La carte touristique du nord ouest de lIslande

The Valagil Hiking Trail

Bolungarvík

The Dynjandi Waterfall (Fjallfoss)

The Hornstrandir Natural Reserve

Patreksfjörður to Arnarfjörður

The northwestern region of Iceland ALL about the fjords. It's remote and somewhat isolated from the rest of the country, but that makes it a truly wild place with incredible things to see.
Close to the Arctic Circle, it is the most untamed region of the island and the least frequented by tourists. Fishing is the only economic activity in this very sparsely populated region, with a harsh climate and a terrain as hostile as it is beautiful.
Also known as Westfirðir, in this region you will find the <a title="isafjordur" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir">Ísafjörður</a> and <a title="Latrabjarg" href="/guide/northwest/latrabjarg">Latrabjarg</a> Cliffs, the tallest cliffs in Europe where millions of puffins gather every summer.
<a title="Hornstrandir" href="/guide/northwest/hornstrandir">Hornstrandir</a> offers a hiking trail that is truly so remote it feels like another planet entirely. There are waterfalls like the beautiful <a title="Dynjandi" href="/guide/northwest/dynjandi-fjallfoss">Dynjandi</a> and numerous <a title="hot springs" href="/maps/iceland-hotsprings-map">hot springs</a> in the western fjords.
<h2>Not to be missed in the North West</h2>
<ul>
<li><a title="Hornstrandir" href="/guide/northwest/hornstrandir">Hornstrandir</a></li>
<li><a title="isafjordur" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir">Ísafjörður</a></li>
<li><a title="Latrabjarg" href="/guide/northwest/latrabjarg">Latrabjarg</a></li>
<li><a title="Dynjandi " href="/guide/northwest/dynjandi-fjallfoss">Dynjandi</a></li>
<li><a title="Raudisandur" href="/guide/northwest/raudisandur">Rauðisandur</a></li>
</ul>
In a nutshell, go with the fjords!
<h2>The map of the North West and its points of interest</h2>
The map has been divided into 6 regions to help travelers focus on one part of the island, for example during a short stay, or put together a multi-region itinerary. Select a region to see the tourist sites in this area.
 © www.iceland-dream.com, reproduction prohibited. For any queries, information, or modifications, please <a href="/contact">contact us</a>.

Located at the western tip of the Westfjords, Látrabjarg is a must for any visitor to Iceland's western fjords.
Látrabjarg is a cape with cliffs extending over 14 km of coastline, the highest point reaching 444 m. In addition to being the westernmost point of Europe, Látrabjarg is especially famous for the millions of birds that populate its cliffs in summer.
This ecosystem is home to the largest puffin colony in the world, with no less than 6 million individuals. <a title="The puffin in Iceland" href="/wildlife/puffins-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about puffins in Iceland</a>.
<ul>
<li><a title="Cliffs and puffins" href="#latrabjarg-macareux">Látrabjarg: puffins on cliffs</a></li>
<li><a title="Walk on the edge of the cliffs" href="#latrabjarg-balade">The hike along the cliff edge</a></li>
<li><a title="How to get to Látrabjarg?" href="#latrabjarg-aller">How to get to Látrabjarg</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="latrabjarg-macareux">Látrabjarg: cliffs and puffins</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/111/111-4-1115x743.jpg" alt="Latrabjarg photo" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Puffins in Látrabjarg: Galyna Andrushko @fotolia
If you could choose only one bird photography spot to visit in Iceland, it would definitely be Latrabjarg.
Lovers of animal photography, or animals in general, are in for a treat in Látrabjarg. In addition to the exceptional view from the top of these cliffs and the panoramas of the fjords, these birds are not shy at all and will pose curiously a few meters from the photographer (see photo above).
Torda penguins, gulls, fulmars, kittiwakes, Arctic terns, murres and of course the 6 million Atlantic puffins are the actual inhabitants of these cliffs. So be sure to show resect so as not to disturb them. In summer, the birds are simply all over the place in Látrabjarg, especially puffins, so you're guaranteed to see them.
Walking along the edge, visitors may even see seals basking on the rocks at the foot of the cliffs.
The sheer cliff faces are impressive in themselves, so be extremely careful not to get too close to the edge, especially as the cliffs are often wet and slippery. There is very little signage or safety features along the edge, this is a wild place, so be smart about it.
Peace and quiet reign supreme here, and the location at the very tip of the Northwest Fjords creates this sense of total isolation. Only the sounds of birds and the wind break the silence, a rather unique sensation that can also be found at the tip of the <a title="Melrakasletta" href="/guide/north/raudinupur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melrakasletta</a> peninsula.
The Latrabjarg cliffs are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Westfjords.
<h2 id="">Hike along the cliff edge</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/111/111-5-1115x743.jpg" alt="Latrabjarg falaises" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Látrabjarg Cliffs: Michael Blum @Unsplash
From the Bjartangar car park, you can take a magnificent 1-2H walk along the cliff, but be sure to pack a good windbreaker as the area is very exposed.
In the car park, the dire warning signs are displayed alongside info boards about the history and local fauna of these tall cliffs. The edges of the cliffs are basically always wet and often slippery, so don't get too close.
A trail provides access to the cliff's edge in a few minutes from the car park. The contrast between the blue of the Arctic Ocean and the green meadows that border the cliffs is superb. The cliff rock is black and grey but so full of birds it is simply awash in white.
As this is a very popular nesting ground, it is common to see a few polar foxes hunting nearby, but don't worry, they are more afraid of you than you of them.
There really isn't much on site so you don't go there expecting to find a restaurant with a view. Látrabjarg is a wind-swept cliff where only wild birds live, so just connect with nature!
<h2 id="latrabjarg-aller">How to get to Látrabjarg</h2>
<iframe src="https://maps.google.fr/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=L%C3%A1trabjarg,+Islande&amp;daddr=&amp;hl=fr&amp;geocode=CT6XopRG08wBFYOE5wMdwbKJ_inPLQDuUlHVTjG9QdZn9UFlMA&amp;mra=mift&amp;sll=65.528896,-24.084778&amp;sspn=0.847619,3.56781&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=65.528896,-24.084778&amp;spn=0.796434,2.334595&amp;z=8&amp;output=embed" width="100%" height="350" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
Road 62, a dirt road but in good condition, branches off to the southern tip via the 612 to travel about forty kilometers before reaching the famous cliffs in the south-western part of these fjords
Road 612 is a windy scenic drive along the fjords that is truly breathtaking, right in the middle of Skápadalur Bay. The 612 unlike the 62 is not in very good condition, and though it's not a trail reserved for 4x4 vehicles, you will be much more comfortable if you have one, especially on the last stretch of the road to the car park.
Very close to exit onto the 612, don't miss on the shipwreck that can ve visited, a fishing boat that ran aground 1981 named Gardar BA 64. This attraction is a hit with photographers.
And Road 612 will also take you to the magnificent <a title="Raudisandur" href="/guide/northwest/raudisandur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raudisandur beach</a> with its golden colors that contrast with the rest of the fjords. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter seals lounging on the beach.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/111/111-1115x743.jpg" alt="Latrabjarg" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
The cliffs of Látrabjarg: TTstudio @fotolia

Látrabjarg is a cape in the northwest of Iceland with cliffs extending over 14 km of coastline.

