First Things First: The Westfjords Don't Behave Like The Rest Of Iceland

On a map, the Westfords look surprisingly compact. But in real life, it's a whole different story, a maze of peninsulas, mountain passes, and fjords that make you feel like you've earned every single inch you make.

What really catches people out is just how slow things feel around there. Not in a bad way, just different. Google Maps will tell you a drive takes two hours. Don't believe it, add on at least 40 minutes to that.

Why?

• Fjords mean you're gonna have to take the scenic route every single time
• Roads keep on climbing and dropping all over the shop
• You'll find yourself stopping more often than you think you will (trust me, it happens)

This ain't the Ring Road, and that's the whole point.

When To Visit The Westfjords By Car

Timing is everything in this neck of the woods, and by that I mean you really need to pay attention.

Summer (June - August) is the clear winner, roads are open, daylight just seems to go on forever, and even the gravel routes are pretty manageable. The weather can still shift fast, but you've got a bit of room to play with.

Shoulder season can be pretty beautiful, and pretty quiet, but it's also a bit of a gamble. Roads can close without warning, and services thin out pretty fast.

Winter?

I wouldn't even recommend it unless you're super experienced, super flexible, and really don't mind being on your own for a bit. Lots of the routes just aren't accessible, this region doesn't take kindly to people with rigid plans.

If there's one thing to remember: plan around the weather, not the dates.

What Kind Of Car Do You Actually Need

You'll get a lot of opinions on cars in the Westfords, and to be honest, here's mine.

In the height of summer, a 2-wheel drive might just about do on the main roads, but if you want to be able to take the road less travelled, and to explore the bits that are a bit more off the beaten path, a 4x4 makes it a whole lot calmer. Not faster, just calmer.

What really matters more than people give credit for:

• Good tyres
• Reliable brakes on those long descents
• Enough clearance to just ignore the little road bumps

Fuel planning is also super important, stations are few and far between, so when you see one, use it. Even if you think you're "mostly full".

Scenic Routes That Define The Westfjords

Route 60 And The Dynjandi Corridor

Dynjandi gets all the attention, but the real magic is the drive up to it.

The road winds its way up & over, then opens out into these stunning views, but then tightens up again.

You can see waterfalls tumbling down distant cliffs, and the wind will pick up and drop without warning. The parking areas are functional, not fancy, and that's just fine.

Dynjandi itself deserves a bit of time, not just for the photos, but for walking the falls below it. This stretch is one of those places that just sets the tone for the whole region: put in the effort, and you get the reward.

The Strandir Coast: Endless, Quiet, Honest

Driving the Strandir Coast feels like committing to a thought and seeing it through.

It’s long. Often gravel. Exposed to weather. And deeply peaceful.

You won’t find many services here. You will find silence, long coastal views, and the kind of isolation that recalibrates your sense of scale. This route isn’t for everyone. If you need constant stimulation, skip it. If you’re okay with space, real space, it’s unforgettable.

Ísafjörður Loops & Tunnel Roads

Tunnels change everything in the Westfjords. They shorten drives, reduce backtracking, and make loop routes possible where none existed before.

Around Ísafjörður, this creates a nice balance: dramatic driving without constant exhaustion. Light changes quickly here, especially late in the day. If you can time these routes for softer evening light, do it. The fjords glow.

Remote Villages: Why They Matter More Than Attractions

The Westfjords aren’t about ticking sights. They’re about places that feel lived in.

Villages here are small, functional, and quietly proud. “Services” might mean one café that closes early and a shop with limited hours. That’s normal.

When you stop:

• Park considerately
• Don’t assume anything is open
• Slow your pace to match the place

In my experience, these stops linger longer in memory than any single viewpoint.

What Day-To-Day Travel Actually Feels Like

Some days feel expansive. Others feel narrow and focused.

Expect:

• Limited food options after early evening
• Spotty cell service
• Long gaps between cars
• Sudden weather mood swings

And yet, that’s the magic. The Westfjords don’t perform for you. They exist whether you’re there or not. That’s rare now.

Planning An Itinerary That Doesn’t Burn You Out

If you’re doing the Westfjords properly, you need time. More than you think.

We recommend:

• At least 4–5 days minimum
• Fewer bases, not more
• On “a buffer day,” you can move or drop

Some days, you’ll drive less and see more. Other days, you’ll drive a lot and stop almost nowhere. Both are valid. Overplanning is the fastest way to miss what’s in front of you.

Mistakes We See First-Time Drivers Make

A few patterns repeat:

• Treating the region like a Ring Road extension
• Underestimating gravel fatigue
• Skipping fuel stops
• Driving too late in the day
• Ignoring weather shifts

The Westfjords don’t reward efficiency. They reward awareness.

Why Exploring The Westfjords By Car Is Worth It

There are no shortcuts here. No tour buses cutting corners. No quick wins.

That’s why driving yourself matters. You control the pace. You decide when to stop. You choose when silence is enough.

If you’re renting a car, working with a local company like MyCar helps, not in a flashy way, but in a practical one.

They understand Icelandic roads, regional quirks, and what actually matters when you’re heading somewhere this remote. That knowledge quietly supports the whole experience.