Iceland hiking tour in the Westfjords
Plan and book with vetted Iceland experts
Choose the Iceland hiking tour in the Westfjords for an active journey through one of the country’s most remote and dramatic regions. Designed around fjordside trails, coastal ridgelines, and quiet mountain paths, this experience centers on exploring the Westfjords on foot, far from the crowds found on typical Iceland trips.
Each day brings guided hikes across raw landscapes shaped by glaciers and sea cliffs, with carefully selected countryside stays that place you close to nature. From seabird cliffs to isolated valleys, this tour offers solitude, sweeping views, and a deeper connection to Iceland’s wild terrain.
Iceland hiking tour in the Westfjords highlights
- Westfjords wilderness hiking: Explore remote fjordside trails, coastal ridgelines, and mountain paths far from the main tourist routes.
- Seabird cliffs and Arctic wildlife: Hike along dramatic headlands where puffins, seals, and Arctic foxes inhabit the rugged coastline.
- Glacial valleys and hidden waterfalls: Walk through isolated landscapes shaped by ice and sea, with natural hot springs along the way.
- Fishing villages between hikes: Pause in small Westfjords communities to experience local culture and regional flavors.
- Flexible hiking experiences: Choose moderate or challenging routes, guided options, and extended trail days tailored to your pace.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ísafjörður and surrounding fjords | • Coastal hike above Bolungarvík with views over Ísafjarðardjúp • Fjordside walk near Flateyri and Holt beach • Short mountain or valley hike near Súðureyri • Optional visit to Ósvör maritime museum | Northern Westfjords |
| 2 | Ísafjörður Bay | • Guided full-day hike in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve or along Ísafjarðardjúp fjord ridgelines • Arctic fox habitat and remote coastal scenery • Moderate to challenging terrain options | Southern Westfjords |
| 3 | Southern Westfjords | • Cliffside hiking at Látrabjarg with seabird viewpoints • Coastal walk along Rauðasandur red sand beach • Optional inland valley hike near Breiðavík | Southern Westfjords |
| 4 | Dalir and Southern Strandir | • Fjord and hillside hike along Fellsströnd or Skarðsströnd • Remote coastal walking routes in Strandir • Optional sea cliff or valley hike near Drangsnes • Evening soak in Drangsnes hot pots | Strandir |
| 5 | Northern Strandir | • Wilderness hike near Djúpavík with mountain and fjord views • Remote coastal trail near Norðurfjörður • Scenic walk to Krossneslaug with ocean backdrop | Strandir |
| 6 | Ísafjörður Bay and Reykjavík | • Hike to Valagil gorge or fjordside trail near Hnífsdalur • Optional short wildlife walk at Hvítanes • Flight to Reykjavík • Evening free in Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| 7 | Reykjavík and departure | • Optional morning coastal walk near Seltjarnarnes lighthouse • Transfer to Keflavík Airport | — |
Isafjordur and the surrounding fjords
Begin your Iceland travel adventure with a morning flight from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður, where sweeping views of fjords and mountains introduce the rugged terrain ahead. After picking up your car and meeting a local advisor for trail recommendations, set out on your first Westfjords hikes.
Explore coastal and hillside paths near Bolungarvík, with panoramic views over Ísafjarðardjúp, and enjoy a fjordside walk near Flateyri and Holt beach along Önundarfjörður. Continue with a scenic hike above Súðureyri on Sugandafjörður fjord, taking in steep slopes and open sea views.
Continue to Sudureyri on Sugandafjordur fjord, and end the day with fresh seafood at Tjoruhusid in its historic house, an inspiration you might also draw on when planning a West Iceland trip.
Hiking in Ísafjörður Bay
Continue your Iceland hiking tour in the Westfjords with a guided day on the trails around Ísafjarðardjúp. Follow fjordside paths and climb into the surrounding hills for wide views across the bay, choosing routes that match your pace and experience level.
In summer, venture into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for remote valley hikes framed by dramatic sea cliffs and Arctic fox habitat. Optional additions such as sea kayaking or wildlife excursions can complement the experience, while the focus remains on exploring the raw Westfjords landscape on foot.
Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur, and the Southern Westfjords
Today explores the dramatic coastline of Iceland’s far west on foot. Begin with a hike along the cliffs of Látrabjarg, following marked paths above the sea where seabirds nest on towering rock faces and the Atlantic stretches endlessly below.
Continue to Rauðasandur for a long coastal walk across its striking red sands, scanning the shoreline for seals and enjoying the vast, open landscape. End the day with a peaceful hike near Breiðavík and Örlygshöfn, a memorable stretch of shoreline that adds depth and contrast to your Iceland itinerary.
Dalir and Southern Strandir
Hike through the quiet valleys of Dalir, a landscape shaped by rolling hills, coastal inlets, and saga history linked to Eiríkur the Red and Leifur Eiríksson. Follow trails along Fellsströnd and Skarðsströnd, where elevated coastal paths reveal wide views across Breiðafjörður toward Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords.
Continuing north into Strandir, explore remote hillside and shoreline routes where steep mountains meet the sea. After a day on the trails, unwind in the seaside hot pots at Drangsnes, surrounded by open ocean and rugged cliffs.
Northern Strandir
Explore Northern Strandir, one of the best places to visit in Iceland for travelers seeking true remoteness. Spend the day hiking along isolated coastal trails near Djúpavík and Norðurfjörður, where steep mountains rise directly from the sea, and few travelers venture.
Follow shoreline paths past driftwood beaches and waterfalls, and take in sweeping fjord views near Munaðarnes farm. After time on the trail, relax in the historic Krossneslaug pool, set at the edge of the ocean in one of Iceland’s most untouched regions.
With only around 50 residents, Strandir feels wonderfully remote, and each hike reveals vast inlets, Arctic silence, and wide open horizons.
Ísafjarðardjúp and Reykjavík
Begin the final active day of your Iceland hiking tour in the Westfjords with a coastal walk near Hvítanes, where seals rest along the shoreline, and steep fjords frame the horizon. Continue with a hike into Valagil gorge, following a narrow canyon trail beneath layered cliffs, or choose a fjordside route near Súðavík with views across Ísafjarðardjúp.
After your Westfjords hikes, take the short flight from Ísafjörður to Reykjavík. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the capital’s compact center, passing Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur, Tjörnin pond, and the old harbour before ending along the waterfront near Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Departure
On departure day, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Reykjavik. After breakfast, take a short walk along the harbour or through the city center for any last photos, coffee, or souvenirs.
Then transfer to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight home, bringing your Iceland trip to a smooth close.
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