Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi
The ferry across Breiðafjörður into Iceland’s most remote region: Europe’s westernmost cliffs, a waterfall like a bridal veil and quiet fishing towns.
- Distance
- 263 km (164 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 38 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Iceland
- Updated
- July 8, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 263 km (164 mi) with 6 stops, from Stykkishólmur to Ísafjörður. About 3 h 38 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Iceland
Route description
From Stykkishólmur the Baldur car ferry crosses Breiðafjörður to Brjánslækur in about two and a half hours, stopping at the island of Flatey. Book in summer; the ferry saves a long drive around the fjords.
From Brjánslækur follow route 62 west, then the gravel route 612 to Látrabjarg, stopping at the red-gold beach of Rauðisandur if you have time. Patreksfjörður, the largest village in the south of the Westfjords, is a good base for the night.
Route 63 and then route 60 lead north over the mountains to Dynjandi. Beyond it, the Dýrafjörður tunnel, opened in 2020, avoids an old mountain track and leads to Þingeyri, from where route 60 continues along the fjords to Ísafjörður.
Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords, with a lively harbour and boat trips to the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Roads here are long and winding, some sections are still gravel, and the season is short; June to early September is the best time to come.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Stykkishólmur
Iceland - 2120 km
Látrabjarg
NaturePatreksfjörður, IcelandBird cliffs up to 440 m high at the westernmost point of Europe. From mid-May to mid-August puffins nest right at the edge; keep a safe distance from the crumbling rim.
- 333 km
Patreksfjörður
Iceland - 449 km
Dynjandi
NatureArnarfjörður, IcelandThe largest waterfall in the Westfjords, fanning out over a 100 m rock face above a string of smaller falls. A 15-minute path climbs to its foot.
- 526 km
Þingeyri
Iceland - 635 km
Ísafjörður
Iceland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Stykkishólmur → Látrabjarg · 120 km · 1 h 40 minOvernight nearby, for example: Breiðavík við Latrabjarg (10 km).
- Day 2: Látrabjarg → Patreksfjörður · 33 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tjaldsvæði á Patreksfirði (1 km); Breiðavík við Latrabjarg (17 km).
- Day 3: Patreksfjörður → Dynjandi · 49 km · 0 h 41 minOvernight nearby, for example: Flókalundur (17 km); Bíldudalur Camping Ground (19 km).
- Day 4: Dynjandi → Þingeyri · 26 km · 0 h 21 minOvernight nearby, for example: Korpudalur (14 km); Tjaldsvæðið Þingeyrarodda (< 1 km).
- Day 5: Þingeyri → Ísafjörður · 35 km · 0 h 29 minOvernight nearby, for example: Korpudalur (14 km); Tungudalur (4 km).
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Iceland: No motorway tolls for cars. Many roads are gravel; F-roads need a 4×4. Motorway limit for cars: 90 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi?
5-day road trip of about 263 km (164 mi) with 6 stops, from Stykkishólmur to Ísafjörður. About 3 h 38 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi?
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 38 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi start and end?
It starts in Stykkishólmur and ends in Ísafjörður.
Which countries does Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi pass through?
Iceland.
Where can you camp along Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi?
OpenStreetMap lists 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Breiðavík við Latrabjarg, Tjaldsvæði á Patreksfirði and Korpudalur.
When is the best time for Iceland’s Westfjords: puffins, fjords and Dynjandi?
Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
