæfellsnes, explore viewpoints and small villages.
– Settle into Stykkishólmur Inn and enjoy the harbor town in the evening.
Day 3: Stykkishólmur → Westfjords
– Either take the Baldur ferry (summer) or drive via road 60 into the Westfjords.
– Enjoy scenic stops along the way, then continue toward Ísafjörður.
– Overnight at Ísafjörður Inn.
Days 4–5: Explore from Ísafjörður Inn
– Use Ísafjörður Inn as your base for day trips to Dynjandi, nearby villages, and hiking areas.
– Add an extra day if you want to include Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur without rushing.
Day 6: Return south
– Begin your journey back toward Reykjavík, optionally breaking the drive again in Borgarfjörður or Snæfellsnes depending on your route and flight times.
Travel tips for a smoother Westfjords trip
– Season: Late May to September offers the best road conditions and access; outside this period, check road and weather conditions carefully.
– Car choice: A standard car is often enough in summer, but a 4×4 can be more comfortable on gravel roads.
– Booking ahead: The Westfjords are quiet but have limited accommodation; reserve Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn in advance, especially in high season.
– Pace: Build in “slow days” with shorter drives so you can linger at viewpoints, cafés, and hot springs.
By combining thoughtful route planning with well-placed bases like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn from Ourhotels.is, you can experience the wild beauty of the Westfjords without feeling rushed. The result is an itinerary that balances adventure with comfort—long days of fjord views and waterfalls, followed by warm, welcoming stays each night.