The Cliffs of Látrabjarg

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which became a protected area in 1975, is the northernmost peninsula in Iceland at the tip of the West Fjords.
Isolated on the other side of the huge Drangajökull glacier, it is completely cut off from the rest of the island and very difficult to reach.
There are no roads into the Hornstrandir reserve, and the region has been completely uninhabited for several decades now. No roads, no 4G, no inhabitants, no shops, and definitely no hotels! Here, aside the sound of the wind, only foxes and birds are there to break the silence.
<ul>
<li><a title="Hornstrandir: Iceland's most remote region" href="#hornstrandir-isolee">Hornstrandir: the most remote wildland in Iceland</a></li>
<li><a title="What to do in Hornstrandir?" href="#hornstrandir-quefaire">What to do in Hornstrandir</a></li>
<li><a title="When and how do you get to Hornstrandir?" href="#hornstrandir-quandaller">When to go and how to get there</a></li>
<li><a title="What to know before you leave" href="#hornstrandir-asavoir">Things to know before you go</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="hornstrandir-isolee">Hornstrandir reserve: the most remote wildland in Iceland</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/123-4-1115x743.jpg" alt="La réserve de Hornstrandir" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Hornstrandir Reserve - Michaelahrda @Dreamstime
The Hornstrandir reserve is located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, this means extreme weather conditions, which is why this region of Iceland is no longer inhabited, not for many decades.
As the peninsula is absolutely isolated from the rest of Iceland by the Drangajökull glacier, you can't drive there. This is a vast and windswept landscape, completely cut off from the world, the perfect place to find solace in solitude and contemplate existence.
<h3>The cliffs of Hornbjarg</h3>
The Hornstrandir reserve has some notable attractions, most of all the Hornbjarg, literally “the rock of the horn”, an impressive cliff at the northern end of the peninsula.
This steep cliff rises 534 meters at its highest point above the Arctic Ocean, a sheer wall of rock facing the ocean, while the land-side of this promontory is a lush green valley inhabited by polar foxes.
<h2 id="hornstrandir-quefaire">What to do in Hornstrandir?</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/123-1115x743.jpg" alt="Hornbjarg" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Hornbjarg Cliffs in Hornstrandir - jackyg95 @fotolia
This isn't your usual sightseeing where you rush off to see one tourist site after another. This is an experience where you can truly seek out the wild side. Hornstrandir is not crowded, that's for sure.
The Hornstrandir reserve is the place for travelers who enjoy hiking, the great outdoors, peace and quiet, and of course photography! This peninsula, being at the northern tip of the country, is an ideal place to admire the midnight sun.
There are some incredible subjects to capture: abandoned houses, ancient lighthouses, fjords, snowy mountains, polar foxes, birdlife...
The northern tip of Hornstrandir is known for its sheer cliffs, such as the famous Hornbjarg cliff, which rises 534 meters above sea level and sweeps up dramatically to form a sharp peak: no wonder it's the most photographed site on the peninsula. The coastline is wooded, covered with trees of the same kind you find in Siberia, which further accentuates the wild side of the area.
There are plenty of hiking trails, from easy to moderate levels. And we very strongly recommend that you do not stray from these paths, after all you wouldn't to miss your ride home. It would get lonely out there.
<h3>The best of Hornstrandir</h3>
Our selection of the best things to do in Hornstrandir:
<ul>
<li>Admire the cliffs of Hornbjarg </li>
<li>Admire the beautiful Hornsvík beach</li>
<li>Photograph polar foxes in their natural environment</li>
<li>Hike, and then hike some more! Hornstrandir is a hikers paradise</li>
<li>Observe the midnight sun on the West Coast</li>
<li>Contemplate existence and find peace in solitude...</li>
</ul>
<h3>The local foxes of the Hornstrandir reserve</h3>
<h2 id="hornstrandir-isolee"></h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/123-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Hornstrandir renards" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Polar foxes in Hornstrandir - giedriius @fotolia
Hornstrandir is a protected site and <a title="polar foxes" href="/wildlife/arctic-fox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polar foxes</a> are thriving there with a booming population. It's the only place in Iceland where foxes are protected from hunters, so it's easy to understand why.
And given they have never had a reason to fear humans, they are curious and easy to approach, so you can get some great shots if you don't scare them off.
Birds are also thriving here without us to bother them, including black-legged kittiwakes, penguins, <a title="Atlantic puffins" href="/wildlife/puffins-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">puffins</a>, and common murres. The awe-inspiring cliffs of Hælavíkurbjarg and Hornbjarg, mentioned earlier, are home to hundreds of thousands of these nesting birds.
<h3>Hikes and treks in Hornstrandir</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The hike from Hornvík to Hornbjarg</h4>
</li>
</ul>
This is usually a favourite preferred by travelers as it's short and user-friendly, leading from Hornvik to the Hornbjarg lighthouse. At 6 km one way for a 12 km round trip, this is a relaxed and scenic walk despite its fairly significant elevation. It'll take just over 2 hours to get to the lighthouse. This is the trail you want if you're looking to get to the famous Hornbjarg cliffs as quickly and painlessly as possible.
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The hike from Hornvík to Veidileysufjördur via Hafnarskard</h4>
</li>
</ul>
Another popular “short” hike and one of the best known leads from Hornvik to Veidileysufjördur via Hafnarskard. This 10-km hike is simply fantastic, taking you across magnificent meadows where you can meet foxes on the way, ending with once again at the Hornbjarg cliffs.
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The trek from Grunnavík to Hesteyri via Hornvík</h4>
</li>
</ul>
A very popular option for hiking enthusiasts is a multi-day trek in the region. Some of the longest cross the peninsula north-south or vice versa, while others go along the north coastline, for example.
A trek crossing the reserve from south to north, from Grunnavík to Hesteyri along the east coast (Bolungarvik and Hornvik) can be done in 7 days (15 km per day).
<ul>
<li>
<h4>The trek from Aðalvík to Hornvík</h4>
</li>
</ul>
This trek is the easy-mode option but still a classic, from Aðalvík (Sæból and Látrar) to Hornvík in 3 days.
<h2 id="hornstrandir-quandaller">When to go and how to get there</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/123-3-1115x743.jpg" alt="Carte de Hornstrandir" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Let's get one thing out of the way: Hornstrandir is strictly prohibited in winter because it's simply too dangerous and there are no means of communication. As mentioned, the weather is bad enough that even Icelanders don't want to live there, so that should give you an idea.
<h3>Getting there on your own</h3>
Without roads, the only way into region is by boat from <a title="Isafjordur" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isafjordur</a>, <a title="Bolungarvík" href="/guide/northwest/bolungarvik" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bolungarvík</a> or Norðurfjörður in the Westfjörður, and the main company connecting Isafjorður to Hornstrandir is WestTours (though there are others).
Depending on the boat company, the port of arrival on the peninsula will be different. And once again, all connections to and from Hornstrandir are only possible between July and the beginning of September.
While some visitors go to Hornstrandir for a day trip, it's not the easiest journey to do twice in a day, and most go for longer treks over several days.
For boats from Isafjordur: <a title="Hornstrandir Timetables" href="https://www.westtours.is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Additional information on rates and schedules on the WestTours website</a>.
So depending on your chosen hiking trails, be mindful which port in Hornstrandir you will be arriving in:
<ul>
<li>Hornvik</li>
<li>Hesteyri</li>
<li>Veiðileysufjörður</li>
<li>Aðalvík</li>
</ul>
If you plan to go there for several days, you really can't mess up your hiking schedule, as camping outside official <a title="camping areas" href="https://www.westtours.is/en/hornstrandir/accommodation-in-hornstrandir" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">camping areas</a> is strictly prohibited.
<h3>Guided tours</h3>
Increasingly popular, this natural reserve now features a range of dedicated tours, a day trip or a two-day trip, accompanied by an expert guide: <a title="Hornstrandir day trip" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/hornstrandir-panorama?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Additional information on the Hornstrandir day trip.</a>
You'll be departing in the morning from Isafjordur by speed boat to the Veiðileysufjörður or Lónafjörður ford (depending on the weather). The group then goes on a hike together through the beautiful meadows of the peninsula to the "fox farm”.
The same route is used for the 2-day excursions, where you will sleep in a tent near Hornsvik, which is probably the best place to <a title="Watching the midnight sun" href="/experience/midnight-sun-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">observe the midnight sun</a> due to its northern latitude. Hornsvik is a black sand beach where all the tour guide companies have their local branches, and this is where the main hiking trails to Hornbjarg begin. <a title="The 2-day guided hike in Hornstrandir" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/hornvik-heights-and-sights?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Additional information about the 2-day guided hike in Hornstrandir</a>.
<h2 id="hornstrandir-asavoir">Things to know before you go</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/123-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Macareux Hornstrandir" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
The weather here is much more capricious than the rest of Iceland: rain, thick fog, and arctic winds are standard even in summer, and you may even have to cross rivers on foot, so you need proper hiking equipment and outdoors... 
DO NOT forget your GPS, map, and compass when you go to Hornstrandir, because your phone can't save you here.
Several sites exist for camping, which you can learn more about here: <a title="Vesturferdir" href="http://www.westtours.is/trip-categories/hornstrandir-nature-reserve/camping-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Camping sites</a>
Finally, here is a detailed map of the region: <a title="Map of Hornstrandir" href="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/123/hornstrandir.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hornstrandir Map</a>

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is the northernmost peninsula in Iceland at the tip of the West Fjords.

