Exploring Iceland’s Westfjords is like stepping into another world: towering cliffs, quiet fishing villages, hot springs by the sea, and roads that feel like they lead to the edge of the earth. To make the most of your Westfjords adventure, a bit of planning goes a long way—especially when it comes to driving, weather, and where you stay.
Here are some practical Westfjords travel tips, with a few ideas on how to use Ourhotels.is as your “base camp network” as you move from west Iceland into the fjords and back.
—
### 1. Plan Your Route: West Iceland Is Your Gateway
Most travelers start their Westfjords journey from Reykjavík and drive north. Instead of rushing straight through, break up the drive and enjoy west Iceland on the way.
**Stay near Borgarnes – Hvítá Inn, Borgarfjörður**
Borgarfjörður is a beautiful region of rivers, lava fields, and hot springs, and it’s a perfect first stop before you head deeper into the Westfjords.
– **Hvítá Inn**, part of Ourhotels.is, sits in the peaceful countryside close to Borgarnes.
– Use it as your first night’s base: explore Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, or simply rest after your flight and stock up on supplies in Borgarnes.
– Staying here means you can start the next day early and refreshed for the longer drive north.
—
### 2. Driving in the Westfjords: Take It Slow
The Westfjords are remote, and that’s exactly the charm—but it also means you need to respect the roads.
– **Check road conditions daily** on road.is and weather on vedur.is. Gravel roads, narrow passes, and sudden fog are common.
– **Allow extra time** between destinations. A 3-hour drive on the map can easily become 4–5 hours with photo stops and slower gravel sections.
– **Fuel up often.** Gas stations can be far apart; don’t wait until your tank is low.
– **Drive carefully on gravel.** Slow down before curves, keep a safe distance from the edge, and watch for sheep on the road.
By breaking your journey into manageable legs and staying at well-placed inns, you avoid long, exhausting days behind the wheel.
—
### 3. Use Stykkishólmur as a Strategic Stop
If you’re coming from Snæfellsnes or want a scenic route into the Westfjords, Stykkishólmur is a fantastic stopover.
**Stay in town – Stykkishólmur Inn**
– **Stykkishólmur Inn**, part of Ourhotels.is, puts you right in the heart of this charming harbor town.
– From here, you can walk to the harbor, climb Súgandisey for views over Breiðafjörður Bay, and enjoy local restaurants and museums.
– In summer, you can take the **Baldur ferry** from Stykkishólmur across Breiðafjörður to the southern Westfjords, turning your travel day into a scenic boat trip instead of a long drive.
Using Stykkishólmur Inn as a base lets you combine Snæfellsnes, the ferry crossing, and the Westfjords into one smooth itinerary.
—
### 4. Base Yourself in Ísafjörður for Westfjords Highlights
Ísafjörður is the unofficial “capital” of the Westfjords and the best hub for exploring the region.
**Stay central – Ísafjörður Inn**
– **Ísafjörður Inn**, another Ourhotels.is property, gives you a comfortable, central base with easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators.
– From Ísafjörður you can:
– Take boat trips to **Vigur Island** or other remote islands.
– Join guided hikes or kayaking tours in the surrounding fjords.
– Drive to nearby villages like Suðureyri, Flateyri, and Þingeyri for short day trips.
By staying several nights at Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore without packing and unpacking every day, and choose your activities based on the weather.
—
### 5. Must-See Sights in the Westfjords
Once you’re settled into your base, here are some classic Westfjords experiences:
– **Dynjandi Waterfall** – Often called the jewel of the Westfjords, this multi-tiered waterfall is a highlight of any trip. The short hike up passes several smaller falls.
– **Látrabjarg Cliffs** – One of Europe’s largest bird cliffs and a great place to see puffins in season (usually late spring to early August).
– **Rauðisandur Beach** – A wide, red-gold sand beach that feels almost otherworldly in Iceland’s usually rocky landscape.
– **Hot springs** – Look for natural pools and small hot pots along the coast (always follow local guidance and respect private land).
Plan your days so you’re not trying to see everything at once. The Westfjords are best enjoyed slowly.
—
### 6. Pack for All Seasons – Even in Summer
Weather in the Westfjords changes quickly, even in July.
Bring:
– Layers: base layer, warm mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof shell.
– Hat, gloves, and warm socks.
– Good walking shoes or light hiking boots.
– Swimsuit and towel for hot springs and pools.
Even if you’re staying in comfortable inns like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, so being properly dressed makes the difference between enduring and enjoying.
—
### 7. Book Accommodation in Advance
The Westfjords are still relatively quiet compared to south Iceland, but accommodation can fill up quickly in summer.
Using **Ourhotels.is** to plan your route gives you a simple structure:
1. **Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður)** – First night out of Reykjavík, explore west Iceland and rest before the long drive.
2. **Stykkishólmur Inn** – Gateway to Breiðafjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Baldur ferry into the Westfjords.
3. **Ísafjörður Inn** – Multi-night base for exploring the heart of the Westfjords.
This chain of stays creates a natural loop through west Iceland and the Westfjords, with familiar standards of comfort and service at each stop.
—
### 8. Respect Nature and Local Life
The Westfjords are remote and fragile. To keep them that way:
– Stay on marked roads and tracks; don’t drive off-road.
– Take your trash with you; bins can be scarce in remote areas.
– Be mindful of nesting birds and grazing sheep.
– Support local businesses: cafés, bakeries, small museums, and tour operators.
Staying at locally run places like the inns on Ourhotels.is also helps support communities that live year-round in these remote regions.
—
### 9. Sample Local Food and Culture
Part of the charm of the Westfjords is its small-town atmosphere.
– Try local fish dishes, lamb, and baked goods in Ísafjörður and Stykkishólmur.
– Visit small museums and cultural centers to learn about fishing history and everyday life in the fjords.
– Ask your hosts at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn for their personal recommendations—often the best tips are not in any guidebook.
—
### 10. Slow Down and Soak It In
The best Westfjords travel tip is simple: don’t rush. Build in extra time, stay multiple nights in key places, and let the landscape set the pace.
By using **Ourhotels.is** to anchor your journey—starting at **Hvítá Inn** near Borgarnes, continuing via **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and settling into **Ísafjörður Inn**—you create a relaxed, flexible itinerary that balances adventure with comfort.
That way, you can focus on what you came for: quiet roads, dramatic fjords, and the feeling that you’ve reached one of the most peaceful corners of Iceland.
