What can I say about driving in Iceland that you probably don’t already know? I could talk about how intimidating planning a road trip here feels, but that’s true for most countries. We see amazing photos — the waterfalls, the cliffs, the endless roads, and it looks incredible, yes. But then questions start creeping in: Is it safe? What if the car breaks down? Am I really going to cope with a six-hour drive? And honestly, I get it.
That’s exactly how most of us start: by googling things like “driving the Westfjords in Iceland”, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the mixed advice. But once you get your head around it, driving the Westfjords is quite simply one of the best travel decisions you could ever make.
Let Feet Do Travel show you the stunning country of Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, and how you can confidently drive the Westfjords on your own road trip.
That’s exactly how most of us start: by googling things like “driving the Westfjords in Iceland”, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the mixed advice. But once you get your head around it, driving the Westfjords is quite simply one of the best travel decisions you could ever make.
Let Feet Do Travel show you the stunning country of Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, and how you can confidently drive the Westfjords on your own road trip.
Icelandic Fjord - simply stunning
So, What are The Westfjords?
The Westfjords are the part of Iceland that reaches out into the North Atlantic. It’s not a single spot or place; it’s an entire region of the island, packed with fjords, which are those dramatic sea inlets, mountains and coastlines that will genuinely surprise you.
It’s one of the oldest parts of Iceland, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which gives it a unique and distinctive look. But what really makes it special is how empty it feels, making it a perfect place for travellers who want to slow down, relax, and completely unwind.
The region covers around 10% of Iceland’s total landmass, yet it’s home to fewer than 7,000 people. That means when you’re driving the Westfjords in Iceland, you will often have the landscapes and attractions almost entirely to yourself, with a rare chance to experience Iceland in a truly unique way.
It’s one of the oldest parts of Iceland, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which gives it a unique and distinctive look. But what really makes it special is how empty it feels, making it a perfect place for travellers who want to slow down, relax, and completely unwind.
The region covers around 10% of Iceland’s total landmass, yet it’s home to fewer than 7,000 people. That means when you’re driving the Westfjords in Iceland, you will often have the landscapes and attractions almost entirely to yourself, with a rare chance to experience Iceland in a truly unique way.
Isafjordur, the main town in Iceland's Westfjords
Where Are the Westfjords and How Do You Get There?
The Westfjords are situated on the northwest side of the island; its main town is Ísafjörður, and it truly feels separate from the rest of the country.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Like most Icelandic trips, your journey starts in Reykjavik, and from there it’s a long but scenic drive, around 6–7 hours to reach the main town of Ísafjörður. You can also take a ferry from the Snæfellsnes peninsula, or even a short domestic flight, but I highly recommend driving. In my opinion, the best option is to rent a 4x4, yes, even in summer!
Along the way, make sure to stop at Krauma, a geothermal bath that’s perfect for breaking up the journey towards Ísafjörður. Another worthwhile detour is the Gerðuberg Cliffs, and if you’re driving a 4x4 campervan (yes, there are also 4x4 campervans), you can spend a day or two in Búðardalur, which is absolutely stunning.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Like most Icelandic trips, your journey starts in Reykjavik, and from there it’s a long but scenic drive, around 6–7 hours to reach the main town of Ísafjörður. You can also take a ferry from the Snæfellsnes peninsula, or even a short domestic flight, but I highly recommend driving. In my opinion, the best option is to rent a 4x4, yes, even in summer!
Along the way, make sure to stop at Krauma, a geothermal bath that’s perfect for breaking up the journey towards Ísafjörður. Another worthwhile detour is the Gerðuberg Cliffs, and if you’re driving a 4x4 campervan (yes, there are also 4x4 campervans), you can spend a day or two in Búðardalur, which is absolutely stunning.
A 4x4 or SUV is the simplest and safest way to travel around Iceland and it's West Fjords
How to get around the Westfjords
Simple: by car. The best way to get around the Westfjords is by renting a car, especially if it’s a 4x4. Yes, this is the biggest deal breaker: your rental car isn’t just transportation, it’s also your basecamp, which is why choosing the right one matters so much.
You can drive the main roads in a small 2WD car in summer, the law says it’s fine, but many of the roads are gravel. They can be bumpy. They wind around mountains, with drops that will have you gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual.
For real peace of mind, and the freedom to explore without constantly worrying about the road conditions, most travellers are far happier with a 4x4 or an SUV.
