28 hikes in Westfjords — mapped with live road conditions, drive times, and directions.
Korpudalur - Kroppstaðarskál - Þverdalur Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). A hike up to Kroppstaðarskál from Korpudalur Hi Hostel. Then up to the mountaintop "Bæjarfjall" above Korpudalur, in to the highlands and passes down into Þverdalur valley. Then circles back to Korpudalur HI Hostel.
Meyjará to Reykjafjörður via Hrolleifsborg Hiking trail in Árneshreppur, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). We had tried to do this the year before but after camping on Hrolleifsborgarháls in really bad weather had given up and descended to Reykjafjörður in fog. This time the weather cooperated. We might have been able to complete the trip in one day but it was getting very late (approaching midnight) so we decided to camp on a fairly flat gravel field on the flanks of Miðmundahorn.
Hólsdalir and Ekkilsdals lake Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). A hike through the valleys over Hóll in Önundarfjord. The path goes up to the first valley named "Hvestur" from the road, then along the mountain following a sheep track. It passes the second valley "Litlidalur" and through a spectacular rockfall in the third valley "Grjótdalur" that gives a feeling of walking through the city of elf's. The hike then goes to "Ekkilsdalur" valley with a view into "Geldingardalur" to the right. Two lakes are in Ekkilsdalur that are home of birds during the summer season.
Ingjaldssandur : Saebol - Round of Mt. Barði Hiking trail in Sæból, Vestfirðir (Ísland). This huge, lush, remote and secluded Westfjords valley facing the Ocean, between Önundarfjörður and Dýrafjörður, is called Ingjaldssandur. It takes its name from Ingjaldur Brúnason, the settler of this area. The rough mountain gravel road until Saebol, the village located close to the beach, is an attraction all of its own. Saebol was once home for a hundred of farming folk, it's unfortunately almost deserted nowadays. The valley is enclosed by 2 high and steep mountains, Mt. Barði at the west and Mt. Tafla at the east. The goal of this hike is climbing Mount Barði , admiring the beauty of the scenery at the top, and then bypassing it by south and east via the landlocked and wild Nesladur valley and finally Ingjaldssandur, to close the loop. Sadly enough, the summit was over clouds when we reached it... Note that there is no marked trail. Moreover, descending Mount Barði towards the Nesdalur valley is complicated and difficult because the slopes are steep. You need hiking experience in mountains and walking sticks.
Heiðaskarð and Hestskarð from Korpudal HI Hostel Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Amazing hike around the mountain "Hestur". The hike goes up "Korpudalur" valley through the old trade route "Álftarfjarðarheiði". At the top the trail goes behind "Hestur" mountain, through the opening "Hestsskarð" and down "Hestdalur" valley. Along the trip are spectacular rock formations and waterfalls.
Reykjafjörður to Ingólfsfjörður Hiking trail in Árneshreppur, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). I had originally intended this to be a longer hike from Látravík but the weather was atrocious so I "jumped ship" in Reykjafjörður and hiked south from there. In fact the temperature dropped to 1.5° the first evening - which says something about conditions (it being July!). Day 1 Arrived in Reykjafjörður at 18:30 in fairly dismal weather, didn't feel like camping so started the hike right away. I imagined I'd be better off fording the river at the airport than up at Kirkjuból - not so! I ended up having to abandon my first attempt at a crossing - but the one shown in the track file was OK. After starting my ascent of Fossadalsheiði I soon entered fog and navigated by GPS (following a track submitted to wikiloc by Ólafur Örn Ólafsson). I did manage to get across the mountain without too much trouble and camped at the first suitable site in drizzling rain at 22:30 or thereabouts. It felt a bit lonely, I had the whole fjord to myself! Day 2 I got going just before 9 and immediately came across an orca carcass just around the first headland. Luckily it didn't stink. Waded across the fjord without too much trouble. As I made my way along the south shore of the fjord the weather gradually improved and by the time I reached Meyjará it had become reasonable, if dull. I crossed the river Húsá at Drangar via the bridge - it's a bit of a detour and in sunny weather I would have been tempted to just wade across it closer to the sea. Rather than use the pass I naturally wanted to get close to the wonderful Drangaskörð. When I got to the tip of the peninsula I couldn't at first find the way down the cliff face - I later discovered that most people climb to the pass between the two outermost "pillars". That's too much work for me and I eventually found the route down the cliff to the shore. Camped on the north (near) bank of Drangavíkurá - I could have gone further (it was only about 19:00) but this is one of my favourite places to camp. Day 3 The weather had improved considerably when I started out (late - it was about 10!) and kept doing so as the day progressed - the sun even came out eventually. Met three ladies hiking in the opposite direction - the first and only people I ran into. It took me about 10 hours to get to the car where the boat crew had left it for me (for which they refused to accept any payment), at the foot of the slope down to Ingólfsfjörður. A very enjoyable hike had been completed and I drove off to Reykjavík.
