The Westfjords are a unique part of Iceland with many special places to visit and things to do. There is no place quite like it. The land formations are out of this world and the towns are quaint and adorable. To me, the Westfjords of Iceland are a photographers paradise.
I really enjoy how isolated the Westfjord region is from the rest of civilisation. It feels like you are literally at the top of the world. I love how clean, pure and quietly blissful life is here.
One of my passions is sharing my love of the Westfjords of Iceland by taking people around and showing them things to do. There’s so much to do here including hiking, kayaking, ice climbing, cross country skiing, surfing and more.
I’m from a small town in the Westfjords called Isafjörður where I work as a photographer and a guide in Iceland. My mom is German and my dad is American, making me both a German and American citizen.
As a child I grew up in the Mojave Desert which has crazy hot and cold extreme weather. I would travel a lot between Germany and the USA and I think that is where my love for travel started.
I think my love for nature, exploration and photography is what really sparked my interest in travel and wanting to see as much of the world as I can, especially the polar regions.
Amazing Places to Visit in the Westfjords
On the whole, I have travelled to quite a lot of destinations in the Westfjords of Iceland. But at the same time, there is still so much more I need to see and explore. Luckily, I still have many years to keep exploring.
Every time I go on adventures or come back from an expedition or from shooting photos, I always say this was the best time I have ever had. So apparently every time is the best time in the Westfjords!
It’s quite hard for me to narrow down the best places to visit because I think that the majority of the Westfjords would make it on my list of favourites. Each place holds a unique characteristic and experience for me that I will cherish forever.
One of the best places is Hornstrandir because of how inaccessible it is from the world. It reminds me of another world or our own world before humans, and I love that.
For me I love to see nature as it’s supposed to be and not destroyed by humans or money-hungry greed. I love my own town of Isafjörður where I live too. It’s one of the cutest towns in my opinion.
Another place I recommend is Drangajökull and the surrounding mountains. It’s a glacier in the Westfjords which is really out of the way to get to but when you do see it (especially from the air) it’s so magical.
I think anywhere where I can see snow and glaciers is my ultimate destination. I remember when I was 17 and my uncle took me backpacking through the German and Austrian Alps. That was my first taste of seeing glaciers and I was so memorised.
Best Things To Do in the Westfjords of Iceland
There are so many incredible things to do in the Westfjords of Iceland. One of my favourites is travelling over the gravel roads that traverse the mountains from Isafjordur to Flatyeri and Sudureyri. They are absolutely beautiful and well worth the trip.
Visiting Hornbjarg in Hornstrandir is always amazing especially sailing around it and going to Reykjafjörður. Here you have a beautiful natural pool surrounded by beautiful mountains. Plus you can view Drangajökull Glacier on a clear day.
Some of my favourite memories in the Westfjords of Iceland include a sailing expedition and hiking trip I did over the fjords in Hornstrandir. I also shot some ariels of Hornstrandir on another trip. I can’t get enough of that beautiful place!
I love the hike from Hesteyri to Aðalvík too. The mountains above Dynjandi called Gláma are covered in rocks that resemble the moon. It has year round snow, tons of small ponds and lakes to enjoy in the summer.
Tips for your Visit to the Westfjords of Iceland
To me the Westfjords feel safe and much like a community of everyone who knows everyone. People are usually very quick to help. After living in other parts of the world I can safely say this is the most wholesome, real and safest place I have ever lived.
One thing I would say is to be prepared for all kinds of weather. In one fjord it can be stormy and in the next one you can have sun. There are so many things to do and places to see in the Westfjords of Iceland that I would suggest giving yourself time to really get a feel for the region. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed in every season.
Last tip from me is to enjoy the food! Where I live in Isafjörður we have the best fresh fish in Iceland and you can get that at Fiskbúð Sjávarfangs. My favourite cafe would be Heimabyggd and that is also in Isafjörður. They have tasty food and plus the atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant.
We also have two very good restaurants Húsið and Tjöruhúsið. My favourite thing to order from each of those restaurants is the fish soup. I also feel it’s worth mentioning a place near Dynjandi waterfall called Hrafnseyri Café which serves amazing cakes. Yum!
Thanks for reading my article on the best things to do in the Westfjords of Iceland! I hope to see you out here one day – it really is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
