The Westfjords are Iceland's oldest and most remote landscape, a place of deep fjords and flat-topped mountains that feels worlds away from the tourist buses. Because it requires a detour from the Ring Road, it remains peaceful even in peak summer. The crown jewel here is Dynjandi, a magnificent waterfall that cascades down in a series of bridal-veil tiers. The hike to the base takes about 15-20 minutes and passes several smaller waterfalls, keeping kids engaged all the way up.
Wildlife lovers should head to the Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Europe. In summer (until mid-August), this is arguably the best place in the world to photograph puffins, who are fearless here and often sit just feet from the grassy edge. Note: The cliffs are high and unfenced, so holding hands with children is mandatory. For a safer wildlife encounter, visit the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík. This research center often has orphaned foxes in an outdoor enclosure, allowing kids to see Iceland's only native land mammal while learning about their ecology.
The region's capital, Ísafjörður, is a cozy town surrounded by dramatic peaks. It offers excellent bakeries and easy boat trips to nearby islands. Families can also enjoy the many geothermal hot pots scattered along the coast, such as Hellulaug, which are often free and offer stunning ocean views. Travel here requires patience; many roads are gravel and wrap tightly around the fjords, meaning distances take longer to cover than they appear on a map. It is best suited for families with slightly older children who don't mind longer car rides in exchange for solitude and unspoiled nature.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to Europe's largest bird cliffs at Látrabjarg and the Hornstrandir Wilderness, this region offers world-class encounters with Arctic foxes and nesting puffins in a pristine environment. Peak July and August provide the only reliable access to remote hiking trails and peak wildlife activity, while extreme winter precipitation and snow render the wilderness impassable.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The 'Westfjords Way' is a spectacular, high-standard driving route through narrow fjords and over steep mountain passes that offers world-class scenery and a deep sense of isolation. Summer months offer the midnight sun and safe driving conditions, whereas the region's high precipitation (up to 185mm monthly) and heavy snow frequently close key passes during the long off-season.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Unique scientific institutions like the Arctic Fox Centre and historical museums detailing Iceland's maritime heritage offer profound learning opportunities for families. These facilities primarily operate in summer (Jun-Aug), with many closing or becoming inaccessible during the harsh, wet winter months.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region features numerous authentic, natural geothermal pools situated in dramatic, remote locations overlooking the North Atlantic. While lacking the high-end luxury infrastructure of global spa hubs, the sheer authenticity and unique settings appeal to sophisticated travelers during the milder summer months.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Ísafjörður provides world-class cross-country and backcountry skiing with unique fjord views, attracting international competitions. March and April are peak due to the return of daylight and a stable snow base, while the mid-winter months (Dec-Jan) are too dark and stormy for an optimal experience.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Provides exceptional sea kayaking through calm, deep fjords and rugged terrain for trail running and mountain biking. The short peak summer window provides the only stable weather for these activities, while high winds and heavy rainfall make the shoulder and off-months challenging for all but the most experienced.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Charming towns like Ísafjörður offer a glimpse into a unique, isolated way of life with high-quality local seafood and small galleries. While authentic, the urban scale is very small compared to international cultural hubs, making it a seasonal supplement to the region's nature-based offerings.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Hosts quirky, internationally recognized niche events like the 'Aldrei fór ég suður' music festival in April and Swamp Soccer in August. These provide a highly authentic cultural experience, though they are short-lived and require specific timing to coincide with the region's limited peak travel windows.
Attractions (45 total)
National Park / Nature Reserve
Dynjandi Waterfall
Ísafjörður
Known as the Jewel of the Westfjords, this magnificent bridal-veil waterfall cascades down a series of seven steps in a stunning natural amphitheater.
Rauðasandur Beach
Patreksfjörður
A unique ten-kilometer stretch of sand that shifts in color from golden to red and orange, contrasting beautifully with black cliffs and blue sea.
Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve
Flókalundur
A protected area rich in flora and fauna, featuring historical ruins and the popular Hellulaug natural geothermal pool overlooking the fjord.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Ísafjörður
An untouched coastal wilderness ideal for adventurous families to explore dramatic fjords, remote beaches, and observe arctic foxes.
Visit website →Látrabjarg Cliffs
Patreksfjörður
These massive cliffs are a haven for seabirds, including puffins, providing families with incredible coastal views and easy birdwatching opportunities.