Hornvik - Hafnarskard - Veidileysufjördur Hiking trail in Horn, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). I did this trip in end of July 2013 starting at the Hornvik camp site and ending up at the “camp site” in Veidileysufjördur where the boat pick up / drop off is. The hike starts at sea level, goes over a pass at 519 meters and than descends again down to sea level. Total distance 11km. It took me 6-7 hours, including breaks. In general I would say that the hike is of moderate difficulty: partly marked, no climbing required (never really had to use the hands), some patches of snow (one large & steep west of the pass) and some small creeks to cross (never had to take off the shoes). Having said this, I have to say that the weather was beautiful, blue sky and almost to warm... I do not know how the tour turns out in bad weather with low visibility. On three occasions I lost / left the officially marked trail or the route where the trail should be according to the hiking maps. No guarantee that I always took the easiest path... The first time I left the trail half way up to the pass. I followed a guided tour in the distance because I thought they new the easiest / quickest path. Well, they did not... I have uploaded three waypoints where I expect the real path to be... The second time I left the trail was directly after the pass where there was a rather large and steep patch of snow. Instead of following the trail I decided to take the quick and easy way and slid down on my bum... The third time I left the path (were it should be according to various maps) was about 1.5 km after the pass until reaching the camp site. It is quite simple: the marked trail does not match the maps, you always keep a bit to the east. At the very end it looks like I have walked through the water, but it is actually a stony shore for 500m. You could also walk further up, but the grass is quite high and it is also a bit wet. I highly recommend this hike, it is really nice. Just make sure to bring your own toilet paper to Hornstrandir ;-)
Westfjords, Hornstrandir, Djúpavík: Djúpavíkshringur Hiking trail in Árneshreppur, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Start at field track close to old hering factory. After a short while a sticked foot path diverges to the left upwards the hillside. The ascent takes about 30 min. On top turn to left and follow the sticks along the edge. You have to cross a stream. Close to the waterfall you will find enough stones to jump over the stream. At the waypoint you have the best view over the fjord. The path descends now to the road. On the road it takes about 20 min back to Djúpavík.
Ingólfsfjörður-Reykjafjörður Hiking trail in Árneshreppur, Vestfirðir (Ísland). It's become difficult to persuade Icelanders to participate in traditional multi-day camping trips. This was a trip organised by my hiking club, Útivist, and we had hoped for far more participants than the three friends of mine who actually signed up. Still, the small number certainly didn't reduce our enjoyment of the trip! I appear not to have uploaded any pictures from this trip - I'll have to do something about that I guess.
Heydalur to two lakes in the mountains Hiking trail in Vatnsfjordhur, Vestfirðir (Ísland). From Heydalur to two lakes in the mountains. Follow the jeeptrack, which is often wet. After two kilometres the track changes to a well seen path until the river coming down from a nice gorge. Cross the river and look for the path. Do not follow my GPS track. I got to close to the river. Otherwise you will get in trouble with the birch scrub. On my way back I find the right path. Follow the river. Several beautiful waterfalls will make you happy. Great lakes, wonderful mountain heath, fantastic landscape.
Tunguhorn - Ekkilsdalur Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). A hike into "Tungudalur" valley and up to "Tunguhvilftar" highlands. The track then goes towards "Tunguhorn". Great view appears from "Tunguhorn" out Önundarfjord. The track then goes into Ekkilsdalur, passing the two lakes and down the ridge to the abundant house "Tunga" farm.
Flateyri - Seljanef and back Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Spectacular view from Seljanef top. Part of the trail was difficult because of a rock slide that destroyed the path where it is steepest. Better to walk all the way up on the bike trail, which is also partially abandoned.
Iceland, Westfjords, Hornstrandir, Hesteyri to Latrar to Straumnes Hiking trail in Hesteyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Day 1 = Hesteyri to Stakkadalur/Latrar. Struck out up the trail fairly late in afternoon. It was already drizzling, so we didn't stick around Hesteyri to explore. The hike was pretty simple. Routefinding is easy and the terrain isn't very steep. Cairns at the top kept us on track when snow and ice (in AUGUST!) obscured the trail. We were treated to an amazing sunset at the peak before the descent into Stakkadalur (see photos). We chose to stay at Stakkadalur rather than go all the way to Latrar. For one, it was getting dark. We were tired, and with the tide in, the little creek just downslope from Stakkadalur was actually about a 75 foot crossing. Day 2 = day hike up to the radar station ruins and back. After breakfast and gorging on the wild blueberries all around Stakkadalur, we headed up the old jeep trail toward the radar station. The hike is pretty non-descript and the way we went only provides views back across the fjord to where you came from. The radar station ruins are interesting and worth some photos. We went back down the way we came up, but there's an alternate that takes you around another way. Day 3 = Return to Hesteyri over same route. Beautiful views, blueberries along the path, and hot coffee at the cafe at the end. We got to Hesteyri with more than enough time to enjoy our late afternoon. The weather turned back to rain, but we did get to see many artic fox darting around (see photos). The next morning was coffee and hot chocolate and pastries at the Doctor's House before getting on the ferry back to Isafjordur.
