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Explore the Westfjords: Iceland’s Best Kept Secret

By Michael Bamidele
07 November 2021   |   2:32 pm
The Westfjords is a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland, it covers approximately a 22,000 square kilometre area, with a population of just over 7,000. The peninsula offers some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. It is off-the-beaten-track which allows you to immerse yourself in its folklore-like beauty alongside ample attractions and activities.  Fun…

The Westfjords | iStock

The Westfjords is a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland, it covers approximately a 22,000 square kilometre area, with a population of just over 7,000.

The peninsula offers some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. It is off-the-beaten-track which allows you to immerse yourself in its folklore-like beauty alongside ample attractions and activities. 

Fun Things To Do:

See The Northern Lights

Also known as the Aurora, the northern lights display dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky. It is a breathtaking sight.

Northern Lights | Pinterest

Whale watching

Around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the hump-backed whale, dolphins and a few others.

Angling

Iceland has an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with salmon and trout and attracts many anglers. The opportunities for participating are limitless.

Skiing or Snowboarding

For those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding, there are fine ski resorts throughout the country. They are generally open during the winter, snow and circumstances permitting. There is a ski-resort in Ísafjörður. 

Golfing

Golf lovers are spoilt for choice as there is an abundance of golf courses in the Westfjords.

Destinations:

Dynjandi

Dynjandi Waterfall | Artic Adventure

Dynjandi is a waterfall located in Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords region of Iceland. It is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords and has a total height of 100 metres. 

Beneath it are five other waterfalls: Háifoss, Úðafoss, Göngufoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss.

Rauðasandur

Rauðasandur | mbl.is – Ómar Óskarsson

Rauðasandur is a beach in the Westfjords, famous for having red and golden rather than black sands like most other beaches in Iceland.

The beach, like all in the Westfjords, also boasts great seal-watching opportunities. Grey and Harbour Seals can often be seen bobbing in the water or hauling out on the sands.

How To Get There:

The quickest way to get to the Westfjords is by air. The flight from Reykjavík only takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on which of the three airports you are travelling to:

Bus connections to the Westfjords are available the whole year. However, please note that there are seasonal changes.

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