Often overlooked by tourists due to its geographical location, the Westfjords region is often a favourite region for visitors who have had the chance to explore it. The Westfjords are undoubtedly one of the wildest and most characteristic areas in Iceland.
Once past the <a title="The cliffs of Latrabjarg" href="/guide/northwest/latrabjarg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">famous Latrabjarg Cliffs</a>, Route 612 takes us to Patreksfjörður, one of the main fishing villages in the Westfjords.
<h2>The Arnarfjördur fjord: one of the most beautiful in Iceland</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/164/164-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Arnarfjordur" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
Continuing along Route 63, which runs along the fjords to the north, we found the village of Talknafjordur, close to which (Route 617) there is a natural hotpot called "Pollurinn" by locals. This hot spring is made up of 3 small 40 °C pools, each 2 by 3 meters, surrounded by nature.
The place is particularly popular with visitors because it offers an exceptional view of the Tálknafjörður Fjord. The area also provides cabins for changing and storing clothes, and swimming is free.
Finding Pollurinn is very simple. All you have to do is cross the small village of Talknafjordur and continue on dirt road 617 for about 3.5 km. A sign on the right suggests turning right, and a small car park awaits you after 200 m.
Continuing Route 63 north, we arrived at the fishing village of Bildudalur, which leads to what is probably the most beautiful fjord in Iceland: Arnarfjörður. The fjord is 30 km long and up to 10 km wide in places.
Heading west, a small road, the 619, runs along the entire fjord and offers an incredible scenery in good weather. The turquoise color of the water over the golden sand, with the majestic mountains in the background, truly breathtaking. The 26 km dirt road is, therefore, a pleasure to drive.
At the end of this superb dirt road is Selárdalur, a strange and unique place. This is the house of Samúel Jónsson, nicknamed "the artist with the heart of a child", and dates back to the very beginning of the 20th century.
There is also a small church and some very peculiar sculptures of men and animals. In addition to the mysterious and deserted aspect of the place, hiking enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the walk to Selárdalur and Krossadalur. The route is about 10 km long and offers an unforgettable view of the fjords.
Returning to Road 63, shortly after Bildudalur, we came across a new hotpot at the bottom of the small fjord of Reykjarfjörður: the Reykafjarðarlaug pool. The basin dates from 1975, and the water temperature is around 35 °C.
<h2>Waterfalls and museums</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/164/164-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Dynjandi" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
Dynjandi photo credit: Fyle @fotolia
Route 60 then descends into Dynjandisfjorður which brings us to the most beautiful and most beautiful waterfall in the Westfjorðs: <a title="Dynjandi" href="/guide/northwest/dynjandi-fjallfoss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dynjandi</a>. The fall flows into Arnarfjörður cascading over 7 levels of which Dynjandi is the biggest fall. At 100 m high, the Dynjandi waterfall, also called Fjallfoss, is <a title="One of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland" href="/experience/most-beautiful-waterfalls-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland</a>.
Unlike most other waterfalls in Iceland, Dynjandi is wider at the bottom than at the top: 30 m wide at the top, nearly twice as wide (60m) at the bottom.
About fifteen kilometers further on, on Route 60, we arrive at the tiny village of Hrafnseyri, famous for its museum and its peat roof farm where the famous Jón Sigurðsson was born. A true hero in Iceland, he was instrumental in the country's independence and devoted his life to making Iceland an autonomous country. Admission to the <a title="Hrafnseyri Museum" href="http://www.hrafnseyri.is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">museum</a> costs 800 kr.
Overall, the landscape here is very different from the rest of Iceland: the Westfjords are wild, the fishing villages authentic, and the valleys of Ketildalir, and the Kaldbakur mountain in particular, are resplendent in good weather.
It is also not unusual to come across seals basking in the fjord, or even whales if you're lucky. The roads cut along the flank of the Fjord, which makes the driving an attraction in itself, forcing tourists to take more photo breaks to capture the mountains overlooking the fishing villages with their awe-inspiring presence.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/164/164-1115x743.jpg" alt="Arnarfjordur" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
 
<iframe class="photoRecitDroit" src="https://maps.google.fr/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=T%C3%A1lknafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur&amp;daddr=Sel%C3%A1rdalur,+Islande+to:B%C3%ADldudalsvegur+to:Dynjandi,+Islande+to:Hrafnseyri,+Vestfir%C3%B0ir,+Islande&amp;geocode=FbBi6QMd8HeU_ilPz7UfQ7EqTzHxUfx-lY-u8Q%3BFauW6wMdgV6R_ildyUtghbsqTzEZwIY4G6shwg%3BFU-i6QMdedeZ_g%3BFc2g6wMdu2qe_imJ9SxlVNAqTzEGR2NtTDA4rg%3BFUBp6wMdazSa_ilH8dZ9RM8qTzFZt0M-BeiVeQ&amp;aq=1&amp;oq=Hrafnseyri&amp;sll=65.685996,-23.458557&amp;sspn=0.41164,1.783905&amp;hl=fr&amp;mra=mi&amp;mrsp=2&amp;sz=10&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=65.679775,-23.623352&amp;spn=0.395903,1.373291&amp;z=9&amp;output=embed" width="100%" height="350" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Flatey Island is located in Breiðafjörður Bay between the western fjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Breidafjörður, literally the “large fjord”, is a patchwork of nearly 3,000 islands including the small island of Flatey, locally known as “the flat island.”
Totalling 2 kilometers long and one kilometer wide, it is nevertheless the largest island in western Iceland and the only inhabited one.
To reach the Westfjords, you can take Road 60 and enjoy the trip over land, but most visitors take the ferry.
<ul>
<li><a title="Flatey: almost mandatory passage to reach the Westfjords" href="#aller">Flatey: the easiest way to reach the Westfjords</a></li>
<li><a title="Flatey: the island of birds and colorful houses" href="#oiseaux">Flatey: wild birds and colorful houses</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="aller">Flatey: the easiest way to reach the Westfjords</h2>
<iframe style="border: 0;" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d126568.78753341474!2d-23.028048632065246!3d65.36482184266345!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48d53b716ad9e2e7%3A0x5a629dabe6c749ac!2sFlatey!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1565092589236!5m2!1sfr!2sfr" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
While a ferry trip to the charming island of Flatey is a pleasure in itself, most people end up taking the ferry rather than road 60 (about 400 km between the 2 ports) because it's that much faster.
Departing from <a title="More information in our article dedicated to Stykkishólmur" href="/guide/west/snaefellsnes/stykkisholmur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stykkishólmur</a> on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, there are several Ferries scheduled daily across the fjords to Brjánslækur, with Flatey being a stopover at the halfway mark.
Seatours is the company that runs this service and you'll need to book in advance if you want to board with your vehicle to drive around the Westfjords. But if you choose this option, keep in mind that you cannot unload your vehicle in Flatey... More on this below.
Here is the Ferry schedule (subject to change):
Port of Departure / Time
<ul>
<li>Stykkishólmur / 09:00AM and 03:45PM</li>
<li>Flatey (around Brjánslækur) / 10:30AM and 05:15PM</li>
<li>Brjánslækur / 12:15PM and 07:00PM</li>
<li>Flatey (around Stykkishólmur) / 01:15PM and 08:00PM</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/165/165-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Ferry Flatey" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
It is strongly recommended to book in advance to visit Flatley:
<ul>
<li><a title="Flatey Ferry Booking" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/stykkisholmur-flatey-brjanslaekur?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Book a ferry from Stykkisholmur to Flatey - Brjanslaekur</a></li>
<li><a title="Book a ferry from Brjanslaekur to Flatey - Stykkisholmur" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/brjanslaekur-flatey-stykkisholmur?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Book a ferry from Brjanslaekur to Flatey - Stykkisholmur</a></li>
</ul>
The ferry takes about an hour from Stykkishólmur and stops on the island for 5 minutes.
Often, tourists arrive via the morning ferry and wander the island while waiting for the next boat. If your car is on the ferry, worry not, you can give your keys with your name and registration number to an attendant and the vehicle will be disembarked at the port of Brjánslækur and parked to await your arrival.
Come evening, take the second ferry to finish your crossing. Pick up your keys at the information desk on the boat and you will be given directions to the vehicle parked at destination. This convenient system gives visitors the time to visit this unique tiny island.
<h2 id="oiseaux">Flatey: wild birds and colorful houses</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/165/165-1115x743.jpg" alt="Flatey" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Flatey Island and its colorful houses: Alexander Erdbeer @fotolia
As you get off the ferry you'll see a road, the only road on the whole island, leading to the old village, a charming commune with its 30 small and colorful houses, typically Scandinavian and perfectly maintained. 
Cars are not allowed on the island, just a few tractors to service the two active farms in Flatey, but that's all.
Her farmers live mainly from the sea after all: fishing, of course, but also the seabird egg market. Eider fluff is also one of the main goods produced in Flatey because birdlife is thriving here. In spring, common eiders come back to nest and it is at the end of this nesting that farmers gather the fuzz that the ducks have plucked themselves and left behind.
Eider hunting is formally prohibited in Iceland and has been for the past 2 centuries. In fact, during the nesting period from 15 May to 15 July, the Eastern tip of Flatey Island remains forbidden to the public.
In 1864, Flatey was the country's main cultural and artistic center, home to the very first library established in Iceland. The Flateyjarkirkja Church was completely renovated in 1990 and is now decorated with superb frescoes and a popular attraction.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/165/165-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Huitrier Flatey" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
There two ports on the island: the main port for the ferry and a few fishing boats arrive, and a second one with fewer boats and a handful of courageous Icelanders swimming its very fresh waters.
In addition to the pretty colorful village, the main interest of the island lies in its bird colonies, especially murres and <a title="Atlantic puffins" href="/wildlife/puffins-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">puffins</a>. The place is a haven of peace that wildlife photography enthusiasts enjoy as the birds are unafraid.
Flatey is home to no less than 20 species of birds such as murres, swamp snipes, oystercatchers, northern fulmars, kittiwakes, snow buntings, and of course the Arctic tern and Eiders. They can be seen almost everywhere on the small island but the best spot is without a doubt near the Lundaberg Cliffs: the highest point on the island at a whopping altitude of 16 meters!
On site, the Flatey Hotel offers typical menus for a warm meal, as well as a few rooms for those who wish to spend the night there.

