Exploring North West Iceland - 24 hours in the Westfjords
Twisting mountain roads, bright blue water, wide open skies and fields of baby lambs
Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In Iceland, every day on the road is a new adventure, with one spectacular scene unfolding after another. Even in a country as stunning as Iceland, some places stand out, and the Westfjords are one of those special spots.
Usually, I dive into trip planning with lots of reading, making lists of destinations by area, and plotting them on a map. I balance travel time with sightseeing and a few breaks to make sure we get to our rental in time for dinner. But in the Westfjords, I decided to toss the itinerary and just go with the flow.
I didn’t start without a plan—I had a map and a list of must-see spots. But once we hit the road, I realized my travel times were too optimistic. Focusing on reaching each stop on schedule would mean missing the magic happening around us. The real joy was in slowing down, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the landscape.
So, this newsletter isn’t a strict itinerary, but I’ll share some popular stops at the end. If you find yourself in the Westfjords with a few days to spare, I hope you’ll check them out and let me know what you think!
Part 1 - From Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Patreksfjordur in the Westfjords
The night before, we stayed in a cozy cabin on a horse farm by the striking Kirkjufell mountain, waking up ready for the day’s adventure. If you’d like to see more of Kirkjufell and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, check out my first post, linked below, about West Iceland.
The Westfjords are like a mini Iceland, blending various geographical elements into one region. As we crossed the southern edge, a mix of gravel and paved highways revealed one breathtaking vista after another.
Driving through the Westfjords was an experience in itself.
The twisting roads took us over mountain passes.
Across high heaths.
Past stunning waterfalls. Each turn brought a new view that made the journey as exciting as the destinations.
Our first major stop was Patreksfjordur, a small fishing village in the southwest.
Usually, we book rentals with kitchens, but that night we decided to try a restaurant attached to the main gas station. We were pleasantly surprised by the delicious pizza and mustard chicken salad—perfect after a day on the road.
Instead of driving again after dinner, we chose to relax and soak in the evening’s tranquility. The peaceful atmosphere in Patreksfjordur was exactly what we needed.
The next morning we said goodbye to our house by the water and returned to the open road travelling carefully over rocks and gravel while enjoying the views.
The journey continued, winding around fjords.
Keeping an eye out for baby birds and lambs.
Enjoying the waterfalls and sunshine all day long until we reached Hofsos, our final destination.
Our driving route: 807 Kilometers (501 Miles)
Day 1 Kirkjufell to Patreksfjordur: 337 km (209 miles)
Hwy 54 East 99 km
Hwy 60 North 178 km
Hwy 62 West 60 km
Day 2 Patreksfjordur to Hofsos: 470 km (292 miles)
Hwy 63 NE 63 km
Hwy 60 South 182 km
Hwy 59 East 36 km
Hwy 68 South 9 km
Hwy 1 East 136 km
Hwy 76 North 44 km
*Please note - all driving distances are approximate and it’s highly recommended you check www.road.is daily for travel conditions before finalizing your route.
Recommended stops if you have more time.
Hellulaug Hot Spring
Krosslaug Hot Spring
Rauðisandur Beach
Látrabjarg Cliffs
Dynjandi Waterfall
Conclusion:
Our 24 hours in the Westfjords were an unforgettable mix of stunning landscapes and cozy moments. From our charming cabin at Kirkjufell to the serene village of Patreksfjordur and the scenic drive to Hofsos, every moment was a testament to Iceland’s natural beauty. If you ever find yourself in this magical part of the world, take your time, enjoy the journey, and let the Westfjords work their wonders on you. Happy travels!
I love your photos. Looks like you really enjoyed your trip.