West Iceland Fjords

13 fjords in West Iceland — mapped with live road conditions, drive times, and directions.

13 fjords in West Iceland

Álftafjörður

The name Álftafjörður is Icelandic for "swan fjord", and there are some fjords by this name in Iceland. The best known of these are:Álftafjörður (Westfjords). This fjord is located on the southern side of Ísafjarðardjúp, in the Vestfirðir region of north-western Iceland. A whaling station was built in 1883 at Langeyri on its western shore by two Norwegians named Lars Mons and Svend Foyn, and was used until whaling was prohibited in Iceland in 1915. The modern village of Súðavík is in the same area. Álftafjörður (Snæfellsnes) is a southern branch of Breiðafjörður. Álftafjörður (Eastfjords) is a... West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. Fjord towns may have limited services - fuel up when you can.

Gilsfjörður

West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. The drive around a fjord often takes longer than the distance suggests.

Berufjörður

Berufjörður is a fjord in Eastern Iceland. It is about 20 kilometres long and 2 to 5 kilometres wide. The village Djúpivogur is located on its western shores. Mt. Búlandstindur which is 1,069 metres above sea level is located west of the fjord. Route 1 passes on its shores. West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. The drive around a fjord often takes longer than the distance suggests.

No photo yet — add yours

Hvammsfjörður

West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. Weather in fjords can change rapidly - be prepared for wind and rain.

Kolgrafafjörður

West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. Check road conditions before driving fjord roads - many are narrow and unpaved.

Króksfjörður

West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. Fjord towns may have limited services - fuel up when you can.

Hvalfjörður

The whale fjord north of Reykjavík - you can tunnel under it or drive around it. Taking the scenic route is worth the extra hour. During WWII, this fjord served as a major Allied naval base. The history is largely forgotten now, but the bones of the old military infrastructure remain. The drive around passes Glymur waterfall (Iceland's second-tallest), small farms, and empty landscapes. The hot spring at Hvammsvík is a newer addition - fjord views while you soak. Most people take the tunnel. Their loss. If you have time, the circular drive adds a dimension to your west Iceland journey.

Borgarfjörður

The fjord giving access to west Iceland's interior. The town of Borgarnes sits at its mouth. This area is saga country - Egill Skallagrímsson's story takes place here. The Settlement Center in Borgarnes explains it all. Inland from the fjord, you reach Reykholt (Snorri Sturluson's home), Hraunfossar waterfalls, and eventually highland routes. The fjord is the gateway. Views across the water to Akrafjall mountain are excellent. The bridge crossing at Borgarnes is a transition point - from the populated southwest to the emptier north and west.

Breiðafjörður

The wide bay between the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes peninsula, filled with about 3,000 islands and skerries. A unique ecosystem. The ferry between Stykkishólmur and the Westfjords (Baldur) crosses this bay - an experience in itself. Sea eagles, seals, and incredible views of scattered islands. Stykkishólmur offers boat tours deeper into the bay. Vikings sailed these waters, and the fishing traditions continue today. Breiðafjörður is designated a nature reserve. The biodiversity is exceptional - seabirds, marine life, and unique intertidal ecosystems. Worth appreciating even if just viewed from shore.

Hrútafjörður

Hrútafjörður is a fjord in the north-west of Iceland. It is around 36 km long and lies to the south of Húnaflói bay. West Iceland fjord, gateway to saga country and the region's natural attractions. Fjord towns may have limited services - fuel up when you can.