Vesturbyggð

Province ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 1,314

Area 1,328 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

Official website www.vesturbyggd.is

Planning a Trip to Vesturbyggð?

Build your day-by-day itinerary in the Tripomatic app.

Start Planning

Explore Vesturbyggð

Vesturbyggð Essentials

Vesturbyggð encompasses the southern Westfjords, characterized by the Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Europe's westernmost point. The region features the unique red and golden sands of Rauðasandur and the Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve. Cultural sites include the Sea Monster Museum in Bíldudalur and Samúel Jónsson’s folk art in Selárdalur. Geothermal bathing is available at Hellulaug and Reykjafjarðarlaug, while the Garðar BA 64 shipwreck provides a glimpse into Iceland's 20th-century maritime history.

11 places

Lakes and Natural Waters

This collection highlights the diverse aquatic landscapes of Iceland's southern Westfjords. It features geothermal bathing spots like the seaside Hellulaug and Reykjafjarðarlaug, which offer naturally heated waters and basic amenities. The list also includes the Fossfjörður waterfall, which drops toward the fjord, and several highland lakes such as Sauðlauksdalsvatn and Stóravatn, which characterize the region's rugged interior and provide quiet spots for fishing and hiking.

10 places

Historic Churches

This collection features historic rural churches across Vesturbyggð in the Westfjords. These structures, mostly dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcase traditional Icelandic wooden architecture. Highlights include the church at Sauðlauksdalur, where Iceland's first potatoes were cultivated, and the remote Breiðavíkurkirkja overlooking the golden sands of the coast. These sites represent the region's religious heritage and serve as architectural landmarks within the rugged coastal landscape.

8 places

Natural Wonders of the Westfjords

This list features the dramatic geological and historical landmarks of Iceland's westernmost point. The massive Látrabjarg Cliffs provide a primary nesting site for millions of seabirds, including puffins and razorbills. The landscape is further marked by the Garðar BA 64, Iceland's oldest steel shipwreck, alongside the historic Gíslahellir cave. Mountain peaks like Grænafell and Litlafell define the rugged, glaciated horizon of the Vesturbyggð region.

5 places

Coastal Gems of the Westfjords

Explore the rugged coastline of Iceland’s southern Westfjords, where the landscape transitions from the 10-kilometer stretch of red and golden sands at Rauðasandur to the sheer cliffs of Látrabjarg. This route encompasses the Vatnsfjörður nature reserve, a site of historical settlement, and the sheltered fjords of Trostansfjörður and Fossfjörður. The journey culminates at Bjargtangaviti, the westernmost lighthouse in Europe, providing a vantage point over some of the North Atlantic’s largest seabird colonies.

6 places