The Complete Westfjords
Driving Guide

Route 60 is the main artery into and through the Westfjords, running from Brú junction in the east all the way to Patreksfjörður in the south. It is the only fully paved through-route and is driveable in most conditions year-round. The road is narrow in many sections with sharp turns around fjord headlands — speed limits are strictly enforced.

The southern section between Flókalundur and Patreksfjörður crosses the Barðaströnd peninsula and includes some of the most dramatic fjord scenery in Iceland. Allow at least 4–5 hours from Brú to Patreksfjörður without stops.

Route 61 is the main approach to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. It follows the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system inland, offering stunning views across the water to the opposite mountains. Much of the road is paved but there are gravel sections particularly on mountain passes.

The pass over Steingrímsfjarðarheiði (between Hólmavík and Djúpavík) can close in winter storms. Check vegagerdin.is before attempting in November–April. The final approach to Ísafjörður goes through the impressive Bolungarvíkurgöng tunnel (Route 68, toll-free).

Route 62 runs along the southern coast of the Westfjords from the Flókalundur ferry landing to Patreksfjörður. This route gives access to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs — Europe's largest seabird colony — and Rauðisandur beach, one of Iceland's few red sand beaches.

The road is paved but narrow, particularly on the Bjarnafjörður peninsula. There are very few services on this route — fill up in Patreksfjörður or Bíldudalur before heading west.

The Bolungarvíkurgöng is a 5.5 km tunnel connecting Ísafjörður to the fishing village of Bolungarvík. It is toll-free and single-lane with passing bays — always yield to oncoming traffic at the passing bays. Before the tunnel was built in 2010, Bolungarvík was regularly cut off in winter.

Route 635 is the access road to Dynjandi, often called the jewel of the Westfjords — a 100 metre tiered waterfall that is one of Iceland's most spectacular natural sights. The road is gravel and can be rough after rain. 2WD cars can manage in dry summer conditions but 4WD is recommended.

There is a small car park at the base. The walk to the top waterfall takes about 30–45 minutes and is rewarding at every level. Do not leave valuables in the car.

F-roads in the Westfjords include access routes to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and several interior highland routes. All F-roads require 4WD by Icelandic law. Driving a 2WD vehicle on an F-road voids your insurance completely — this applies to all rental cars.

F-roads in the Westfjords typically open in June and close in September or October depending on conditions. Never drive an F-road that is shown as closed on vegagerdin.is — conditions that look driveable to the eye can be impassable and dangerous.