2026 Westfjords Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

There were multiple variables working against us on our day of exploring the Westfjords. We’d woken up at 5am, our tents flooding and flapping around in the wind, and immediately hit the road in dire need of gas and coffee. Heavy wind and rain coupled with unpaved roads that curved perilously around the fjords made for a very slow-going and stressful drive. As Becca drove us deeper and deeper into the peninsula, we questioned why we were heading so far in, and whether we should just turn around to seek refuge from the weather. But alas, we continued further and further down Rt 60 because it was SO DARN BEAUTIFUL, even in the rain. We approached our turnaround point of Rauðasandur seriously fearing our safety while maneuvering our car down the steep, curvy road in extreme wind. We were all anxious and cranky, to say the least. And then we saw it: a red sand beach. We forgot about everything we’d been through that day, if only for a few minutes, and took in this spectacular scene. #naturalwonders#summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

On a tip from my trusty Lonely Planet guide, we rolled into the Westfjords on the lookout for a cluster of hot pools nestled in the rocks just along the coast in Drangsnes, population 60. We spent the better part of the evening soaking in one of the pools with a local family, including three adorable blonde children. What really stuck with me was how content the mother was. “I love the freedom I have here” she told us, with an aura of calm unknown to New Yorkers. After claiming we could never endure winter here, she insisted it wasn’t so bad – that it’s much warmer than you’d expect (the average winter temperature in Iceland is just around freezing, in fact). “The real Iceland comes out in winter”, she declared. I thought about what it’d be like to live in this tiny Nordic town during dark winter days, with every house and building covered in lights at all hours. I don’t think I could handle it for long, but it’d be quite an experience to make it through one Icelandic winter. #naturalwonders#summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

Westfjords is my favourite place of Iceland. This will by my last trip of 2019 and where I spend New Years. Far away from any civilisation, cuddled up in the mountains.

If you're road-tripping through the rugged, dramatic landscapes of Iceland’s Westfjords, there’s one landmark in the heart of Ísafjörður that you simply can't miss. Often overshadowed by its famous cousin in Reykjavík, Ísafjardarkirkja is a masterpiece of contemporary design that perfectly captures the spirit of the North Atlantic. 🌊 Architecture That Tells a Story Completed in 1995, Ísafjardarkirkja is a stunning example of modern Icelandic architecture. While most traditional churches in the region are modest wooden structures, this one makes a bold statement: • The Silhouette: Its sharp, angular roof is designed to resemble the waves of the ocean or the sails of a ship, paying homage to the town’s deep-rooted maritime history. • The Aesthetic: The sleek, white exterior creates a striking contrast against the dark, towering mountains that cradle the town of Ísafjörður. 🎹 Why You Should Step Inside Don't just snap a photo from the outside! The interior is a sanctuary of light and minimalism. • The Organ: The church houses a magnificent Austrian-built pipe organ with over 1,000 pipes. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rehearsal—the acoustics in here are world-class. • The Vibe: It serves as a vibrant community hub. Unlike some of the older, "museum-like" churches, this feels like a living, breathing part of Westfjords life. 💡 Tips • Best Photo Spot: Walk a few blocks back toward the harbor to get the church and the surrounding fjord mountains in one frame. • Timing: Visit during the Midnight Sun (June/July) when the white walls of the church glow against the never-setting sun. • Nearby: After your visit, grab a pastry at Heimabyggð, one of the coziest cafes just a short walk away. #Isafjordur #Isafjardarkirkja #Westfjords #IcelandTravel #travelfreak

#northernlights 📅 Itinerary Day 1 • Arrive in Iceland, travel to Westfjords region (rent a car or use local transport), stay in a fjord‑side guesthouse or cabin. • Explore coastal cliffs, seaside villages, winter coastal landscape during daylight. • Evening: find a dark‑sky coastline spot or cliff near sea for your first aurora watch — sea + sky + winter coast = dramatic scene 🌌🌊 Day 2 • Daytime: hike along fjords/cliffs or walk near sea, enjoy wild nature and raw Icelandic winter scenery. • Afternoon: cosy cabin time, warm meal, maybe a hot drink after cold seaside stroll. • Night: aurora watch again — coastline + sea reflections + stars/light show = moody and magical 🌠 Day 3 • Early morning: stroll along shore, breathe fresh Arctic‑sea air, maybe take photos of winter sea + cliffs + snow. • Pack & go back toward departure. ✅ Why this works: According to travel guides, remote peninsulas and coastal/fjord regions in Iceland (like Westfjords) are listed among top aurora‑viewing spots — you combine sea/coastline + minimal light pollution + dramatic natural landscapes

#northernlights 📅 Itinerary Day 1 • Fly to Iceland and travel to the Westfjords region (rent car or local transport) — more remote, less light‑pollution than city areas. • Check into a remote cabin or guesthouse near fjords/coast. Evening: if sky is clear — watch for aurora over sea and mountains; the coastline + sea + aurora can create magical contrasts. Day 2 • Daytime: explore dramatic landscapes — snowy cliffs, fjords, perhaps icy shorelines or short walks. Iceland’s unique terrain gives a moody winter‑Arctic vibe. • Relax in afternoon; warm meal, hot drink. • Night: another aurora hunt — remote, quiet, and with Iceland’s nature as your backdrop. Day 3 • Morning: early coastline walk or glacier‑adjacent view if accessible. • Slowly head back toward departure point. 🌌 Good for travellers who love wild nature, rugged coastlines, and a mix of sea + Arctic‑style terrain + auroras.

#holidayitinerary Exploring Ísafjörður was like discovering a peaceful hideaway tucked between towering mountains and the calm waters of the fjord. The town is small but full of charm, with colorful wooden houses that tell stories of its fishing heritage. Walking along the harbor, I watched fishing boats come and go, with seabirds gliding effortlessly overhead. The surrounding mountains seemed to hug the town, creating a sense of coziness despite the vast wilderness beyond. I stopped by a local café for a warm bowl of fish soup, which tasted perfect after the crisp sea air. The pace here is slow, and that is exactly what makes it special. You can wander the quiet streets, chat with friendly locals, or simply sit by the water and take in the stunning views. Ísafjörður feels like a place where time moves gently, letting you truly connect with the landscape and the Icelandic way of life.