Coastal gems in Vesturbyggð

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.

Coastal Gems of the Westfjords — Map

Evgeniy Metyolkin / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Rauðasandur

A ten-kilometer stretch of sand unique for its red, orange, and golden hues, contrasting with the typical black volcanic beaches of Iceland. The area is home to a large seal colony and provides views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days.

Berserkur / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Vatnsfjörður

Vatnsfjörður is a nature reserve located north-west of Breiðafjörður on the Hjarðarnes coast of northwestern Iceland.

Helgi Halldórsson / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Trostansfjörður

A small, uninhabited fjord forming part of the larger Arnarfjörður system. It is characterized by steep mountains and calm waters, often used as a quiet anchorage for local fishing vessels.

Helgi Halldórsson / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Bíldudalsvogur

A sheltered cove within Arnarfjörður that serves as the harbor for the village of Bíldudalur. The bay is surrounded by high mountains, protecting the settlement from the harsh winds of the open sea.

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Fossfjörður

A narrow branch of Arnarfjörður named after the waterfall located at its head. The fjord is notable for a distinctive A-frame sheep hut and its proximity to the Dynjandi waterfall system.

MartinaR79 / CC-BY-SA

F

Bjargtangaviti

Built in 1913 and rebuilt in 1948, this lighthouse marks the westernmost point of Iceland. It stands on the edge of the Látrabjarg cliffs, one of the most populated bird cliffs in the world.

Other Lists

Vesturbyggð Essentials Lakes and Natural Waters Historic Churches Natural Wonders of the Westfjords