Flatey Island

Ísafjörður is located in the far north-west of Iceland. With around 2,500 inhabitants, it is the most populated city of the region and basically known as the capital of the Westfjords.
Beautifully positioned between the sea and superb mountains with their tabular shape, the small fishing port is an ideal base camp for tourists who want to explore the local fjords.
<ul>
<li><a title="Ísafjörður: a town at the heart of a charming fjord" href="#isafjordur">Ísafjörður: a town at the heart of a charming fjord</a></li>
<li><a title="How do I get to Isafjordur?" href="#aller">How to get to Isafjordur</a></li>
<li><a title="Ísafjörður hikes" href="#rando">Ísafjörður hikes</a></li>
<li><a title="Where to stay in Ísafjördur?" href="#dormir">Where to stay in Ísafjörður</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="isafjordur">Ísafjörður: a town at the heart of a charming fjord</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/166-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Isafjordur" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
The town was exclusively a fishing town until restrictions on the fishing industry in the 1980s, after which Isafjörður saw its population dwindle from 3500 inhabitants to 2500 in 30 years.
Isafjörður is the seat of the municipality of Ísafjarðarbær, which includes the small villages of Thingeyri, Suðureyri and Flateyri. The city is located on a magnificent fjord and offers a superb view of the <a title="Isafjardardjup" href="/guide/northwest/isafjardardjup-drangajokull" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isafjardardjup</a> in good weather.
In the center of Isafjörður there are several restaurants and many small shops. The old town is very pleasant to wander, the particular architecture of the wooden houses, typical of the 19th century, gives the place a certain charm that can be appreciated on foot. Like in many small ports in Iceland, the houses are painted in bright colors.
Isafjörður is also known for being the starting point for excursions in <a title="The mythical Hornstrandir region" href="/guide/northwest/hornstrandir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the mythical Hornstrandir region</a>.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/166-3-1115x743.jpg" alt="Kayak Isafjordur" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
The center of this small town is home to the Westfjords Maritime Museum which is well worth a visit. The tour is short but interesting, covering the history of fishing in these waters over the centuries. In Isafjorður you will find the Faktorhusið, one of the first prefabricated houses in the country and a local café.
If you feel adventurous, there are some unforgettable excursions here, including kayaking tours from May to October. <a title="Kayak in Isafjordur" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/calm-water-kayaking?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">These kayaking trips</a> generally last 2 hours and depart from Isafjörður. With a little luck you may even encounter one of the seals or whales who inhabit the waters of Isafjarðarðjup.
<ul>
<li><a title="Kayak in Isafjordur" href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/calm-water-kayaking?a=99162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">More information and reservations for a kayaking trip</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="aller">How to get to Isafjordur</h2>
<iframe style="border: 0;" tabindex="0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d207905.91740216827!2d-23.121995535469026!3d65.97705264422183!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4f2ae03b581c4d6b%3A0x885684d156b309f7!2zw41zYWZqw7Zyw7B1ciwgSXNsYW5kZQ!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1588236298703!5m2!1sfr!2sfr" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Ísafjörður is located at the northwestern tip of the western fjords, a remote and isolated place where the wilderness reigns supreme.
The only way to reach Ísafjörður by car is to take Road 60 from the south, that becomes Road 61 in the east. From Reykjavík, it takes no less than 5 and a half hours to cover the 450 km to the fjord.
Keep in mind the western fjords are particularly hard to get to get to in winter, which makes it a little more isolated at this time of year.
<h2 id="rando">Isafjordur's hikes</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/166-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Isafjordur" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Hiking enthusiasts will be totally spoiled in this region since around Isafjörður there are more than 15 top shelf trails to choose from. There are options for everyone, relaxed 1-hour hikes or more demanding 6-hour trails. 
Check out the <a title="Isafjordur Trails" href="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/isafjordur_gonguleidir.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isafjordur hiking map</a>, but here are a selected few from shortest to longest:
<ul>
<li>A circle at the mouth of Engidalur (Number 6 on map) Duration: 1H, 3 km, no elevation</li>
</ul>
This trail is probably the most popular as it is so pleasant and easy-going, and to the south, in the Engidalur valley very close to Skutulsfjordur, you will find a small and picturesque creek.
You're likely to spot numerous species of wading birds here, ducks that feed in the shallow waters. And for a touch of dark local history, it is along this promenade (Hopar) that you can visit the execution site of the last sorcerers of Iceland, father and son of Kirkjubol, who were burned at the stake here in 1656.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/166-1115x743.jpg" alt="Ísafjörður" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
<ul>
<li>Trail to Hnifsdalur (Number 1 on the map) Duration: 3 hours, 5 km, 400 m of elevation</li>
</ul>
The trail starts in the valley along Heidarbraut road and then along the hillside and the heather-covered slopes. Shortly after Lambaskal, deep in the valley you will discover the ruins of the Fremri-Hnifsdalur farm.
Follow the road almost to Fremri-Hnifsdalur, then cross the Hnifsdalsa river just downstream of the dam and follow the road until you reach the switchback road that winds up the slope. From Heidarskard, you can take the road to Bolungarvik or the one to Thjofaskorð, or turn back.
<ul>
<li>Storurd (Number 2 on the map) Duration: 1h30, 3 km, 100 m of elevation</li>
</ul>
From Silfurtorg, the walk cuts through the city center to Hafnarstraeti, and at the high point of the town stands the church that was built in 1990.
Follow the road to Urdarvegur after which you must leave the asphalt for a track that goes up to Storurd. This slope was once the Isafjordur ski resort.
<ul>
<li>Breidadalsheidi - Seljaland to Alftafjordur (Number 5 on the map) Duration: 6h, 14 km, 350m of altitude difference</li>
</ul>
From Breidadalsheidi you can take any direction... The trail to Alftafjordur is a pleasant one, but at the junction near Botnsheidi just cross the road to find another path to Lake Nonvatn, and we recommend this second option.
It's a moderate hike along the north shore of Nonvatn and the dry plateaus above Engidalur, but when you pass Thoruskard south of Vatnahnjukur, the slope becomes steeper and the path to the pass more complicated. The descent from the pass is very easy, however, meandering along the river to Seljaland (Alftafjordur).
<h2 id="dormir">Where to stay in Ísafjördur?</h2>
<h2 id="dormir"></h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/166/166-4-1115x743.jpg" alt="Ísafjörður" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Ísafjörður - Jiri Vondrous @Dreamstime
There are numerous housing options in Ísafjörður. For camping lovers, the Tungudalur campsite is very well known and located very near the city.
The campsite is divided into two parts: a section for mobile homes, campers, and caravans, and another for pitching tents.
As for other types of accommodation, there are plenty guesthouses and hosts for an overnight stop, but for longer stays the Sólheimar Studio or the Private house &amp; Private garden have great value and are located right in the city center.
<ul>
<li><a title="Sólheimar Studio Apartment" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/solheimar-studio-apartment.en-us.html?aid=1849746" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Solheimar Studio Apartment</a></li>
<li><a title="Private house private garden" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/private-house-with-private-garden.en-us.html?aid=1849746" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Private house &amp; private garden</a></li>
</ul>

