Iceland’s Westfjords: Planning a Trip Beyond the Main Tourist Circuit

The Westfjords are a remote region in the northwest of Iceland, with steep fjords, long drives, and few crowds. A trip here is very different from the popular southern routes. This guide shows how to plan it well.

This guide helps you with this topic: iceland’s Westfjords: Planning a Trip Beyond the Main Tourist Circuit. You will work through it one step at a time. As you plan, look at guided tours and boat trips in the Westfjords on Viator to see what is on offer where you are headed.

Understand the Westfjords (1-5)

• 1. Know where the region sits. The Westfjords form a large peninsula in the northwest, joined to the rest of Iceland by a narrow neck of land. Roads follow the fjords and can be slow. Look at a map before you plan.
• 2. Know what the region offers. Visitors come for waterfalls, cliffs, birdlife, quiet beaches, and small villages. It is a place for nature and calm, not for busy sights. Think about whether that fits your trip.

• 3. Know that it is remote. Distances between towns can be long, and services are limited. Plan fuel, food, and rest stops ahead of time. Do not count on finding anything open late in the evening.
• 4. Know that it differs from the main circuit. The well-known southern route has many sights close together and many visitors. The Westfjords have fewer sights and much more empty space. Adjust your expectations and enjoy the quiet.
• 5. Start with the basics. Read Iceland’s Ring Road and how much time your journey needs to place the Westfjords in the wider picture. Then use the steps below to plan this region. Keep your notes in one place.

Decide How Much Time to Allow (6-10)

“The Westfjords are not a place to hurry through, and that is what makes them worth the trip.”

• 6. Count driving time, not just distance. Fjord roads wind in and out and some are gravel. A short distance on a map can take much longer. Check estimated drive times from a trusted source.
• 7. Allow several days at least. A quick visit may leave you mostly in the car. More days let you stop, walk, and rest. Match the plan to your pace.
• 8. Compare places to stay in the region. Browse guesthouses and hotels in the Westfjords on Booking.com and compare locations. Lodging is limited, so look at distances between stays.
• 9. Plan a loop or an out-and-back. Think about whether to loop through the region or return the same way. Each choice has trade-offs. Check road conditions.
• 10. Leave a buffer. Weather can delay plans. Keep a spare day if you can. Stay flexible.

Choose the Right Season (11-15)

• 11. Think about summer. Long daylight makes driving and hiking easier, and more services are open. It is the most popular time, though still quiet by Iceland’s standards. Check birdlife seasons if that interests you.
• 12. Think about shoulder months. Days are shorter and some places close for the season. Prices and crowds may be lower. Check what is open before you plan a route, and keep a backup for each day.

• 13. Think about winter. Winter roads can be closed or hard to drive, and daylight is short. This season needs experience and flexibility. Check road conditions each day and be ready to change plans at short notice.
• 14. Think about weather. Weather in Iceland changes fast, sometimes within an hour. Bring layers and waterproofs in any season. Check the forecast each morning and again before any long drive.
• 15. Read about driving. See Banff and planning a mountain vacation beyond the most photographed lakes for another way to plan beyond the famous spots. The mindset applies well here.

Plan Getting There and Getting Around (16-20)

• 16. Think about renting a car. A car gives the most freedom in this region. Check the type of vehicle you need for the roads you plan. Read the rental terms.
• 17. Think about ferry options. Some routes use a ferry to cross a bay. Check current schedules and booking rules. Book early in busy seasons.
• 18. Think about the cost of a trip like this. Flights, a rental car, fuel, and lodging all add up, and remote travel can cost more. See how travel rewards can ease the cost of a trip to Iceland and use a card with good travel rewards. Plan your budget early.
• 19. Think about flights within Iceland. Some travelers fly to a regional town. Check schedules and baggage rules. Compare with driving.
• 20. Check road conditions. Use the official road condition service before each drive. Follow local advice. Carry a charged phone.

Plan Where to Stay and Eat (21-25)

• 21. Book lodging early. The region has few places to stay, and they can fill up well ahead of time. Book ahead in summer and keep your confirmations. Check cancellation terms in case the weather changes your plan.
• 22. Choose a base in a main town. A base like Ísafjörður offers more services, restaurants, and shops than the small villages. Day trips from there can cover a lot of the region. Check the distances and road conditions first.

• 23. Plan meals ahead. Restaurants and shops may have limited hours. Buy snacks and supplies in larger towns. Keep a cooler bag.
• 24. Plan fuel stops. Fuel stations can be far apart. Fill up when you can. Do not let the tank get low.
• 25. Compare ways to get around. Think about how you will cover the long distances, whether by car, bus, or a mix with flights. See weighing car, bus, and regional flights for the distances to weigh the choices. Pick the one that fits your pace and budget.

Choose What to See (26-30)

• 26. List a few highlights. Waterfalls, cliffs, and fjords are common draws. Pick a short list. Keep time for the unplanned.
• 27. Think about birdlife. Some cliffs host seabirds in certain months. Check the season. Keep distance from nests.
• 28. Use a guided trip for a boat or a hike. Check guided tours and boat trips in the Westfjords on Viator and read the details. A guide can add safety and local knowledge. Check the season and cancellation terms.
• 29. Think about hot springs and swimming pools. Small local pools and hot springs are a nice break after a long drive. Check hours and rules. Bring a towel.
• 30. Think about quiet beaches and walks. Short walks can be the best part. Keep to marked paths. Wear sturdy shoes.

Stay Safe and Respectful (31-35)

• 31. Check the weather and alerts. Use the official weather service. Check road alerts. Change plans if needed.
• 32. Tell someone your plan. Share your route and timing. Leave details at your lodging. Check in when you can.

• 33. Respect the land. Stay on marked paths and drive only on roads. Take your trash with you. Follow local rules.
• 34. Pack for changing weather. Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. Pack a flashlight and snacks. Keep spare clothes in the car.
• 35. Carry basic safety items. A first aid kit, water, and a charger help. Keep them in the car. Know the emergency number.

Put Your Plan Together (36-40)

• 36. List your top priorities. Write down what you want most, such as waterfalls, birds, or quiet. Rank them. Build days around them.
• 37. Map each day. Check drive times and keep a buffer. Leave open time. Keep a spare day.
• 38. Check driving tips. See general road trip habits that suit long remote drives for general ideas that apply on long remote drives. Use what suits your trip.
• 39. Book key items. Reserve lodging, a car, and any ferry or tours. Keep confirmations. Check cancellation rules.
• 40. Enjoy the space. A slow trip suits the Westfjords. Our free checklist can help you pack. Safe travels.