Planning a self-guided Westfjords road trip works best when you think in “driving days” and “base areas”. The Westfjords is dramatic and remote, with long stretches between towns, limited services outside peak season, and roads that can change quickly with wind and rain.
If you’re aiming for comfort, build your itinerary around a handful of towns, then do out-and-back detours to waterfalls, viewpoints and beaches. In this guide, you’ll get an easy route framework, a sample 7-day itinerary, and the driving tips that matter most on Iceland’s west- and north-facing coast.
Route Overview: How the Westfjords Road Trip Works
Choose where you’ll start and where you’ll base
Most road trips begin from the Ring Road and follow the signed route into the Westfjords toward Ísafjörður. From there, you can loop back toward the southern peninsula areas and finish at the cliff-and-beach stretch.
To keep the trip manageable, pick one or two “base towns” where you can sleep multiple nights. That reduces backtracking on days when weather is moody.
Expect fjords to slow everything down
Distances can look short on a map, but fjord geography adds time:
- Roads often hug the coastline or cross through valleys.
- You’ll lose time to gravel sections, tight turns, and frequent stops for scenery.
- One weather change can turn a smooth drive into a careful one.
Match your itinerary to daylight
In summer, you’ll have long evenings and an easier time with late photo stops. In shoulder seasons, daylight drops faster than you expect, and some viewpoints can feel far away even when the map says “not that much more”. If you’re travelling in winter, assume shorter drives and more time for weather delays.
7-Day Westfjords Itinerary (Self-Guided)
Days 1–2: Ísafjörður and the harbour town rhythm
Start in Ísafjörður, the most practical hub for this side of Iceland. Use day one to settle in, grab supplies, and do an easy orientation walk around the harbour and nearby viewpoints.
On day two, plan one “main attraction” detour and one lighter stop. This is where you’ll feel the Westfjords difference: you might drive for a while to reach a single waterfall or viewpoint, then spend less time moving because the scenery is the point.
Days 3–4: West-coast towns, waterfalls and long coastline views
On day three, aim to work your way toward the coastal stretch and the waterfall area. Build in one structured stop (rather than trying to tick off everything). This keeps you from rushing and helps if roads slow down.
Day four is best for a beach and a scenic drive. Choose a beach that matches the conditions: in strong winds, the shoreline can be rough, and you’ll enjoy it more when you plan your walk short and safe.
Days 5–7: Látrabjarg cliffs, glacier-country detours, and Hornstrandir plans
Days five and six are your “big landscapes” block. Látrabjarg is the signature cliff area for seabirds, and it’s also the sort of place where you’ll want a calm-weather window.
If you want a hike in the remote Hornstrandir region, treat it as a dedicated day. From Ísafjörður, the Hornstrandir access involves boats and planning rather than simple road touring, so it fits better when you schedule it cleanly instead of squeezing it between long drives.
Day seven is your buffer: either a slow morning around your last base town, or a final out-and-back detour depending on weather.
Key Stops Worth Building Your Route Around
Core towns and viewpoints
Use this set of stops to design your loop. You don’t need all of them—just enough to avoid constant driving.
- Ísafjörður
- Bolungarvík
- Bíldudalur
- Súðavík
- Dynjandi Waterfall
- Patreksfjörður
- Rauðisandur Beach
- Látrabjarg Cliffs
- Drangajökull Glacier area
- Hornstrandir (trekking access from Ísafjörður)
How to combine them without backtracking
A simple pattern works well:
- Pick a northern base (often Ísafjörður) for bird cliffs and Hornstrandir access.
- Work southward toward the coastal beach and waterfall areas.
- End with the most “weather-sensitive” stop first in the best conditions you can find—then keep the rest flexible.
Driving Tips for Westfjords Roads
Plan for weather you can’t control
The Westfjords coastline is exposed to wind and rain. Even in good seasons, conditions can change faster than you expect.
Before you set off each day:
- Check road and weather conditions for the full route you’ll use that day.
- Give yourself buffer time for slower gravel driving.
- Avoid “tight schedules” on the day you want to reach cliff viewpoints.
Car choice: 4x4 helps, but what matters is confidence
Many routes are achievable in standard rentals, but the Westfjords is where gravel, uneven surfaces, and sudden visibility challenges matter. If your trip timing overlaps with heavy weather, a higher-clearance vehicle and confident gravel driving can reduce stress.
If you’re renting for this region, confirm:
- Whether your specific route includes gravel stretches for the way you plan to drive.
- What traction and tire setup the rental includes.
- The return policy if you run into weather-related detours.
Fuel, services and timing
You’ll feel the remoteness in the spacing of towns. Fuel planning is a core part of trip success.
A practical approach:
- Fill up when you’re in a town with reliable access, even if the gauge looks “fine”.
- Don’t plan to cross multiple long stretches relying on one stop later.
- Shop for snacks and water when you arrive in a base town—then you’re covered for unexpected delays.
Driving behaviour that keeps you safe on coastal roads
Small habits add up in windy or wet conditions:
- Slow down before corners and when road edges feel uneven.
- Keep a larger following distance than you would on a city road.
- Watch for livestock, especially near rural entrances to settlements.
Where to Stay and What to Book Ahead
Use base towns to avoid constant packing
With fewer overnight options than around Iceland’s Ring Road, basing yourself reduces stress. Staying in the same town for 2–3 nights gives you:
- Cleaner logistics for day detours.
- More flexibility if weather shifts.
- Less time managing luggage and checking in/out.
Guesthouses vs. apartments vs. hotels
Choose based on how you like to travel:
- Guesthouses: often best for a cosy base and local recommendations.
- Apartments: useful for longer stays, especially if you want breakfast at your own pace.
- Hotels: convenient if you prefer predictable service and reception hours.
In peak summer periods, room availability tightens quickly in smaller towns. If you’re travelling in July or August, booking ahead is the safer move.
What to book first
Prioritise the elements that are hard to replace on short notice:
- Your main accommodation in your base town(s).
- If you plan a Hornstrandir day, treat the access plan as part of your booking strategy rather than an afterthought.
- Any pre-arranged transport or guided components you want in narrow time windows.
If you’re flexible on exact stops, keep your dates flexible around the weather-sensitive days (like cliff viewing).
Next Steps: Lock in Your Route and Buffer Days
Pick your base towns first, then draft a rough route that clusters nearby attractions instead of stretching drives every day. Once that skeleton is set, choose a 2–3 night base on either side of the most remote segment and leave one extra buffer day for weather.
If you share your travel month, number of days and whether you’re comfortable with gravel driving, you can refine the itinerary into a tighter day-by-day plan.