The Westfjords
LATRABJARG
Located on the tip of the Westfjords, the Látrabjarg cliffs are an awe-inspiring place to peep some puffins. But then again, isn’t every place in Iceland awe-inspiring? These little sea birds nest in the cliffs from mid May to September and you’ll see some other sea birds mixed in here. The cliffs are very high and steep, so be sure to take care when nearing the edge, it is best to lay down on your stomach so that your weight is distributed.
GETTING THERE
A lot of people skip out on the Westfjords. It isn’t as populated, it’s less traveled and it isn’t along the Ring Road. But after two trips to Iceland, the Westfjords remains one of my favorite parts about the country. The easiest way to visit is via car, but some companies that can take you there are out of Patreksfjörður. These include a shuttle bus from via Westfjord Tours, and a tour with Wild Westfjords.
WHERE TO STAY
Vesturbyggð, 1 hour 9 minutes
Patreksfjörður, 1 hour 9 minutes
Flókalundur, 1 hour 32 minutes
Dynjandi, 2 hours 35 minutes
*camping
Ísafjörður, 2 hours 47 minutes
DYNJANDI
Dynjandi is theee waterfall system to see in the Westfjords. It is the biggest waterfall in the Westfjords and it emulates a bridal veil that cascades down multiple water falls (7 of them). There are paths up to the falls and each of the smaller falls has a viewing platform. Like Skógafoss, this waterfall has a campsite next to it!
GETTING THERE
To reach the base of the waterfall you’ll drive on Road 60 for much of the drive, whether you’re coming from the north or south. You do not need a FWD vehicle to reach the waterfall, as there are dirt roads in good condition.
To reach the waterfall you do have a brief hike, passing other waterfalls on the way. While not that strenuous it is a rocky path so you do need to be mobile to reach it. For the waterfalls along the way, you’ll find viewing platforms with benches.
WHERE TO STAY
Ísafjörður, 50 minutes
Þingeyri, 26 minutes
Breiðavík campsite, 1 hour 12 minutes
REYKJAFJARÐARLAUG HOT POOL
In the middle of the fjords on the coast, you can find Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool. The main pool has hot water, and there is also a natural hot spring pool down by the water.
While you don’t have to pay a fee to swim here, there is a donation box should you choose to contribute. There is also a changing room and bathroom.
The additional pools were not filled when we were there, but when they are, it is colder water to cool off in.
There’s not much around the pool, so you may find it all to yourself, or there will be locals hanging around.
GETTING THERE
The hot pool is located along Road 63, and and hour and a half south of Ísafjörður. On our route of the Westfjords, this was on our way back down to Reykjavík. It is located just 30 minutes from the Brjánslækur ferry, where you can hitch a ride to Stykkishólmur. Stykkishólmur is located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, so there is lots to do once you’re back on land.