Ísafjörður

When you leave Isafjörður heading east, you arrive at a series of huge fjords grouped under the name of Ísafjarðardjúp. This is the very heart of the Westfjords, each one a gem more superb than the last. Exploring this “Djup” as the Icelanders call it is a rare treat you don't want to miss.
The Isafjardardjup, literally “deep-frozen fjord”, is the largest fjord in the region, 75 km long.
<h2>Isafjardardjup: fjord after fjord as far as the eye can see</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/167/167-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="fjords de l'ouest" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
It is preferable to count on a good two hours to travel through these multiple fjords, sometimes on a road with asphalt, sometimes on a dirt road, but always of good quality: Route 61.
The Ísafjarðardjúp tour is a succession of 10 fjords and starting from <a title="Holmavik" href="/guide/northwest/holmavik-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Holmavik</a>: <a title="Bolungarvík" href="/guide/northwest/bolungarvik" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bolungarvík</a>, Skutulsfjörður, Álftafjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hestfjörður, Skötufjörður, Vatnsfjörður, Reykjarfjörður, Reykjarfjörður and last but not least <a title="Ísafjörður" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ísafjörður</a>.
From the Arnarnes lighthouse, the view over the fjords (plural) is magical and really shows how vast the place is. It is very common to see vehicles stopped on the roadside with the passengers taking pictures, and sometimes a few seals basking!
Road 61 is a delight, each and every panorama a breathtaking work of art and in good weather it's even better. Generally speaking, in this region,   you're likely to see a lot of wildlife, especially avifauna: Arctic terns in particular. If you are into birdwatching, there's an ideal little getaway on the small island of Vigur off the fjord. Departures are daily (at 2 pm, departure from Isafjordur) and the tour takes 3 to 4 hours (the boat takes 30 minutes to reach the island from Isafjordur). On the island, you can observe numerous birds such as murres, puffins, eiders and terns. (More information <a title="vesturferdir" href="http://www.vesturferdir.is/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a>)
Here again, like everywhere in the Westfjords, there are a few hotpots that are popular with tourists. This is the case in Hörgshlíð in the Mjóifjörður fjord, a small 10m2 pool with water at 38 °C, located along route 61. There is also the one in Heydalur, in the same fjord, which looks more natural, just a pool in the middle of the grassy plain surrounded by a few stones.
<h2>On the road to Drangajökull</h2>
At the end of the fjords, the road splits in two and you can either continue east on the 61, or approach Drangajökull to the north via the 635. Drangajökull is the only large ice cap in the Westfjords region, totalling 160km² of ice.
The only advantage of taking this detour is for the superb hike that leads to the glacier. The track reaches the bottom of Kaldalon where you can park your 4x4 (off-road vehicles are mandatory).
The duration of the hike is about 3 hours and includes some minor challenges (for example, you have to cross a few shallow streams). The hike starts from Kaldalon Bay just before the bridge... just follow the moraines.
You then enter the nature reserve proper and follow the trail for an hour to a stream. From here you can climb onto the snowfield to enjoy a breathtaking view of the glacial tongue and its waterfalls.
For this hike the elevation is no challenge at all, and the return is by the same route. Just be sure you have the right gear, as the name suggests (Kaldalon = cold lagoon) it can be very cold during the hike. Click through for a map and additional information about this region: <a title="Vestfirdir" href="http://www.westfjords.is/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here.</a>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/167/167-1115x743.jpg" alt="fjord" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Photo credit :  Kevin Puget @fotolia
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/McK026L0-CQ?rel=0" width="100%" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe class="photoRecitDroit" src="https://maps.google.fr/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=Sn%C3%A6fjallastrandarvegur&amp;daddr=65.9324653,-22.5106476+to:%C3%8Dsafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur,+Vestfir%C3%B0ir,+Islande&amp;geocode=Ffd88AMdXpKq_g%3BFbEM7gMdyYOo_imzOgQ5ojorTzFZ9RZUZBhnhg%3BFbA08AMdsuKe_ilrTRxYO-AqTzH3CbNW0YRWiA&amp;aq=1&amp;oq=kaldal&amp;sll=66.055946,-21.601868&amp;sspn=0.811518,3.56781&amp;hl=fr&amp;mra=dpe&amp;mrsp=1&amp;sz=9&amp;via=1&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;z=8&amp;output=embed" width="100%" height="350" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Ísafjarðardjúp to Drangajökull

