Top 5 Isafjordur Car Tours: See Iceland’s Westfjords

If you are thinking of seeing the Westfjords, then a car is definitely the way to go. What with its crazy curves, breathtaking views, and charming villages, so you can certainly discover the area around Isafjordur at your own speed and make loads of unique memories. I mean, so, too it’s almost more freeing than hopping on a bus tour. Plus, you get to stop for those spontaneous photo opportunities whenever that gorgeous landscape just screams out at you!

1. The Circle Route Near Isafjordur

Want a good intro to the area? Then, this drive starts and ends in Isafjordur, very offering a comprehensive look at the fjords near by. That means that you get to witness the steep mountains, deep fjords, plus those remote settlements that really define the region. You will probably want to set aside a full day for this, yet the rewards, from the views to the stories you gather along the way, tend to be well worth that time investment. Stopping in places like Bolungarvik, a sweet small fishing village, isn’t something that every tourist gets to do, yet with your own vehicle, you certainly can! You will probably want to check out the local maritime museum for some culture, as a matter of fact, it provides extra insights into the relationship between these villagers and the North Atlantic.

Driving onwards, then you might think about checking out the Ósvör Maritime Museum near Bolungarvík. This is a place very preserving a fisherman’s hut and some equipment from times that have since passed, typically offering you something close to an actual peek into the tough existence of those who called this coast their home. Basically, it makes you see and appreciate the hardiness of Iceland’s historical fishermen! Remember that the route might be tricky for bigger vehicles, especially during the winter months, is that you would do well to consider car selection beforehand.

2. Dynjandi Waterfall Adventure

Let’s face it, Iceland has a lot of waterfalls, alright? That, then Dynjandi isn’t just another waterfall. It really cascades down a mountain face in this series of tiers, resembling a bridal veil. You might well find the trip to get there rather thrilling, which takes you down gravel roads with some of the most jaw-dropping coastal views Iceland provides, sometimes. I mean, so pack some sturdy shoes because, as a matter of fact, you will absolutely want to hike to the base to feel the mist on your face and grab pictures of all the segmented falls that make up Dynjandi, arguably one of the crowning achievements of the Icelandic highlands. Be mindful that roads, basically speaking, tend to be unpaved so your vehicle choice is that really matters, in some respects. Check conditions before leaving and maybe don’t go tearing down them in some teeny tiny rental!

3. Thingeyri: A Trip to Tranquility

Want to find some place genuinely special? That little fishing village is, honestly, tucked away, sitting serenely with mountainous peaks watching over it. Very often the drive here from Isafjordur involves going through some fairly spectacular tunnels (one of them is actually quite long), yet don’t be concerned as they’re very well lit. Once there, just a little time soaking in Thingeyri’s relaxed atmosphere proves time extremely well spent. I mean, that is that this town is where time seems to have decided just to take a slower course, naturally perfect for unwinding. Walk around, enjoy the views of the fjord, and talk with the friendly people. As I was saying, don’t miss the old bookstore; it is that you might have a difficult time leaving!

The area all around Thingeyri is packed with places where people like your could be hiking. Still, Kaldbaks-heiði heath provides that really lovely walk where people get sweeping views. A bit further on is that there is the charming valley of Sandafell, featuring ruins from centuries back. People looking to see the raw, tranquil qualities defining Icelandic life should definitely come here, anyway.

4. Hrafnseyri and the Saga Trail

Do you fancy mixing culture with beautiful roads? Alright, so Hrafnseyri, the house of Jon Sigurdsson (who was a leader for Icelandic independence), arguably allows an inviting dive into Iceland’s struggle for independence, for instance. Visiting the museum here makes you gain a more profound sense of nationwide identity and displays the difficulties people encountered as they tried making the country into an independent place. Very few people see this sort of stuff. Driving up there brings a different sense of Iceland, very lush valleys which tell historical stories if people just really listen carefully.

Around Hrafnseyri are all these sites, with some, really like Reykjafjörður’s natural geothermal swimming pools providing opportunities to just completely relax and unwind; which, in fact, comes with benefits beyond culture and history if one might try that! Make sure that the geothermal pool visit features into that day. The entire trip is just excellent whether for Icelandophiles and persons simply aiming after seeing more regarding what makes Iceland tick, sometimes.

5. Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs and Rauðasandur Beach

Getting a good peek into raw, spectacular wildlife tends to be Látrabjarg. Actually, these gigantic cliffs form the westernmost part of Iceland and swarm with thousands of birds. Bring your binoculars if bird viewing strikes one’s preferences! Puffins, razorbills and guillemots all come and go up here. It, in some respects, should also be mentioned that these birds seem reasonably docile to humans; be, naturally, prepared! Otherwise you would want to take great pics. Basically speaking, it brings different challenges when you visit by car given it is, more or less, remote location and gravel tracks which need consideration when vehicle planning.

Rauðasandur coastline is just a bit from Látrabjarg. Really it’s where sands have various shades of red in accordance with daylight and weather that certainly allows any stop for landscape imagery something unique and definitely worth seeing if in the region anyway. Definitely schedule adequate travel window in and around there just so no area must go missed from what might just well prove quite the visual spectacle especially during sun rise or while it ends, frankly.