Heydalur, Mjóifjörður. From hotel to Ausuvatn lake and back Hiking trail in Vatnsfjordhur, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Start at Hotel Heydalur. Follow the jeeptrack, which is often wet. After two kilometres the track changes to a well seen path until the river coming down from a nice gorge. Cross the river. After one kilometer you have to cross a birch forest. Difficult to find the entrance without GPS track. After 5.5 km from Heydalur you reach a viewpoint, where two rivers join. Good place for a break. Several waterfalls will make you happy afterwards. Wonderful mountain heath, fantastic landscape. Icelandic wilderness.
Hafradalur - Betania(Kot) Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). A hike up to the valley "Hafradalur". The hike passes an old abandoned house Betania(Kot), up to the valley with steep spectacular cliffs that can make great echo if you stand in the middle.
Hornvík to Sópandi via Rangalaskarð Hiking trail in Hnífsdalur, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Rangalaskarð is the highest pass in Hornstrandir and I had always wanted to do it - the opportunity presented itself in July 2013. This was the first day of three, our hike ended in Reykjafjörður (where all good hikes end - in the swimming pool!). A couple of things to bear in mind - we took the left bank of the river in Rangali - if you intend to continue along the western shore of Lónafjörður then stay on the right bank (it's much nicer). Then there is the question of tides, you need low tide from Miðkjós to Sópandi so consult tide tables! I started the trail at the point where it diverges from that leading to Hafnarskarð - that way it won't get lost in the clutter near the camp site :-) It is worth mentioning that the first stretch (along the flat) is quite boggy - we simply took of our boots and went barefoot ...
Búðir Hlöðuvík - Kjaransvíkurskarð - Hesteyri - Stakkadalur Hiking trail in Horn, Vestfirðir (Ísland). A hike from Hlöðuvík to Hesteyri and then to Stakkadalur in Aðalvík. Stayed one night at the Doctor's house in Hesteyri before heading towards our final base in Stakkadalur in Aðalvík.
Urðarfell Hiking trail in Flókalundur, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Easy hike with great view. Never steep but quite rocky. Try to spare the moss. Also not the terrain to navigate in fog with dead GPS! I left the car near the weather station. Next I would allow for a much better time and walk the full circe along the edges. No water.
Stakkadalur - Látrar - Straumnesfjall - Rekavík bak Látur - Stakkadalur Hiking trail in Látrar, Vestfirðir (Ísland). A day tours hike from our cottage in Stakkadalur to Látrar in Aðalvík and then by the old road up to Straumnesfjall towards the old U.S. Army base. Then down Öldudalur to Rekavík bak Látur and back to the cottage.
Rauðasandur Hiking trail in Patreksfjörður, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Walk to the western edge of the beach, starting at Lambavatn farm. A small hill serves as a perfect viewpoint. On the way back to the farm it may be necessary to cross a small river.
Kaldalón Hiking trail in Vatnsfjordhur, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Kaldalón - walk through the glacier valley to the glacier. It can get quite cold, windy and moist. Beautiful hike. A nice challenging game is to navigate your way through the valley crossing the many small streams that run across. Great fun!
Seydisfjördur Hiking trail in Súðavík, Vestfirðir (Lýðveldið Ísland). Nice walk but there's no path on the half of it. I don't recommend it for families and people not used descent steep slopes or walk through big rocks. On the other hand, the views are magnificent.
JUN-18-10 Kaldbakur Hiking trail in Álftamýri, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Hiking on Kaldbakur 998 meters high and highest point of North-West Iceland Vestfirdir.
Horn hike Hiking trail in Hnífsdalur, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Beautiful views with 200 m drop down cliffs not for people that are scared of heights definitely worth walking up cell phone service on the top of the mountain
Rauðasandur, Lambavatn Hiking trail in Patreksfjörður, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Easy hike Start at the farm and take the track behind buildings. Go to the gate and follow the treck to Brekka. Way back along the beach. Possibly you have to cross a small river
Walk from tender cruise terminal Hiking trail in Ísafjörður, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Start with a nice trail, the path fromvthe top to the river is hard, slipery and steep, some areas there is a rope to help you. Very nice waterfals
Þorfinnur, Önundarfjörður, Flateyri Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Hike on top of the moutain Þorfinnur. Fantastic view around the fjord. Park the car at Grafargil sign and start there. Steep diffcult slope but not dangerous. Rocks and gravel in the upper part.
Flateyri village walk Hiking trail in Flateyri, Vestfirðir (Ísland). Flateyri is a small village in the Westfjords that is famous for a tragic event. In 1995 a landslide hit the fishing village and part of the village was buried under rubble. Twenty people unfortunately lost their lives. A memorial stone at the church still commemorates this tragic event. Since then, an avelanche dam has been built to protect Flateyri from such landslides. The Westfjords are a less visited part of Iceland and you won't easily find tourists here. Flateyri is a typical Icelandic fishing village, but equipped with some attractions. There is a bookstore that sells itself as the oldest original store in Iceland. There is also a lookout point overlooking the village. All things considered, this is fun walk through this village.
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