The Strandir coast is among the wildest parts of the Westfjörds along with Hornstrandir. From Hólmavík to Krossnes, the population seems to have completely deserted the region, and few tourists come to venture on the dirt road along this coast.
Driftwood from Siberia washes up on the beaches along Route 643, only adding to the mystical charm of this desert region.
<h2>The Strandir: a region magic...</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/168/168-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Strandir" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
This particular coast is also one of Iceland's most well-known regions for a peculiar aspect of history: witchcraft. Local lore includes a number of stories set in this region, some of the more fantastical tales of magic and sorcerers.
Even today, along the road, you may find symbols of witchcraft. In <a title="Holmavik Witchcraft Museum" href="/guide/northwest/holmavik-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hólmavík</a>, for example, there is the <a title="Museum of Witchcraft" href="/guide/northwest/holmavik-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Museum of Witchcraft,</a> where two big crows greet tourists at the entrance to the exhibit, like a warning of the danger lurking within
The museum is small but fascinating, including scrolls and stories from the past, magical objects used by sorcerers, and more than a few surprises…
<h2>A place of peace and quiet</h2>
Hólmavík and Drangsnes are the two major coastal villages of this area, with the Steingrimsfjördur Fjord between them. Drangsnes is known for its 40° hotpot overlooking the sea and the island of Grimsey.
You can reach the island in just 10 minutes by boat from Drangsnes and admire the incredible avifauna living there: puffins, black murres, fulmars, and Arctic terns make up the community of approximately 75,000 birds on the island. Keep your cameras at the ready!
To the North be sure to stop at Djúpavík, a haunting former fishing town abandoned since the 1950s. Route 643 crosses this huge factory wasteland, famous in particular for hosting the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, who came to play here in 2006. Since then, several film have been shot at this unique location.
And last but not least, a few kilometers north of Norðurfjörður, you will find a stunning outdoor swimming pool. Improbable as it may seem, almost at the tip of the Strandir coast is the Krossneslaug swimming pool, boasting 38 °C water and an astounding view of Húnaflói Bay. Don't forget your bathing trunks!
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/168/168-1115x743.jpg" alt="Strandir" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
photo credit Strandir : © icerock - Fotolia.com
<iframe class="photoRecitDroit" src="https://maps.google.fr/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=H%C3%B3lmav%C3%ADk,+Vestfir%C3%B0ir,+Islande&amp;daddr=65.6936864,-21.4380459+to:Krossneslaug,+Vestfir%C3%B0ir,+Islande&amp;hl=fr&amp;geocode=FfGI6gMdlB61_ind2iiDxLbUSDH9bsayFjx0LA%3BFfZn6gMdo-G4_ikRuZ86BLDUSDHZlyCBPt7OVg%3BFUPw7wMdUc63_iEwlRfVn6OX3ymXEQd2blcrTzEwlRfVn6OX3w&amp;aq=1&amp;oq=kros&amp;sll=65.879776,-21.537323&amp;sspn=0.43325,1.783905&amp;mra=dpe&amp;mrsp=1&amp;sz=10&amp;via=1&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=m&amp;ll=65.880337,-21.538696&amp;spn=0.477004,1.170044&amp;z=9&amp;output=embed" width="100%" height="425" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

The Strandir Coast

The early 17th century was a particularly difficult period for Iceland, a time of famines, volcanic eruptions, and poverty...
Witchcraft gained in popularity in these dark times, a service rendered to solve problems and protect people from harm in any shape or form.
<h2>Witchcraft in Iceland</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/267/267-1-raw.jpg" alt="Aegishalmur" width="190" height="190" align="right" border="1" loading="lazy">
Witchcraft could be sold for everything, became a panacea protecting against disease or even thieves, or people could buy curses to cause storms or harm enemies. The Lutheran Church stepped in to eradicate paganism, with a recorded total of 170 witch trials, some of which ended with the death sentence. 
The region where this witchcraft took root the deepest was Strandir in the far north-west of Iceland. Symbols of magic or witchcraft can still be seen carved or painted or scrolled on any number of surfaces, such as the “Aegishalmur “, probably the best known of these symbols (photo), known to make the user invincible and strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
<h2>Holmavik Witchcraft Museum</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/267/267-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Holmavik" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
Holmavik with its 300 inhabitants is a remote town in Eastern Vestfirdir famous for its witchcraft museum, the “Strandagaldur”. This museum  with its giant crows to welcome you through the door is definitely a must-see if you are in the Strandir region. The institution is located right in the middle of Hólmavík, very close to the port.
Open all year round from 11AM to 6PM, the rates are 950 ISK for adults, 800 ISK for students, 700 ISK for seniors/disabled visitors, and free for children up to 17 years of age. The museum is small, so count about thirty minutes to visit.
It's a small but fascinating collection, filled with ancient scrolls with esoteric texts, magically-charged objects used by sorcerers and some surprisingly gruesome exhibits... Nábrók, for example, was a garment made by a necromancer from a dead man's skin and designed to enrich the person who wore it.
The museum will provide a multi-language guide that includes English and French, and it will teach you more than a few things. For example that most of the witchcraft recorded in Iceland was in fact practised by wizards or warlocks, almost entirely men, and that of the 21 people condemned to burn alive for the crime, only 1 was a witch of the feminine variety.
A spell to change the weather is described: “Take the head of a ling and carve the stave Vindgapi on it and with a raven's feather apply blood from the right foot into the stave. Put the head on a pole and raise it here land meets sea, point the mouth in the direction you want the wind to blow from and the higher the mouth is pointing the more forceful the wind you call will be.”
A map of Iceland lists the locations of all recorded acts of witchcraft, very obviously concentrated in the North West. There are all sorts of sacrificial objects and other magical objects on display that add to the strange and disturbing atmosphere.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/267/267-3-1115x743.jpg" alt="Holmavik" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hvJqiBE2c5M" width="100%" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="border: 0;" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d496549.6721219689!2d-22.780280195679246!3d65.87045249170627!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48d4b6c48328dadd%3A0x2c743c16b2c66efd!2zSMOzbG1hdsOtaywgSXNsYW5kZQ!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1445767637988" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The Holmavik Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Rauðisandur, sometimes called Rauðasandur, literally means the “red sand.” You can guess why it was named this way... Indeed, because of this unique orange color it is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Iceland.
The tones in the sand vary from yellow to ocher depending on the sunlight, weather, and the quantity of shells.
You don't expect to find a sort of sunset-coloured beach at this latitude, since Rauðisandur is in the far western fjords in quite hostile climes compared to the equator.
In good weather, the contrasts in Rauðisandur are breathtaking. The bright blue of the sea, the ocher color of the sand, all this in an idyllic setting with the beautiful Skarðabrun mountain as a backdrop... It truly is a tranquil and peaceful oasis of natural beauty. On a clear day, you can even see the majestic Mount <a title="Snaefellsjökull" href="/guide/west/snaefellsnes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snaefellsjökull</a> on the horizon.
The stretch of sand is seemingly endless, with Rauðisandur beaches extending as far as the eye can see for no less than 10 kilometers. Depending on the tide, the width of the beach differs and the dry yellow of the sand gives way to deeper reds where the sand is wet and patches of nacreous sea shells. The sand is combed by the wind, ever-changing, and beautiful. 
The skies above this tranquil expanse are alive with countless birds flying over the golden sands of Rauðisandur. And you will most likely encounter gray seals and sea calves usually basking in large numbers on the beach.
<ul>
<li><a title="Learn more about seals in Iceland" href="/wildlife/seals-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about seals in Iceland</a></li>
</ul>
The grassy plains to the east are wetlands, often covered by the sea, and when they are revealed the contrast with the sand is sublime.
<h2>How to get to Raudisandur</h2>
<iframe style="border: 0;" tabindex="0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d10516.544183960552!2d-24.007825654980145!3d65.47314914435678!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48d55349a619a36b%3A0xcf89c2901a32c15a!2sRau%C3%B0isandur%20Beach!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1588432519909!5m2!1sfr!2sfr" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In the south of the Westfjords, shortly after leaving Road 62 to take Road 612 towards the <a title="Famous Latrabjarg Cliffs" href="/guide/northwest/latrabjarg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">famous Latrabjarg cliffs</a>, you'll have to exit onto a small dirt road, the 614, that goes towards the sea. This last leg of the journey, with the 612 and the 614, is an absolute delight and you'll find yourself stopping frequently for photo breaks as the panorama is absolutely unlike anything you've ever seen. Road 614 does not require a 4x4 vehicle, and it only takes 15 minutes on this dirt track to reach the car park.
As you near the beach the trail splits in two, one going west, the other east for a few hundred meters. To the west, you can park near a café: the “Franska kaffihúsið”, a French café open only in summer. To the east, a small 300 meter trail leads to a second parking lot, which is about a 15-minute walk from the seafront.
<h2>The beautiful hiking trails of Rauðasandur</h2>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-31xjSRHUeM" width="100%" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Of course, you can simply get out of the car in the first car park and walk about 1 kilometer towards the sea, crossing the sandy areas that are sometimes wet, so you need to plan ahead. But beyond that, two longer hiking trails are possible in Rauðisandur.
<ul>
<li>The Lambavatn-Efra hike (10 kilometers return trip - 3H30)</li>
</ul>
This hiking trail starts from the Lambavatn-Efra car park, which is the one near the café at the end of the trail that goes west. Follow the sign indicating Keflavik and after passing through a gate you'll cross meadows and then sandy areas for 3.5 kilometers until you reach a holiday home. This trail has stunning views of the Latrabjarg cliffs, which can be seen from sea level as you walk along on the beach. After crossing a small stream, you arrive at a pretty waterfall. The return then takes the same path, with a long portion along the driftwood-strewn sand.
<ul>
<li>The Melanes hike (3.5 kilometers - 0H45)</li>
</ul>
This is a very easygoing hike, a walk rather, which starts from the second Melanes car park at the end of the trail heading east. Go past the campsite and follow the pegs on the fairly well-marked path, and after crossing a small meadow and a stream, you arrive at a stretch of orange sand for 20 minutes of hiking before arriving at the abandoned farm. The view is exceptional and you'll often see a seal colony basking on the hot stone right across the street. The return path is back the way you came, easy as pie.

