Ah, the Westfjords of Iceland. Seriously one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world, not just Iceland.
As part of our 5 week road trip throughout the entire country of Iceland, Brad and I spent 4 nights exploring the Westfjords via car, and it was amazing.
We visited in April, which was still pretty wintery, which meant there was the odd road closure, but visiting in winter brought its own perks.
There were next to no tourists, every natural hot spring we visited, we had the ENTIRE spot to ourselves, cheaper accommodations, and the roads were SO empty that even, I, (Cazzy) did some driving.
If you’ve ever watched any of our Youtube videos, you’ll notice that Brad does all the driving as whilst I hold a license, I am NOT a confident driver, but I drove on the Westfjords and it was awesome.
SO, here you have it, our Westfjords Iceland road trip itinerary, based on exactly where we went, and where we stayed too.
It’s worth noting that we did it in our Tesla (an electric vehicle), so I will note all the charging spots we used, as there aren’t as many available as other parts of Iceland- but we managed just fine!
Let's go...
The Westfjords (Vestfirðir) is one of Iceland’s most remote and breathtaking regions, known for its dramatic fjords, rugged cliffs, and untouched wilderness.
Located in the northwestern part of the country, the Westfjords is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to escape the tourist crowds.
My Westfjords road trip itinerary starts off in the direction of Borðeyri, which is on route 68, just coming off the main ring road of route 1.
So essentially it’s as if you’re coming down from the north of the country, which is exactly what we did.
BUT, you can do my entire Westfjords route in starting via route 60, if you’re coming up via the south (i.e. Reykjavik), you’ll end up in the same place, for a similar time!
Driving on day one isn’t too crazy, because you’ll have already done some driving to get to this point.
But the drive to Drangsnes is beautiful and it’s home to the Drangsnes Hot Tubs, which are without doubt one of my favourite "natural" hot baths in all of Iceland.
Drangsnes Hot Tubs are located in the small fishing village of Drangsnes, on the Strandir Coast in the Westfjords, Iceland.
The tubs sit right by the ocean, offering incredible views over Steingrímsfjörður fjord.
There are 3 tubs, offering 3 different heat levels (38°C to 42°C (100°F to 108°F), and Brad and I had the entire place to ourselves and it was just SPECTACULAR.
We stayed in the village that evening, and the accommodation actually provided dressing gowns, as it’s quite common for people to simply walk down from the village to the hot tubs.
But it was winter and freezing, so we drove! Haha
The hot tubs run on a donation system, and you can either pay by popping your money in a box, or if you want to pay by card you can go to the village shop. The shop was closed on the evening we arrived, so we went and paid in the morning.
The whole thing is based on trust that you’re going to pay!
I believe it may have been free in the past, and probably still is for locals, but it’s worth paying.
If you don’t want to stay overnight in the village, there is a changing room with showers across the road to use.
Anyway, I highly recommend you visit for sunset time, and we flew our drone here for some epic shots.
We stayed in a place called “Sunna Guesthouse”, which was about $100 for the night. It was self catering accommodation, so you can cook your own dinner, which you’ll need to do in winter as no restaurants were opened.
We also looked at the Malarhorn Guesthouse, which has a swimming pool, but it was sold out!
Day two is a big day of driving and a big day of AMAZING views.
I mean, you can see just from the overview of the map that those “bends” are going to give you some incredible views.
I think this specific day was in my top 3 in all of Iceland. Not only are you going to have incredible views, but you’re also going to visit another super remote hot spring, that’s not only free, but just incredible ... .ah it’s so hard to describe how epic it is, I need you to just go and see for yourself!! ;)
For my fellow EV drivers: there is a charger here. Make sure you charge!
This is literally a rectangle swimming pool, located in the middle of nowhere, with the most spectacular views, we even saw seals from the tub, and when you visit in the winter season, everything is capped with snow, just adding to the beauty.
There is “barely” parking, just somewhere you can pull in safely on the road, that could probably fit about two cars.
The hot bath is free of charge, and there is a small changing facility which is super useful, but no showers.
