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Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland — Scenic
Europe

Westfjords Ring Road

Iceland

In short: Westfjords Ring Road is a 950 km scenic road trip in Iceland, typically driven over 4-6 days, best in June to September. Highlights: Reykjavík, Borgarnes, Hólmavík.

Distance
950 km
Duration
4-6 days
Best Season
June to September
IconicModerateScenicEV-friendly

This loop through Iceland’s remote Westfjords follows cliff-hugging roads past deep fjords, fishing villages, bird cliffs, and hot springs, with constant sea views and minimal traffic. Highlights include Ísafjörður, Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg puffin cliffs, and the golden sand at Rauðisandur.

~1 refuel
~3 charges
Practical notes
Expect long gaps between fuel stations, spotty cell coverage, and frequent single-lane bridges or gravel detours. Winter travel can be slow or closed by snow and ice; a summer or early autumn trip is the most reliable choice.
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Stops along the route

Reykjavík — Departure — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Departure
Reykjavík
Start in Iceland’s capital, then head north toward the open roads of the Westfjords. Stock up before the long, lonely stretches begin.
Borgarnes — City — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
City
Borgarnes
A practical first stop with fuel, snacks, and harbor views. It breaks up the drive before the road bends into northwest Iceland.
Hólmavík — City — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
City
Hólmavík
Small and windswept, with fjord scenery and a quiet fishing-town feel. A good base for a coffee break before entering the Westfjords.
Ísafjörður — City — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
City
Ísafjörður
The biggest town in the Westfjords sits between steep mountains and a narrow harbor. Expect colorful houses, gear shops, and a strong seaside atmosphere.
Patreksfjörður — City — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
City
Patreksfjörður
A sheltered fjord town that feels remote even by Icelandic standards. It is a useful overnight stop before the southern capes and beaches.
Brjánslækur ferry terminal — Arrival — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Arrival
Brjánslækur ferry terminal
Finish at the ferry landing tucked into a quiet fjord. It is a fitting final stop for a loop built around remote coasts and long horizons.

Things to Do

Dynjandi waterfall — Nature — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Nature
Dynjandi waterfall
A towering tiered waterfall spilling over a broad cliff face. It is one of the route’s signature natural stops and worth the short walk.
Rauðisandur beach — Nature — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Nature
Rauðisandur beach
A wide sweep of golden-red sand facing cold blue water. The colors shift with the light and make this one of Iceland’s most unusual beaches.
Látrabjarg cliffs — Landmark — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Landmark
Látrabjarg cliffs
Massive sea cliffs packed with nesting birds in summer. Puffins are the star attraction, along with wild ocean views.
Dynjandi Waterfall — Waterfall — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Waterfall
Dynjandi Waterfall
Walk up to this stepped waterfall for one of the best views in the Westfjords. The roar of the water and the layered falls make it unforgettable.
Látrabjarg Puffin Cliffs — Birdwatching — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Birdwatching
Látrabjarg Puffin Cliffs
Visit in summer to see puffins and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Stay back from the edge and watch the Atlantic below.
Rauðisandur Beach — Beach — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Beach
Rauðisandur Beach
Explore the vast sand flats and shifting shoreline at low tide. The soft red-gold tones look especially striking in evening light.
Ísafjörður Old Town — Historic district — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Historic district
Ísafjörður Old Town
Stroll the compact harbor district for fishing-town atmosphere and mountain views. It is one of the best places to feel daily life in the Westfjords.
Krossneslaug Hot Pool — Hot spring — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Hot spring
Krossneslaug Hot Pool
Soak in a remote geothermal pool with wide ocean views. It is a memorable off-the-grid reward if you have extra time on the loop.

Where to Eat

Húsið — Icelandic seafood — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Icelandic seafood
Húsið
A well-known waterfront restaurant in Ísafjörður with local fish and classic Icelandic dishes. Good for a proper meal after a day of fjord driving.
Tjöruhúsið — Seafood — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Seafood
Tjöruhúsið
A popular seasonal seafood spot in Ísafjörður that draws visitors for generous fish platters. Book ahead if you want a table in summer.
Gamla Bakaríið — Bakery — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Bakery
Gamla Bakaríið
A bakery and cafe in Hólmavík for coffee, pastries, and a quick road stop. It is a simple, reliable place to refuel before the next leg.
Fjöruborðið — Icelandic seafood — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Icelandic seafood
Fjöruborðið
A seafood restaurant in Patreksfjörður area with a strong local feel and fjord-side setting. It is a good dinner stop near the route’s southern reaches.
Vegamót — Cafe — Westfjords Ring Road — Iceland
Cafe
Vegamót
A casual cafe and road stop in the Westfjords area for soup, coffee, and easy lunch options. Handy when services are spread far apart.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Westfjords Ring Road drive?

The Westfjords Ring Road covers 950 km from start to finish.

How long does the Westfjords Ring Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4-6 days on the Westfjords Ring Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Westfjords Ring Road?

The recommended season for the Westfjords Ring Road is June to September.

Where does the Westfjords Ring Road start and end?

The Westfjords Ring Road runs from Reykjavík to Brjánslækur ferry terminal.

What are the main stops on the Westfjords Ring Road?

The Westfjords Ring Road passes through Reykjavík, Borgarnes, Hólmavík.

Can I drive the Westfjords Ring Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Westfjords Ring Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Westfjords Ring Road?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Westfjords Ring Road, based on its 950 km length.

Is the Westfjords Ring Road EV friendly?

Yes — the Westfjords Ring Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Westfjords Ring Road safe to drive?

Expect long gaps between fuel stations, spotty cell coverage, and frequent single-lane bridges or gravel detours. Winter travel can be slow or closed by snow and ice; a summer or early autumn trip is the most reliable choice.

What scenic tier is the Westfjords Ring Road?

The Westfjords Ring Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.