Rauðisandur (Rauðasandur) Beach

Deep in the western fjords lies the Dynjandi waterfall, also known as Fjallfoss. This is a true jewel in a region already brimming with beautiful landscapes.
Hidden in Arnarfjörður, a beautiful fjord in northwest Iceland, the Dynjandi waterfall is remote but really worth a detour if you're already visiting the fjords. Because of this remote location it's not as popular as others, like those featured in our article on <a title="The most beautiful falls in Iceland" href="/experience/most-beautiful-waterfalls-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most beautiful falls in the country</a>, but it is no less majestic.
<ul>
<li><a title="How do I get to Dynjandi?" href="#aller-dynjandi">How to get to Dynjandi</a></li>
<li><a title="Dynjandi: one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland" href="#dynjandi-cascade">Dynjandi: one of Iceland's hidden treasures</a></li>
<li><a title="Things to do on site" href="#afaire">What to do there</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="aller-dynjandi">How to get to Dynjandi</h2>
<iframe style="border: 0;" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d148113.54729029367!2d-23.30479982212619!3d65.78550621948794!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4f2ad054652cf589%3A0xae38304c6d634706!2s466%20Fjallfoss%2C%20Islande!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1667661310244!5m2!1sfr!2sfr" width="100%" height="450" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
The beautiful Road 60 connects the southern Westfjords to Isafjörður further north. Drive along the maze of the <a title="Arnafjordur" href="/guide/northwest/patreksfjordur-arnarfjordur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arnafjordur</a> coastline into Dynjandisvögur Bay, and turn left on to the small Road 621 for about 1 kilometer to reach the site.
The dirt roads are in fairly good condition, so you don't need a 4x4 to get there. Like most roads in Vestfirdir, these are ofteny inaccessible during winter due to weather and road conditions.
Dynjandi is located less than 1.5 hours from <a title="Isafjörður" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isafjörður</a>, the capital of the fjords. Arriving down Route 60 and seeing the majestic waterfall that dominates the bottom of the fjord is something you won't soon forget.
<h2 id="dynjandi-cascade">Dynjandi: one of Iceland's hidden treasures</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/372/372-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Dynjandi" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
Photo Credit: Menno Schaefer @shutterstock
In addition to its natural beauty, Dynjandi is a colossal structure. 100 meters tall and unique in its shape, wider at the base than at the top, the water funnelled into 30 meters at the summit and flaring out as it cascades down to the 60 meters at its base.
The other particularity of the waterfall is its many levels, making it not 1 but 7 waterfalls! The name Fjallfoss (mountain waterfalls) refers to the whole multi-levelled structure, of which Dynjandi is the last and most impressive.
The sequence of waterfalls flows in the following order:
<ul>
<li>Bæjarfoss</li>
<li>Hundafoss</li>
<li>Hrísvaðsfoss</li>
<li>Göngumannafoss</li>
<li>Strompgljúfrafoss</li>
<li>Hæstahjallafoss</li>
<li>Dynjandifoss</li>
</ul>
The waters cascade and crash on shelves and plateaus along the mountain rock, a truly beautiful sight and even more photogenic than it sounds.
<h2 id="afaire">What to do there</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/372/372-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Dynjandi" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
Photo Credit: Po S @shutterstock
The small car park leads to a path up to Dynjandi, and it swings by the 6 other waterfalls so you can admire them all, a very well laid out trail.
It'll take 20 minutes to cover the 800 meters between the car park and Dynjandi, the main waterfall, which we warn you is incredibly loud. You can get very close to the water if you feel like it, but keep in mind you may get a little wet!
There are numerous viewpoints to take photos, but if you want to capture a nicely-framed shot of the fall in its entirety, it's best not to get too close.
The smaller cascades really add value to shots of the mighty Dynjandi, so keep that in mind. And for best results, Dynjandi really benefits from long exposure shots to get that blur effect, so remember to bring your camera tripod for stability.
Finally, it really improves your shot to have a subject in the foreground, so viewers can appreciate the scale of the Dynjandi waterfall, which is simply staggering.
Photo enthusiasts also recommend coming there in the afternoon because in the morning the bright sun will be backlighting the Dynjandi fall and darkens the interesting parts. The evening light hitting this rushing water is absolutely exceptional.
The trail to the foot of Dynjandi will be on the right side of the fall and there is a small promontory, so you can get right up to the water. You'll be taking the same path to get back from Dynjandi to the car park.
Top article photo credit: Jacinto Marabel Romo @shutterstock

The Dynjandi Waterfall in the West Fjords is one of a kind, a truly unique landscape...