I will warn you, the water is HOT HOT HOT, you’ll literally see the pipe sitting in the pool just pumping it with scalding hot water, so take breaks after sitting in it for a while, and drink plenty of water.
But just enjoy the epic beauty that surrounds you.
This is one of those spots, where you’ll just sit and wonder, how does something this epic exist!
This is the exact location on google maps.
As you’re driving along route 61, you’ll come across a spot called Seal Lookout Point (here) and it’s got awesome views, and seals!
If you’ve packed a lunch for yourself, then this is a good place to pull over and enjoy it.
Fancy a sweet treat? Sætt & Salt is a boutique chocolate brand in Súðavík, Iceland, founded by chocolatier Elsa.
Known for handcrafted chocolates infused with local sea salt from Reykjanes, the brand blends Icelandic tradition with unique flavors.
You can grab a coffee or hot chocolate, and some chocolate! But be aware they’re not open all year round, so check their FB for updates (don’t rely on their Google opening hours- they are not accurate).
This little gem is next to the arctic fox centre, so you can combine a visit to both.
This area is the largest town, so the best place to grab some food, or head to the supermarket to grab ingredients to make dinner at your next accommodation.
There are also petrol stations and EV charging here.
You can visit here on your way OUT (this is a one way in and out part of the road trip).
There are plenty of hotels in this area too (and camping if you’ve done the Westfjords Road trip by campervan), but I recommend you drive a little further and stay where we stayed, in the little village of Bolungarvik.
We stayed in an adorable spot called the “little cottage”, which is the coziest, cutest accommodation you could want, and fully equipped with everything you need!
In the morning, before you leave, drive up to Bolafjall Útsýnispallur which is a beautiful scenic viewpoint, where there is a platform. It’s directly in front of Greenland, although it’s too far to see ;)
NOTE, it’s not always open in winter.
Along route 60, you’ll be stopping at the most famous waterfall in the Westfjords. It’s a really beautiful spot.
💦 Height: ~100 meters (328 ft)
🔹 Width: ~30 meters at the top, 60 meters at the base
Dynjandi, often called the “Jewel of the Westfjords,” is the largest waterfall in the region and one of Iceland’s most stunning cascades. It resembles a wedding veil as it gracefully widens while flowing down the mountainside.
Seven-tiered waterfall – Dynjandi is the largest, but six smaller waterfalls follow below.
Scenic Hike – A short 15-20 minute uphill hike leads to the main falls, passing the smaller ones.
Remote & Less Crowded – Unlike South Iceland’s busy waterfalls, Dynjandi offers a peaceful, untouched experience.
Stunning Fjord Views – Overlooks Arnarfjörður, adding to its dramatic beauty.
There are lovely on-site, clean toilets, and they even offer FREE EV charging, which is fun!
Another day, another hot tub ;)
This is one of the ones we didn’t visit in the end, and it was simply because the road going to it was impassable due to visiting in winter…
But if you’re visiting in summer months, then you’ll be able to loop through the road with no problems.
Basically its a secluded geothermal pool in the Westfjords, Iceland, offering stunning fjord views and a peaceful soak.
It features a man-made pool and a natural hot spring, with water temperatures around 38-42°C (100-108°F). Located 15 minutes from Dynjandi Waterfall on Route 63, it’s free and open 24/7, but visitors should bring their own towels.
The best time to visit is May to September, as winter roads may be impassable. Perfect for a quiet, relaxing stop while exploring the Westfjords’ remote beauty.
Fossfjörður Waterfall is a hidden gem in the Westfjords, Iceland, known for its cascading multi-tiered falls in a serene, untouched valley.
Located along Route 60, it’s a short detour between Dynjandi Waterfall and Þingeyri, offering a peaceful stop with minimal crowds. The waterfall flows through lush green landscapes, making it a great spot for photography and a quick nature break.
Best visited in summer (May–September) when roads are accessible, it’s a perfect addition to a Westfjords road trip for those seeking off-the-beaten-path beauty.
You’ll finish up at the town of Bíldudalur, which is worth it for the spectacular drive down to it!
