Westfjords

The Westfjords in Iceland, dominated by dramatic large fjords, steep mountains and towering cliffs rising high from the sea, are one of the most scattered populated region of Iceland and often thought to have the most purest nature. The Westfjords are rich of birdlife and the region is renowned for witchcraft, sorcerers and wizards.  

The Westfjords are the most scattered populated region of Iceland (apart from the Highlands).  Ísafjörður is the main town in the Westfjords and centre of trade and service in the Westfjords.

The Westfjords are often thought to have the most purest nature and the area is characterized by dramatic large fjords, steep mountains, towering angular cliffs rising high and sharply from the deep blue sea, almost touching the sky.

Through the centuries people have battled with the forces of nature to harvest the ocean riches and all around the Westfjords you find small fishing villages huddled against the sheer mountains, but large areas of the fjords are uninhabited. The Westfjords were renowned in the olden times for sorcerers, wizards and witchcraft.

The Westfjords are rich of birdlife; the birds outnumber the inhabitants many times. One can see the seabirds on their rugged cliffs and the Artic foxes in their lairs. Breidarfjördur is a “Mecca” for birdwatchers, and there you will find three of the largest bird cliffs in Europe.

For more detailed information about attractions, villages and activities in the Westfjords, be sure to go through our destination guide.