ICELAND: The West Fjords 3-day road trip
THE WEST FJORDS OF ICELAND
On the northernmost peninsula within these fjords there is the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which is the "real" most remote area of Iceland, without roads, civil settlements nor mobile coverage. I will write about this wild place and my experience hiking in there for 6 days very soon!
Oh, and if you are into hot springs, the West Fjords are full of natural ones right next to the road in which you can take a bath, for free!!
Before starting, note that the images in this guide were taken in the month of October.
Now yes, let's start driving to one of the most beautiful places of Iceland!
Day 1 -
Either if you are coming from Reykjavík or from the North, you will have to follow Road 1 until reaching the secondary Road 60. This is the main road along the West Fjords, but, of course, expect to take some detours while travelling within the area.
Let's start the road trip from the southern part of the West Fjords (if you come from the Northern part, you might like to start the way round).
Enjoy the views, and stop along the way. It will be inevitable not doing it.
After driving a bit within the Southern area, we will take a detour from Road 62 to Road 612 and 614.
Along the way, stop and explore places. The landscape is amazing all around the fjords.
After this detour, get back to Road 62, or explore further this Peninsula, if you wish, you can reach the tip of it (I've not been there, though).
From Road 62 you will reach some fishing villages and, after switching to Road 63, you might consider to overnight in Tálknafjördur Campsite or any hostel nearby.
DAY 2 -
Today I'll show you the hot pool where I actually took a bath in, and with rainy, cold and cloudy weather!
Next, you'll be approaching to the waterfall known as the most beautiful one in Iceland for many people… and I agree!
Let's finish the day driving to the West Fjords' capital, Isafjördur.
ACCOMMODATION IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR -
❗️EVA’S TIP: if you are travelling by van, you can camp in a camping. If not, the most economical option would be the Ísafjörður Hostel, which I recommend. For those who prefer a hotel, there is the the Ísafjörður Hotel, too. Both the hostel and hotel are the same company which means that to check-in of the hostel must be done in the hotel.
❗️ The hostel has no bed sheet, so bring your sleeping bag. In case you have to rent the bed sheet, it has a cost of around 30€.
Another hotel I stayed in once is Torfnes Hotel and it was all good, too.
EATING IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR -
There aren't a lot of options to sleep in Ísafjörður, but there are enough. You can find whatever is that suits you better.
In regards restaurants, I have 2 favorite places to eat in Isafjörður:
👉🏼 If you like fish you should go to Tjöruhúsið. It's quite expensive (70€ approx.), but you have buffet, which means unlimited food, and is really delicious. ❗️Book in advance as it always gets full.
👉🏼 If you like avocado toast for breakfast, you should go to Heimabyggð. Their toasts selection is really good.
And another popular place recommended by locals in town is Husið.
DAY 3 -
This is the last day of the road trip within one of the most beautiful areas of Iceland. And you will finish the trip with the most beautiful part (if possible).
Just around 30 minutes drive from Ísafjörður you will arrive to Valagil.
❗️EVA'S TIP: Before reaching the next valley, make sure to stop in the viewpoints you will encounter along the way.
Along the way back to Reykjavík or to the North, you will find more thermal baths next to the road.
And as I've been saying, you are driving one of the most remote, pure and beautiful places in Iceland, so enjoy the views from the road, and get lost, if you can, taking secondary roads.
You’ll feel really isolated while traveling along the West Fjords, but there is an even more remote part in the northernmost point of the fjords!
Check out my experience hiking for 6 days in the most remote area of Iceland: the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. It was a wild adventure! 🦊🌿
But that’s not all! If you are planning a road trip around Iceland, below you'll find a complete 8-day itinerary. Or if you are visiting the capital, check out my Reykjavík's guide, too!
You can also read about “My Story” if you are interested in knowing more about living abroad, being nomad, or other destinations, and to get to know more about me and how I started moving around! 👇🏼
Thank you for reading, and don't hesitate to reach me out on Instagram @evarios14 if you have any question, feedback or just want to connect!
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