The Westfjords are Iceland's forgotten corner — a maze of steep fjords, empty gravel roads and thundering waterfalls where you can drive for an hour without meeting another car. Fewer than 10% of visitors make it here, which is exactly why it rewards those who do. This is a 4x4 road trip in the truest sense, and Aurora Car Rental Iceland has the vehicles to get you there.
Why drive the Westfjords?
If the Golden Circle and South Coast are Iceland's greatest hits, the Westfjords are the deep cuts — wilder, emptier and more dramatic. The landscape is a tangle of flat-topped mountains and long sea inlets carved by ancient glaciers, dotted with tiny fishing villages and some of Europe's largest seabird colonies. Because the region is off the main tourist track, roads are quiet, prices are lower and nature feels genuinely untouched. It is the antidote to crowded car parks further south.
The trade-off is distance and road quality. Getting here from Aurora's pickup at Suðurbraut 890, 262 Keflavík takes the better part of a day, and once you arrive, many of the best roads are gravel that climbs and drops over mountain passes. This is why a capable 4x4 is not a luxury here — it is the right tool for the job.
Top stops in the Westfjords
| Place | What makes it special |
|---|---|
| Dynjandi | The "jewel of the Westfjords", a 100 m tiered waterfall |
| Látrabjarg | Europe's largest bird cliff, puffins up close |
| Rauðasandur | Vast red and golden sand beach |
| Ísafjörður | Main town, restaurants, base for exploring |
| Hornstrandir | Uninhabited nature reserve, Arctic foxes (by boat) |
Dynjandi is the region's icon — a series of waterfalls cascading down a mountainside like a bridal veil, best reached by a short uphill walk. Látrabjarg is a 14 km wall of cliffs at Iceland's westernmost point, home to millions of puffins, razorbills and guillemots that nest astonishingly close to visitors. Rauðasandur, reached by a steep gravel descent, is a two-tone beach that glows red and gold depending on the light. Ísafjörður is the largest town and the practical hub for food, fuel and accommodation.
How many days do you need?
The Westfjords are big and the roads are slow, so do not try to rush. A minimum of three days lets you see the southern highlights around Látrabjarg and Dynjandi; four to five days allows a proper loop up to Ísafjörður and the northern fjords. Distances look short on a map but travel times are long because roads hug every twist of the coastline.
| Trip length | What you can cover |
|---|---|
| 3 days | Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur (south) |
| 5 days | Full loop including Ísafjörður and northern fjords |
Which 4x4 for the Westfjords?
Gravel mountain roads, steep passes and long distances make this a job for a genuine 4x4. A 2WD can technically reach some paved sections but will struggle and is not recommended.
- SsangYong Korando 4x4 — comfortable, capable, great value (from 14,000 ISK/day)
- Kia Sportage 4x4 — roomy for luggage and longer trips (from 14,000 ISK/day)
- Toyota Hilux / Musso 2026 — the toughest option for rough gravel and camping gear (65,000 ISK/day)
- Korando or Dacia + Roof Tent — perfect for sleeping among the fjords (from 22,000 ISK/day)
Browse them all on our cars page and reserve on the booking page. Every Aurora rental includes insurance, unlimited kilometres and a free airport-area transfer, with cash payment at pickup and no deposit. Remember that all vehicles are unavailable 10–15 August 2026.
When to go and what to watch for
The Westfjords are a summer destination. Most gravel roads and mountain passes are only reliably open from June to September; in winter many close entirely and the region becomes very hard to reach. Even in summer, fuel stations are far apart, so fill up at every opportunity, and mobile coverage can vanish between fjords. Drive slowly on gravel, watch for loose surfaces on descents, and always check road.is before setting out. Distances between services are the biggest planning challenge here — carry snacks, water and warm layers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 for the Westfjords?
Yes, a 4x4 is strongly recommended. Many Westfjords roads are gravel with steep mountain passes. Vehicles like the SsangYong Korando, Kia Sportage or Toyota Hilux handle these conditions comfortably.
How far are the Westfjords from Keflavík?
The southern Westfjords are roughly 350–450 km from Keflavík, a 5–6 hour drive. Because of the distance, most travellers spend at least three days exploring the region.
Can you visit the Westfjords in winter?
It is very difficult. Many roads and mountain passes close in winter and conditions are harsh. The Westfjords are best visited between June and September when roads are reliably open.
What is the best waterfall in the Westfjords?
Dynjandi is the region's most famous waterfall, a spectacular 100-metre tiered cascade often called the jewel of the Westfjords. A short uphill walk leads to its base.
Where can I see puffins in the Westfjords?
Látrabjarg, Europe's largest bird cliff at Iceland's westernmost point, is one of the best places in the world to see puffins up close, along with razorbills and guillemots, from June to August.
Take on the Westfjords
Book a rugged 4x4 with Aurora Car Rental Iceland — insurance included, no deposit, free airport-area transfer.
Aurora Car Rental Iceland — Suðurbraut 890, 262 Keflavík | WhatsApp: +48 729 854 633 | carrentalaurora@gmail.com