BEST-OF-WESTFJORDS in 3 days - Southbound
About this activity
A 4-day immersive journey through Iceland's remote and dramatic Westfjords, often called 'another Iceland' for its untouched landscapes, soaring bird cliffs, and colourful coastal scenery. This southbound route connects puffin colonies, pristine beaches, thundering waterfalls, and charming fishing villages in one concentrated expedition.
This unique tour is a brief exploration of the magnificent and tranquil WESTFJORDS, so rich of natural beauties, incredible landscape and birdlife; often named "another Iceland". It is designed for you to see the Westfjords' top attractions 4 days, including the incredible Látrabjarg birdcliff with hundreds of puffins (during the bird-season May-July) and Rauðasandur glittering red sand beach, the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall, the historic Ísafjörður and the tiny bird-island Vigur. Day 1 - SAT - Flight from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður - morning Northern Westfjords: Ísafjörður & surrounding, Bird Island Vigur, Fisherman’s Village Day 2 - SUN - Central and Southern Westfjords: Þingeyri, Dynjandi waterfall, Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve, Patreksfjörður Day 3 - MON - GRAND WEST: Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur & Colourful Sandy Creeks Fish & Dine Adventure: Panoramic Sea Angling & your catch for dinner. Day 4 - TUE - SPLENDID COMBINATION: Tálknafjörður, Bíldudalur, Ketildalir valleys, mystique Selárdalur Flight from Bíldudalur to Reykjavík - evening
Highlights
- ✓Látrabjarg birdcliff: Europe's largest seabird colony with hundreds of nesting puffins (May–July)
- ✓Rauðasandur: otherworldly red sand beach and coloured creek formations
- ✓Dynjandi waterfall: Iceland's most photogenic multi-tiered cascade
- ✓Vigur bird island: tiny inhabited isle with birdwatching and local heritage
- ✓Sea angling experience: catch-your-own-dinner fishing adventure with panoramic fjord views
- ✓Ísafjörður historic town: cultural hub and gateway to the northern fjords
Insider tips
- ★Visit Látrabjarg in early morning for calmest seas, least crowds, and best puffin behaviour—they're most active near their cliff ledges before mid-morning
- ★Time your visit May–July for guaranteed puffin sightings; outside this window, the bird cliffs are still dramatic but largely empty
- ★Bring waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots; Westfjords weather changes rapidly and coastal winds are relentless, even in summer
- ★The red sands of Rauðasandur are at their most vivid after rain; plan this stop for late afternoon when light is warm and the beach glows
Good to know
- •4-day, 3-night itinerary includes domestic flights Reykjavík–Ísafjörður (Day 1) and Bíldudalur–Reykjavík (Day 4); flight times typically morning and evening
- •Accommodation and meals are included; your catch from the sea angling adventure is prepared for dinner on Day 3
- •Road conditions in Westfjords can be narrow and winding; the tour uses 4WD vehicles recommended for this terrain
- •Limited mobile coverage in remote areas; download offline maps and notify contacts of your itinerary
- •Accessibility: tours involve moderate hiking and boat transfers; not recommended for severe mobility restrictions
Who it's for
Best time to visit
May through July for peak puffin season and optimal daylight (near 24-hour daylight in June); outside this window, birdlife is sparse and weather more unpredictable. Morning departures offer calmer seas and better wildlife visibility.