You can drive the main roads in a small 2WD car in summer, the law says it’s fine, but many of the roads are gravel. They can be bumpy. They wind around mountains, with drops that will have you gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual.
For real peace of mind, and the freedom to explore without constantly worrying about the road conditions, most travellers are far happier with a 4x4 or an SUV.
How to Choose a Suitable Rental Car for Driving Around the Westfjords
A smaller car works, but a bigger, sturdier SUV or 4x4 feels better. It feels safer. It handles the bumps better. It gives you the confidence to take that extra detour.
But other than that, do you need a 4x4 to travel around the West Fjords? This answer changes with the seasons, and yes, it’s important to check the weather in Iceland.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
But other than that, do you need a 4x4 to travel around the West Fjords? This answer changes with the seasons, and yes, it’s important to check the weather in Iceland.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- If it’s Summer (June-August), a 4x4 is not a must-have for the main loop, but it’s highly recommended. Especially if you’re visiting the Dynjandi waterfall via certain routes, or the bumpy road to Látrabjarg.
- If it’s any other time (Autumn/Fall), Winter, Spring), a 4x4 is essential. Not a suggestion, literally a requirement. Snow, ice, and sudden storms are real.
Yes it is possible to travel around Iceland's Westfjords In a Campervan
Is It Possible to Travel Around the Westfjords In a Campervan?
Yes, and it’s incredible. You get to wake up to breathtaking views of the fjords, and they are stunning!. They really are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, especially at sunrise and sunset. And honestly, there’s no better place for that than the Westfjords.
The region is home to well-equipped campsites, with facilities like kitchens, showers, and electrical hookups, making it very campervan-friendly. But you still need to choose the right van for this region, and the same rules apply with cars: a 2WD campervan might be fine for the main summer roads, but for the best experience and access, a 4x4 campervan is the smarter choice.
The region is home to well-equipped campsites, with facilities like kitchens, showers, and electrical hookups, making it very campervan-friendly. But you still need to choose the right van for this region, and the same rules apply with cars: a 2WD campervan might be fine for the main summer roads, but for the best experience and access, a 4x4 campervan is the smarter choice.
Driving in the Westfjords
Most people and tour agencies sell you the postcard view. They don’t actually always tell you about the road that actually gets you there. So let’s clear a few things up.
Trying to “do” the Westfjords in a day or two isn’t really an option. You will see it, but you won’t feel it, and most of the time you’ll just be exhausted from trying to cram too much into each day — that’s a definite no-no.
That’s why the absolute minimum is three full days. This gives you space to split the loop into chapters: the south coast one day, the west another, and the northern fjords the next.
But four or five days is the real sweet spot. This is where you have time to actually get out and hike, to swim in a hot pot, and to let your inner kid throw rocks on a black sand beach.
Trying to “do” the Westfjords in a day or two isn’t really an option. You will see it, but you won’t feel it, and most of the time you’ll just be exhausted from trying to cram too much into each day — that’s a definite no-no.
That’s why the absolute minimum is three full days. This gives you space to split the loop into chapters: the south coast one day, the west another, and the northern fjords the next.
But four or five days is the real sweet spot. This is where you have time to actually get out and hike, to swim in a hot pot, and to let your inner kid throw rocks on a black sand beach.
Driving around in a 4x4 or Campervan, you can stop to take photos of Icelandic Horses
What are the Road Conditions Like in the Westfjords?
Here, the road is part of the attraction. It’s narrow. It twists and turns like a rollercoaster. You will cross one-lane bridges and drive through one-lane tunnels (yes, you really do yield to oncoming traffic), and for long stretches, the roads are unpaved gravel.
It kicks up dust, it rumbles beneath the tyres, and it demands your full attention. My best advice? Slow down. Drive at half the speed you think you should.
But also take your time to stop and admire Iceland’s natural beauty, and perhaps snap a few photos of its iconic Icelandic horses.
It kicks up dust, it rumbles beneath the tyres, and it demands your full attention. My best advice? Slow down. Drive at half the speed you think you should.
But also take your time to stop and admire Iceland’s natural beauty, and perhaps snap a few photos of its iconic Icelandic horses.
Discovering the Westfjords by Vehicle Rental
Driving the Westfjords isn’t just a trip. It’s a meeting with wildness. The roads might make you a little nervous at first, and that’s okay, as this will keep you alert. However, that feeling is quickly replaced by something bigger: a sense of capability, of adventure, and of discovering a part of the world that still feels untouched and natural.
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