Visit website →Rauðisandur Beach
Patreksfjörður
A vast, stunning beach with unique red and golden sands, offering families a peaceful place for coastal walks and seal spotting.
Visit website →Hellulaug
Flókalundur
A hidden geothermal pool right on the coastline, allowing families to soak in warm water while listening to the waves of the fjord.
Holtsfjara Beach
Flateyri
A beautiful golden sand spit in a scenic fjord, perfect for a family picnic and enjoying the calm coastal scenery.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Hornstrandir Royal Horn Trail (Hornsleið)
Hesteyri (Start point via boat from Ísafjörður)
45-60km challenging 4-5 day wilderness trek through remote fjords and bird cliffs. No roads or services. Elevation gain varies significantly (~1,500m+ cumulative). Accessible only by boat. Guided tours and gear rental: Borea Adventures (borea.is).
Visit website →Látrabjarg Cliff Walk
Bjargtangar
14km moderate 5-6 hour hike along Europe's largest bird cliffs. Elevation gain approximately 200-400m. Stunning views of puffin colonies and the westernmost point of Iceland. Accessible from the lighthouse parking area.
Visit website →Svalvogar Circle (The Dream Road)
Þingeyri
49km challenging 5-8 hour MTB or gravel bike route along narrow coastal tracks and high mountain passes. Elevation gain approximately 950m. Features technical terrain and tidal crossings. Bike rental: Simbahöllin (simbahollin.is).
Visit website →The Westfjords Way (Vestfjarðaleiðin)
Ísafjörður
950km expert 8-14 day long-distance bikepacking route circling the entire peninsula. Massive elevation gain on mixed gravel and paved roads. Rental and route support: Cycling Westfjords (cyclingwestfjords.com).
Visit website →Naustahvilft (The Troll's Seat)
Ísafjörður
2km moderate 1.5-hour steep hike to a unique geological bowl formation above Ísafjörður. 170m elevation gain. Offers panoramic views of the town and Skutulsfjörður fjord.
Visit website →Dynjandi Waterfall Trail
Dynjandi Parking
1.5km moderate 1-hour walk ascending 200m past seven different waterfalls to the base of the massive primary 100m cascade. Well-maintained rocky path.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Ski Ísafjörður (Dalirnir)
Ísafjörður
115-487m elevation range, 10 runs, 9km total skiable km, Feb-May season, 3 lifts. Notable for having some of Iceland's steepest groomed runs and 25km of world-class cross-country trails in Seljalandsdalur.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
The Arctic Fox Centre
Súdavík
A research center and museum where families can learn about Iceland's only native land mammal and observe rescued foxes in a large outdoor enclosure.
Visit website →Kaffi Sól
Þingeyri
A traditional farm-based experience offering a glimpse into rural life with historic turf-roofed structures, local treats, and a scenic coastal setting.
Visit website →The Sheep Farming Museum
Hólmavík
An engaging museum dedicated to the history of Icelandic sheep farming, featuring live lambs for children to bottle-feed during the early summer months.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Hólmavík
A fascinating and slightly eerie look at Iceland's mystical history, featuring folklore and artifacts that intrigue older children and adults.
Visit website →The Old Bookstore
Flateyri
Iceland's oldest original store serves as a living museum where families can buy secondhand books by weight and see 19th-century merchant life.
Visit website →Egill Ólafsson Museum at Hnjótur
Patreksfjörður
A diverse cultural museum showcasing maritime history, aviation, and local life, including the heroic rescue of sailors near Látrabjarg.
Visit website →Jón Sigurðsson Memorial Museum
Þingeyri
The birthplace of Iceland's national hero features a traditional turf-roofed church and exhibits on the nation's struggle for independence.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Westfjords Heritage Museum
Ísafjörður
Located in Iceland's oldest cluster of 18th-century merchant houses, this museum offers families a glimpse into the region's seafaring and trading history.
Visit website →Hrafnseyri - Jón Sigurðsson Memorial Museum
Arnarfjörður
The historic birthplace of Iceland's independence leader, featuring a traditional turf-roofed church and house overlooking a scenic fjord.
