Kaldbakkur

Holiday in the Westfjords at home rental Tvera Lodge

The Westfjords region in Iceland is characterized by its remote and untouched nature. Tvera private Lodge, is located close to numerous worth seeing places like the hot spring Hellulaug, Látrabjarg sea cliffs, the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall and the red sand beach Rauðisandur, and is the perfect starting point for exploring the Westfjords as trying out West fjords numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views.

Remote and pure nature of Westfjords region

Iceland is a very popular with visitors from all over the world. The Westfjords peninsula remains relatively undiscovered, with few tourists visiting the region, making it an authentic insider tip for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Icelandic experience. At the West Fjords the clock turns even slower, the attractions are not as crowded as in the south of Iceland and the buses do not bring new visitors day and night. For a long time, the West Fjords were affected by rural exodus. The conditions for the inhabitants were too rough, especially in winter, and the distances to the next town are still huge.

The Westfjords of Iceland belong geologically to the oldest land mass of Iceland. They are characterised by majestic mountains and endless coastlines. Pure nature! On seemingly endless roads along the coast, visitors discover picturesque fishing villages and experience fascinating views.

Westfjords in Iceland
Endless roads and coastlines in the Westfjords

Private Tvera cottage by Hellulaug geothermal pool

Those who do not travel by plane via the “capital of the west” Ísafjörður, either use the ferry connection from Stykkisholmur via the island Flatey to Brjanslaekur, or travel by car via the approx. 7 km long the bridge across the Gilsfjordur-fjord, and then you are in the Westfjords.  A little east of the Brjanslaekur ferry landing stage lies our vacation cottage Tvera, from which the southern part of the Westfjords can be reached quickly. Only a few kilometres away from Tvera the hot spring Hellulaug invites you to a hot bath with a free view of the fjord.

Geothermal natural pool, Hellulaug in Southern part of Westfjords penisula in Iceland
Geothermal hot pot Hellulaug located close to our holiday home Tvera

Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords

One of the main attractions of the Westfjords is the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall. Only 30 minutes drive from holiday home Tvera you cross a pass and reach the waterfall. Not only the waterfall Dynjandi (which means “the raving one”) is to be admired here, but also numerous smaller waterfalls, which pour themselves below the approx. 100 meters high Dynjandi successively.

Dynandi waterfall in Westfjords Iceland
Dynjandi waterfall

Westernmost point of Iceland Europe

Another main attraction of the West Fjords is the steep Látrabjarg coast. Látrabjarg is the westernmost point of Europe, apart from some smaller offshore islands. The up to 450 meters high and 14 kilometers long cliff is one of the largest bird cliffs in the world. Millions of seabirds live here, including puffins, (common) guillemots and razorbills. In the summer months, the highly photogenic puffins can be observed from a short distance.
Latrabjarg sea cliff in western most point in Westfjords in Iceland
Latrabjarg sea and bird cliff the westernmost point in Iceland, Europe

 

Puffin in Latrabjarg birdcliff in iceland
Puffin in Latrabjarg birdcliff.

Rauðisandur beach – The red sand beach

On a day trip from our holiday home Tvera in the direction of Látrabjarg, it is worth making a detour to the almost endless sandy beach Rauðisandur. Follow the signs and turn left onto the road. Already at the height of the pass you enjoy a breathtaking view, which is intensified on the other side during the descent over the serpentines.

Rauðisandur beach - The red sand beach in Westfjords Iceland
“Golden sand” on the sandy beach of Raudisandur

The view of the golden sandy beach is almost endless, inviting you to take long walks. Next to the church, next to the parking lot, there is a cosy café “Kirkjuhvammur” (explore opening hours beforehand!).

Church at Raudisandur
Church at Raudisandur

If you see the name Rauðasandur (instead of Rauðisandur): Both names are used synonymously for the same place.

Best Hiking paradise in Westfjords

In the Westfjords there are numerous hiking possibilities. Often you won’t see anybody else on your way the whole day. If you want peace and quiet and relaxation, the Westfjords are the place to be. There is a hectic pace elsewhere! You can start a hike to a many million years old carbonated fossil layers, for example, directly from Self catering Tvera Lodge in Westfjords. Please contact the responsible ranger beforehand. If you want to do a longer tour, you can start from the coast and hike over the mountains to the next fjord. Spectacular views are guaranteed. From the highest mountain of the Westfjords, the Kaldbakur with 998 meters of height, you enjoy with good weather a marvellous panorama view.

Multiple hiking options in Westfjords Iceland.Kaldbakur mountain.
View from the summit of Kaldbakur, the highest mountain of the Westfjords
Insider tip of South part of Westfjords in Iceland
Tagged on:                     

One thought on “Insider tip of South part of Westfjords in Iceland

  • 8. October 2018 at 23:59
    Permalink

    Such a beautiful location! I can’t wait to go back.

Comments are closed.