The village of Bolungarvík is located at the northwestern end of the Western fjords, AKA the Westfjords, and is the westernmost village of the famous Ísafjarðardjúp fjord.
The small town of Bolungarvík sits in an arena of massive peaks: Óshyrna (656 m) to the East, Ernir (696 m) to the South and Flatafjall (638 m) and Bolafjall (634 m) to the West. This can be problematic in winter as the valley is very exposed to avalanches on three sides.
<ul>
<li><a title="The town of Bolungarvík" href="#ville">The town of Bolungarvík</a></li>
<li><a title="How do we get there?" href="#aller">How to get there</a></li>
<li><a title="Things to do in Bolungarvík" href="#faire">Things to do in Bolungarvík</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ville">The city of Bolungarvík</h2>
When you arrive in Bolungarvík it is quickly obvious that this is a port where fishing is a central activity. The region is full of fish drying racks and you can spot a good number of them on the road from Bolungarvík to Ísafjörður.
<ul>
<li>Read also: <a title="Ísafjörður" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ísafjörður</a></li>
</ul>
This is one of the biggest cities in Iceland, counting 953 inhabitants in 2019. It was founded around the year 940 by a brother and a sister named Thuríður and Þjóðólfur, for some local history, and became an official town in 1947. It is one of the oldest fishing ports in all of Iceland.
The city is large enough to provide everything you could need for shopping, and all the services for local residents: schools, from kindergarten to middle school, a library, a sports center, a swimming pool, a large campsite and plenty of accommodation options.
Also the city is known for its top shelf museums, and Bolungarvík is the starting point for numerous hikes that offer some of the most beautiful vistas of the western fjords.
It is also from this harbour that you can take a boat to reach <a title="Hornstrandir Nature Reserve" href="/guide/northwest/hornstrandir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve</a>.
<h2 id="aller">How to get there</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/410/410-3-1115x743.jpg" alt="Carte Bolungarvík" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Bolungarvík is pretty much isolated from the world, just dangling off the tip of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, with a single road leading there. For a long time you could only get there by boat and it was not until 1950 that an access road was built, however this road had a reputation for being quite dangerous. In the early 2000s a 5 km tunnel was built between Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur, allowing visitors to get between the two with total peace of mind.
Bolungarvík is accessible via Road 61 along the Ísafjarðardjúp coastline, and only 20 km from Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords.
The city is not served by public transport, so you'll need a car to get there. Quite difficut to access in winter due to weather conditions in the western fjords, so most tourists go there in summer.
<h2 id="faire">Things to do in Bolungarvík</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/410/410-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Musée Ósvör Bolungarvík" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Bolungarvík - Ósvör Museum
Bolungarvik is famous for two museums, and otherwise its staggering range of unique hikes and viewpoints.
<h3>Ósvör Museum</h3>
This is a maritime museum that is a replica of a 19th century fishing town. The museum can be seen from the road, so it's not hard to find, and features a number of period artefacts and an authentic fishing boat.
The tour guide will describe and illustrate local fishing culture through the ages, decked out in traditional clothing for an entertaining and educational visit.
The museum is located at the eastern end of the city and is open on request during winter, and open almost all summer:
<ul>
<li>Summer opening hours from June 1 to August 17: 9AM to 5PM and from 10AM to 5PM on weekends.</li>
<li>Rate: ISK 1200 per adult and free for children under 16</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Natural History Museum</h3>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/410/410-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Musée histoire naturelle Bolungarvík" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Unlike the Ósvör Museum, the Natural History Museum is right smack in the center of the city. You'll see a wide range of axidermied animals in all shapes and sizes, native to the region, such as seals, foxes, nearly 250 birds, and even a polar bear. While there are no polar bears in Iceland, this one arrived a few years ago travelling via iceberg all the way from Greenland, and you can even admire an impressive jawbone that once belonged to a mighty blue whale.
There are also mineral exhibits from the reputed collection of the Westfjords geologist Steinn Emilsson.
<ul>
<li>Summer opening hours from June 1 to August 17 from 9AM to 5PM and from 10AM to 5PM on weekends.</li>
<li>Winter opening hours from 9AM to 4PM on weekdays and on weekends open upon request.</li>
<li>Rate: 1000 ISK per adult and free for children under 16</li>
</ul>
Note that you can purchase a combo ticket for the Ósvör and Natural History Museums for 1600 ISK per adult.
<h3>Bolafjall</h3>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/410/410-4-1115x743.jpg" alt="Panorama Bolungarvík" width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" border="1" loading="lazy">
Bolungarvík - Panorama of Bolafjall - Gissur Steinarsson@Unspash
Bolafjall is undoubtedly the most popular tourist spot in Bolungarvík. The beautiful mountain in this area offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord and the horizon all the way to the Arctic. On a clear day, the 360° view is absolutely sensational.
Getting there is simple once you find the dirt road known as Road 630, which takes you the 8km from the city to the mountain and allows you to climb to the top. While some brave hikers cover this on foot, most prefer to drive, and a non-4x4 vehicle will do the trick. Keep in mind the track is only open in summer, however.
At the top there is an observatory behind which you will find an absolutely incredible view of the fjords. The landscape is in fact such a huge draw that in 2020 construction began to build a platform on the edge of the cliff to provide visitors with a commanding view of the Ísafjarðardjúp, expected to be finalized in 2022.
<h3>Skálavík</h3>
At the western end of Road 630 you will find Skálavík Cove. Uninhabited since 1960, all that's left is a magnificent beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and a favourite of visiting families.
Being so remote, isolated at the northwestern tip of the fjords, Skálavík is an absolutely ideal place to observe the midnight sun in summer.

The Westfjords region in Iceland is one of the most rugged and untouched areas in the country. Despite its remote nature, it boasts plenty of hiking trails, with the Valagil hike being one of the most popular.
This trail leads to the stunning Valagilsfoss waterfall, located at the end of the scenic Álftafjörður fjord, a branch of the well-known Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, near the small village of Súðavík.
<ul>
<li><a title="How to get to Valagil?" href="#valagil">How to get to Valagil</a></li>
<li><a title="The Hike to the Waterfall" href="#hike">The Hike to the Waterfall</a></li>
<li><a title=" Where to Stay Near Valagil" href="#sleep">Where to Stay Near Valagil</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="valagil">How to get to Valagil</h2>
<iframe style="border: 0;" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d156740.01522939367!2d-23.30679202911246!3d66.06149008716544!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x4f2adf72b4d65f29%3A0x1996d53095de3a7a!2sValagil%20Waterfall%20Parking!5e0!3m2!1sfr!2sfr!4v1725780781299!5m2!1sfr!2sfr" width="100%" height="450" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Valagil is located in the northern part of the Westfjords, just 8 km (about 5 miles) south of Súðavík and its beautiful church, and only 30 km (about 19 miles) from <a title="Ísafjörður" href="/guide/northwest/isafjordur-vestfirdir">Ísafjörður</a>, the capital of the fjords.
You’ll need to take Road 61 which crosses the northern fjords from west to east. The road is in great condition and you won't need a 4x4 vehicle to drive there! 
Just before reaching the Álftafjörður fjord, you’ll spot a small parking area with a sign for Valagil—this is the starting point for the hike.
<h2 id="hike">The Hike to the Waterfall</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/490/490-1-1115x743.jpg" alt="Valagil" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
The Valagil canyon with a waterfall in the background (keep in mind this is not the Valagil waterfall!)
The origin of the waterfall's name is not officially known. Some believe it comes from the falcons that nest here, as "valur" means falcon in Icelandic, and "gil" means gorge or ravine. Others ascribe the name to a local legend with a gruesome narrative, as is often the case in Iceland: a woman named "Vala" is said to have fallen into the gorge and died there.
From the parking area, a well-marked path heads southwest towards a canyon with a waterfall in the background. You may be tempted to think this is the Valagil waterfall, but it’s not! The actual Valagil waterfall only appears at the very end of the hike.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/490/490-2-1115x743.jpg" alt="Valagil hike" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
An easy path to the Valagil waterfall.
The trail to Valagil waterfall is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. It winds through a lush green meadow, with rockier terrain near the end.
Along the way, you'll cross a few small streams before reaching a canyon on your right. After a 2 km walk (about 50 minutes), the famous Valagil waterfall will appear. Arctic terns and other birds are abundant here, adding to the tranquility of the area, which doesn’t see heavy foot traffic.
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/490/490-1115x743.jpg" alt="Valagil hike" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
The Valagil Waterfall in all its glory
Valagilsfoss waterfall is tucked away in the canyon and you’ll find multiple spots for photographing it from both upstream and downstream of the stream. The waterfall cascades over several tiers into a dramatic gorge, the striking blue water contrasting beautifully against the green moss and plant life.
For an even better view, there’s a platform that lets you cross to the opposite side of the canyon with additional vantage points.
The return hike follows the same path, and the entire round-trip is less than two hours (4 km) in total.
If you're looking for more adventure, you can extend your hike a bit further south toward the other waterfall visible from the parking area. This adds 4 km to the hike and includes some elevation gain, bringing the total round-trip to 8 km.
<h2 id="sleep"> Where to Stay Near Valagil</h2>
<img src="https://static.voyage-islande.fr/posts/490/490-3-1115x743.jpg" alt="Valagil area" width="100%" height="100%" align="center" border="1" loading="lazy">
The view over the fjord from the waterfall
While the trail isn’t typically crowded, staying nearby to enjoy the hike during the late evening under the midnight sun in summer can be a truly magical experience.
Accommodation options close to Valagil are limited. The nearest village is Súðavík, where you’ll find the well-known:
<ul>
<li><a title="Guesthouse Súðavík" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/sudavik-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=1849746" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Guesthouse Súðavík</a></li>
</ul>
A bit further away, in Ísafjörður:
<ul>
<li><a title="Sólheimar Studio Apartment" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/solheimar-studio-apartment.en-us.html?aid=1849746" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Sólheimar Studio Apartment</a></li>
<li><a title="Private house private garden" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/private-house-with-private-garden.en-us.html?aid=1849746" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Private house private garden</a></li>
</ul>
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="4fc539f5-a9bb-467b-acb7-3c79694c7e56" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
The studio apartment is highly sought after for its excellent value, while the private house in the center of town is perfect for families and offers good rates for the region.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

The northwestern region of Iceland ALL about the fjords. It's remote and somewhat isolated from the rest of the country, but that makes it a truly wild place with incredible things to see.
Close to th

Interactive map of North West Iceland

Not to be missed in the North West

The map of the North West and its points of interest

Follow us

Near this place...

iceland-dream.com © 2004 - 2023