Visit website →Ósvör Maritime Museum
Bolungarvík
A life-size reconstruction of a 19th-century fishing station where kids can explore turf-roofed huts and see traditional rowing boats.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Bolungarvík Natural History Museum
Bolungarvík
This museum features an extensive collection of Icelandic wildlife, including a polar bear, various marine life, and a comprehensive bird exhibit.
Visit website →The Sea Monster Museum
Bíldudalur
An interactive discovery center that brings local folklore to life through sightings, history, and multimedia exhibits of legendary sea creatures.
Visit website →Arctic Fox Centre
Súðavík
A research and exhibition center dedicated to Iceland's only native land mammal, featuring live rescued foxes and interactive biological displays.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Drangsnes Hot Pots
Drangsnes
Three public geothermal tubs built directly into the rocky shoreline in the middle of the village. Temperatures range from 38°C to 42°C. The facility is open 24/7 and is a cultural hub for locals, with changing rooms located across the street.
Visit website →Pollurinn
Tálknafjörður
A series of three small geothermal hot tubs and one larger swimming pool with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 42°C. The facility is fed by a nearby geothermal drill hole and offers panoramic views of Tálknafjörður fjord. Includes small rustic changing rooms and showers.
Visit website →Reykjafjarðarlaug
Arnarfjörður
Remote bathing site featuring a 32°C concrete swimming pool and a much hotter 45°C natural stone hot pot. The site is located in a desolate valley and uses natural mineral-rich geothermal water. Simple changing facilities are available on-site.
Krossneslaug
Árneshreppur
Historic geothermal swimming pool built in 1954. Water temperature approximately 35-38°C, sourced from natural hot springs in the mountainside. Located on a black pebble beach at the end of the remote Strandir coast road, featuring basic changing facilities and showers.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Garðar BA 64 Shipwreck
Patreksfjörður
Iceland's oldest steel ship, dramatically beached in a fjord, serves as a striking historic monument and popular photography spot.
Bolafjall Viewpoint
Bolungarvík
A dramatic steel viewing platform perched 600 meters above sea level, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Greenland Sea and fjords.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Ísafjörður Art Museum
Ísafjörður
Located in a historic former hospital, this museum showcases a significant collection of modern and contemporary Icelandic art.
Visit website →The Factory Art Exhibition
Djúpavík
An evocative contemporary art and photography exhibition housed within the ruins of a massive, historic herring factory.
Visit website →Samúel Jónsson's Art Museum
Patreksfjörður
A remarkable collection of outsider art sculptures and buildings created by a self-taught artist in a remote valley.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Strandir Coast Road (Route 643)
Hólmavík
100km route, paved to Drangsnes then gravel (3-4 hours). Known as one of Iceland's most remote and hauntingly beautiful drives, it passes the abandoned herring factory at Djúpavík and ends at the edge of the wilderness in Norðurfjörður.
Visit website →Djúpvegur (Route 61)
Ísafjörður
250km paved road (4-6 hours). A spectacular drive that winds in and out of the eight fjords of the Ísafjarðardjúp bay. It offers continuous sea views, frequent seal sightings near Hvítanes, and access to the remote roads leading toward Hornstrandir.
Visit website →Vestfjarðavegur (Route 60)
Patreksfjörður
90km mountain and coastal drive (2-3 hours). This route connects the southern fjords to the north, passing over high mountain heaths. It provides the primary access to the multi-tiered Dynjandi waterfall and features the impressive Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Sundlaug Bolungarvíkur
Bolungarvík
This family-oriented aquatic center features popular water slides, indoor and outdoor pools, and geothermal hot tubs surrounded by mountains.
Visit website →Sundlaug Patreksfjarðar
Patreksfjörður
An outdoor swimming pool known for its stunning views over the Patreksfjörður fjord, making it a favorite for scenic relaxation.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Bolafjall Observation Deck
Bolungarvík
A mountain peak featuring a dramatic cantilevered steel viewing platform with 360-degree views over the fjords and out towards Greenland.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Raggagardur Family Park
Súdavík
A sprawling community-built adventure park featuring zip-lines, obstacle courses, and massive play structures, offering free outdoor fun for families exploring the Westfjords.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Skrúður Botanical Garden
Þingeyri
Established in 1909, this historic garden is a testament to horticulture at the edge of the Arctic, featuring a surprising variety of plants and a whalebone gate.
Visit website →