We stayed in a place called Gistihúsið við Höfnina which was really sweet, had breakfast included and very clean and comfortable.
They have a shared kitchen if you want to make your own meals.
On this night we decided to eat out at the local restaurant across the road, which is a restaurant, shop and off license all in one!
It’s called Vegamot Bildudal - Café/Shop/Restaurant, and the staff are brilliant, plus they made a veggie burger which was perfect for us!
The prices aren’t bad either, considering it’s Iceland ;)
You’ve also got petrol fill up in this spot, and a really random destination charger for Tesla across from the hotel, which ended up being free for us to use!
In this town you also have the The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum and Coffee shop which is highly rated. Unfortunately it was closed when we visited!
The Museum is open daily from 10.00-18.00, May 15. – September 15.
Now you could split this up over 2 days, and add an extra night, but I’m just giving you the itinerary based on how we did it!
You're going to start by taking route 63, then turning off to route 612, then 614 to Rauðisandur Beach.
On your way to this spot, there is another hot spring called Pollurinn hot springs (route 617) which will add time onto your trip. I didn’t love the look of this hot spring compared to others, so we didn’t detour, BUT, there are other hot springs we will be stopping at on this day, so you won’t miss out!
Rauðisandur Beach is a stunning red and golden sand beach in the Westfjords, Iceland, known for its unique color, which contrasts with Iceland’s usual black sand beaches. Stretching around 10 km (6 miles) along the coast, it offers breathtaking views of Breiðafjörður Bay and nearby cliffs.
The color of the sand shifts between red, gold, and pink, depending on the light and weather.
This remote beach is rarely crowded, making it perfect for a peaceful walk, birdwatching (including puffins in summer), and spotting seals along the shore.
I won’t lie, the drive down to this beach is SKETCHY, it feels like you’re one bad turn from flailing off the edge (lol), so just take it slow.
We were able to visit in winter, but only just. I kept checking to see if the road was open and it was closed every other day we were in the Westfjords, then I checked on our final morning and it was open, so we drove!
We were the only car, and people near that beach.
In the summer months there is a pretty cool looking cafe called Franska kaffihúsið á Rauðasandi, it looks really cool and the views are incredible.
Pssst, if you’re visiting during puffin season, there is a famous puffin viewing spot called Látrabjarg which is located on route 612.
On you’re way back out (it’s another one way in, one way out road), you’ll see a cool ship wreck called Garðar BA 64 (it’s worth a picture!)
Krosslaug Hot Spring is a small, natural geothermal pool in the Westfjords, Iceland, offering a peaceful soak with stunning fjord views.
Located near Hólmavík on the Strandir Coast, it consists of a man-made pool and a smaller natural hot spring, with water temperatures around 38-42°C (100-108°F). This remote and rarely crowded hot spring is free and open year-round, though road access can be challenging in winter.
When we visited, there wasn’t a soul around!
The changing rooms were closed too, but there was a QR code to make a donation.
The pool is around 38°C (100°F) and can accommodate a few bathers at a time. Free and open year-round, it has no changing facilities, so visitors should bring towels and warm clothes. Best visited in summer (May–September), Hellulaug is a perfect stop for road trippers exploring the Westfjords.
Just before this hot spring, there is a charging station for EVs located in a hotel here. (MAKE SURE YOU CHARGE).
This hotel is where you could split your time and stay here and continue the drive the next day.
But we continued along route 60 to make our way out of the Westfjords.
The views are truly breathtaking, and honestly whilst the sites and attractions on a Westfjords road trip are great, the views when you’re driving are the reason you go!
There is another charging station and a shop in Búðardalur and plenty of accommodation.
But we stayed a little further out at a place called Sauðafell Guesthouse which was an awesome stay!
Now that ends your Westfjords Iceland road trip itinerary!
This was truly one of the best road trips we did in Iceland, and it’ll feel like a totally different place.
That’s the beauty of Iceland, the north, south, east and west all offer something unique!
So there we have it!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Westfjords Iceland road trip itinerary, and I really hope you visit!
If you’ve got any questions, thoughts, or comments, please feel free to drop them below!
Love,
Cazzy
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