Four Things to Do in the Westfjords

The Westfjords are one of the most spectacular areas in all of Iceland, boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. However, due to its location outside the famous Ring Road (a popular route for travelers that circumnavigates Iceland’s central land area), the region isn’t heavily visited. Couple that with a harsh landscape and unforgiving weather for nine months out of the year, and you have a land that is sparsely populated and largely untouched. This leaves room for plenty of exploration and pristine solitude. Explore the land by partaking in these unforgettable experiences:

Teeter on the cliffs of Látrabjarg

Látrabjarg is the westernmost point in Iceland and, excluding the Azores islands, the westernmost point of Europe. At the end of the visible land, Iceland plunges into the sea, with cliff faces that reach more than a kilometer high. The cliffs are also famous for bird-watching, as the extremely popular Puffin sits quietly and calmly on the ledge at night, content and happy from its evening meal. Visitors crawl towards the cliff face to come face to face with both danger and serene wildlife.

Kayak in the fjords

The Westfjords are as connected to the water as the cliff-faces that it shapes. Take to the sea on a kayak to explore the many inlets in the region. Some of the more popular areas is in the region’s primary city of Ísafjörður, often an entry point into the region as well as a harbor for incoming North Atlantic cruises. While much of the kayaking isn’t technically or physically challenging, its one more way to connect yourself to the sea.

Gaze at the Westfjords’ finest waterfall, Dynjandi

Deep in the western Wesftjords cascades Dynjandi, the poster-child of Westfjords’ tourism. The waterfall is one of the most photographed sights in all of Iceland, with its wide beginnings getting the most attention. But the waterfall is actually an impressive collection of more powerful, smaller waterfalls that make for a great view at the base. Take pictures at the bottom before traversing up the side of the mountain to get a view at the many different variations of waterfall before coming to the foot of the wide area of Dynjandi. Stand in its spray and feel its power.

Overlook the fjords from atop a mountain

The Westfjords are an amazing collection of cliff faces and spectacular views. Both of which can be better appreciated from high-up, so pull your hiking boots on tight and find a not too scarily steep slope to clamber up. It may take you a few hours to reach one of the ledge bowls that push into the cliff, but once you’re there, you’ll have amazing views of the sea and the valley below.

>> Read about getting to the Westfjords

Kerrin is the writer, content manager, editor, adventurer, and traveler for Wanderfly.com, a travel inspiration site that helps travelers find great destination ideas based on their budgets and interests. Follow Kerrin on Twitter @kerrinsheldon and check out his writing and photos at blog.wanderfly.com. Then find your next trip at Wanderfly!