Best Photography Destinations in the Westfjords

Capture Iceland’s Wild Beauty in the Westfjords

The Westfjords are a photographer’s dream: towering cliffs, remote beaches, dramatic waterfalls and charming fishing villages. With stunning light and unique landscapes around every corner, you’ll want to pack your camera gear and plan for at least 4–7 days here. Stay with Ourhotels.is and wake up refreshed at the Ísafjörður Inn, perfectly located for exploring the fjords and snapping unforgettable shots.

1. Dynjandi Waterfall

Often called the “Jewel of the Westfjords,” Dynjandi cascades in tiers over 100 meters high. Arrive early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds. A short hike up the trail offers different angles and close-up details of the rushing water.

2. Látrabjarg Cliffs

These towering sea cliffs are home to millions of puffins in summer. Bring a telephoto lens to capture these endearing birds as they flit in and out of grassy ledges. Sunset creates warm tones along the cliff face and the North Atlantic below.

3. Rauðisandur Beach

This red-hued sand beach stretches for miles. Wide-angle shots at low tide reveal fantastic rock pools mirroring the sky. In winter, the contrast between red sand, black lava fields and icy waves is simply surreal.

4. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Accessible only by boat, Hornstrandir is truly off the beaten path. Expect pristine fjords, arctic fox sightings and no grid-locked tour buses. Photograph untouched landscapes with dramatic cliffs and green valleys—nature in its purest form.

5. Ísafjörður Town

Don’t miss the quaint streets and historic wooden houses of Ísafjörður. Golden hour casts a warm glow on the colorful facades. Stay at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is and enjoy easy access to local cafes, galleries and photo walks along the harbor.

When to Go

• Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, puffin season and lush greenery.
• Shoulder seasons (May & September): Fewer tourists, blooming wildflowers, possible northern lights.
• Winter (October–March): Snow-covered fjords, aurora borealis and dramatic ice formations.

What to Pack

• Weather-proof camera bag and lens cloths
• Sturdy tripod for long exposures and low-light shooting
• Layered, waterproof clothing and good hiking boots
• Extra batteries and memory cards (cold drains power fast)

How Long to Stay

Plan for at least 4 nights if you’re focusing on Dynjandi and Ísafjörður. Extend to 7–10 nights to include remote spots like Hornstrandir, Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur. Booking a comfortable base at Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is makes it easy to pace your adventure and revisit your favorite locations at different times of day.

Plan Your Photo Adventure

With stunning fjords, dramatic light and pristine nature, the Westfjords promise a truly uplifting photography journey. Book your stay via Ourhotels.is today and get insider tips from our friendly staff. Your next great shot awaits!