Iceland West Fjords

Iceland West Fjords

The West Fjords are characterised by high mountains, peaceful fjords and friendly villages. It is important to note that there are many gravel roads in the area but Road 61 to Ísafjörður, the biggest town, is tarred. It is essential to check weather and road conditions before setting off for the west fjords during winter. Some places are closed during winter but it is possible to get information from the information centres or at www.westfjords.is.

Látrabjarg, A a wonderful, puffin-laden cliff, is the main pearl of the West Fjords, but there are many hidden pearls in this area.

Brjánslækur is the departure port to Stykkishólmur with the ferry Baldur. Surtarbrandsgil, close by, is one of the most remarkable plant fossil areas of Iceland, declared a protected nature area in 1975. An exhibition of stone fossils from the ravine can be seen in the old vicarage.

Rauðisandur is a 10km long beach characterised by colourful beach sand. The colours can range from yellow, red and even black, depending on the brightness of the day. A coffee shop is open here during the summer. The Road 614 to Rauðisandur is a steep gravel road and a detour from the main route.

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum is located in Bíldudalur. Stories of monsters have been around in Iceland for centuries, but now you can get to know them better at this museum.

Dynjandi is the greatest waterfall in the West Fjords. The waterfall and surrounding area was declared a protected natural site in 1981.

Ósvör Maritime Museum is a replica of the old fishing station from the 19th century and shows very well how fisherman lived and worked in those times.

Icelandic waters. Photo by Olga

Ísafjörður is the biggest town in the West Fjords with a population of 2600. There are very many quaint old houses in the old part of town, amongst them, the very interesting Maritime Museum. Nature and cultural walks are offered (isafjordurguide.is). The church is very special with its architectural form symbolising the waves of the ocean. During Easter in 2007, the inhabitants gathered together and made 750 clay doves which now decorate еhe altar wall which is 90m2. The work is named Birds of Heaven. A short distance from the church is a memorial dedicated to seamen. Thriving tourist services and activities are on offer, including boat trips to Vigur Island.

A visit to the little island of Vigur is like an adventure where the smallest post office in Iceland and the only corn mill in the country exist. There is also a beautiful old farmhouse where homemade bread and coffee are offered.

Hundreds of puffins, eider ducks and arctic terns are to be found here. Stay on the path to avoid falling into puffin nesting burrows. During the summer, boat trips are also offered to the island of Vigur from Ísafjörður.

Súðavík is a small fishing village with about 150 inhabitants. In 1995 an avalanche in the town killed 14 people. There is a beautiful memorial enclosure commemorating those who died.

The Arctic Fox Centre is a research centre focussing on the arctic fox, the only indigenous animal in Iceland.

Heydalur is an environmentallyfriendly tourist service run by one family. Various activities such as horse riding, walking tours, fishing, and kayak trips are on offer as well as being able to lie in a natural hot tub or the swimming pool. There is rich bird and plant life in the area and wonderful information boards along the walking trails.

Krossneslaug is a small swimming pool on the seashore of the North Atlantic Ocean. While lounging in the pool you might very well see a seal or two swimming close by.

Djúpavík was bursting with life from 1935-1954 when a herring factory was operated in the biggest concrete building in Iceland. Today, this building is used to house an exhibition of the herring years as well as various other events, such as the famous free concert of Sigur Rós in 2006. The only inhabitants today are a family who run the hotel there.

The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft is situated in Hólmavík. This area has been associated with witchcraft since the 17th century and the museum does a wonderful job in bringing this history to life, as does the Sorcerer’s Cottage at the farm Klúka in Bjarnafjörður about 20 minutes’ drive from Hólmavík. There is also an outdoor swimming pool as well as a natural hot pool.

The Sheep Farming Museum is a fun stop for people of all ages. There are various events and displays as well as handcrafts and a coffee shop.