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Icelandic fjords are breathtaking. There is a reason why people call them some of the best fjords in the world. These fjords are not just beautiful, but also very diverse in their landscapes and how they were formed.
Iceland boasts 109 fjords, primarily in the east and northwest with Eyjafjörður, the island's longest fjord, located in the north. Each Icelandic fjord has its own charm and story to tell, a story you can experience for yourself on your next trip to Iceland.
East Fjords of Iceland
The East Fjords of Iceland offer a tranquil and authentic Icelandic experience. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the fjords, this region has something to offer every traveler.
Where are the East fjords of Iceland?
The East Fjords of Iceland are located in the eastern part of the country, along the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean. This region stretches from the southeastern edge of Iceland near Hofn to the northern part of the country near the town of Egilsstadir.
The East Fjords are characterized by their dramatic fjords, rugged coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. It's a less-visited but incredibly scenic part of Iceland, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore off the beaten path.
The East Fjords of Iceland are a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by tourists, but they offer a unique and stunning landscape that's worth exploring. Here's some tourist information about the East Fjords, including things to do.
Things To Do Near the East fjords:
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Scenic Drives: One of the best ways to experience the East Fjords is by taking a scenic drive along the winding coastal roads. The views of the fjords, rugged cliffs, and quaint fishing villages are simply breathtaking. The Ring Road (Route 1) takes you through this region, and you can also explore smaller, less-traveled roads for a more intimate experience.
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Hiking and Nature: The East Fjords are a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. There are numerous hiking trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints and pristine nature areas. Popular hikes include the ascent of Mt. Snæfell and exploring Stórurð, a unique geological formation with massive boulders.
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Seaside Villages: The region is dotted with charming seaside villages like Seydisfjordur, Borgarfjordur Eystri, and Djupivogur. These towns offer a glimpse into Icelandic culture and history. Seydisfjordur, for example, is known for its colorful houses and cultural events.
Hvalfjordur
Hvalfjordur is an Icelandic fjord in southwest Iceland. The scenery around Hvalfjordur is varied and beautiful. Its wide areas of flat land bordered by majestic mountains and thunderous waterfalls makes it a sight to behold.
To make things even better, Hvalfjordur fjord is only a short drive from Reykjavík. Despite Hvalfjordur’s name (it translates to Whale Fjord) there are no whales to be seen. However, an ancient folktale says something different.
According to local legend, an elf woman transformed her human lover into a red-headed whale. The whale terrorized the west coast of Iceland until it was defeated. Interestingly, whale bones have been found in the area! If you are interested in the magical world of Huldufolk and other magical creatures, try a road trip around Iceland's elf houses and relive the legent yourself!
Where is Hvalfjordur?
Hvalfjordur is in southwest Iceland and is best reached by car. In the late 1990s, a tunnel was built through the mountains by Hvalfjordur. This was so people travelling from Reykjavík to Borgarnes could bypass the Icelandic fjord. What this means now is that you can’t reach Hvalfjordur by bus, as they travel through the tunnel.
To reach Hvalfjordur from Reykjavík, take the Ring Road north until you reach the sign to turn onto Route 47. Route 47 will take you around the Hvalfjordur fjord.
Things To Do Near Hvalfjordur
If you’re visiting the Hvalfjordur Icelandic fjord, towns close by include Mosfellsbaer and Akranes.
If you’re visiting Mosfellsbaer and enjoy golf, consider taking a trip to the Mosfellsbaer Golf Club. For families visiting the town, try the Lagafellslaug water park.
The town of Akranes is a stone's throw from Reykjavík and close to Hvalfjordur. The War and Peace Museum in Akranes displays exciting exhibits about World War II and the history of Hvalfjordur during that time.
Akranes Folk Museum is spread across different buildings in the town. The exhibitions include life at sea, and the history of living in rural Iceland. There is also a blacksmith area which is often operational for guests to see. An audio guided tour is included in the admission to the museum.
Borgarfjordur
Borgarfjordur is an Icelandic fjord and district in western Iceland. The Borgarfjordur region is regarded by many as the main setting for Icelandic sagas and legends. That might be because of its impressive landscape, nature, and influence on pop-culture. JRR Tolkien took inspiration from this region when writing The Lord of the Rings, as did GR Martin when creating Games of Thrones.
Borgarfjordur is blessed with numerous fjord towns nearby such as Borgarnes, Hvanneyri, and Reykholt. The biggest town in the region is Borgarnes which is beautifully situated atop a hill towering over the ocean.
Where is Borgarfjordur?
Borgarfjordur is a valley in the western of Iceland. It only takes an hour to drive to the region from the capital city of Reykjavík, so consider hiring a car for the day and making the journey.
Things To Do Near Borgarfjordur
Borgarnes, with a population of around 1763 people is the largest town near the Borgarfjordur fjord. Attractions include The Settlement Center and the Center for Puppet Art.
Hvanneyri, another fjord town, has an agricultural museum. Here, the development of Icelandic farming is detailed. Furthermore, there is also an interesting handicraft center.
The town of Reykholt, though small in size, is one of the most historically important places in Iceland. It hosts a center for medieval studies called Snorrastofa. This educational center is one of the reasons we know as much as we do about Norse Gods.
Westfjords
The Westfjords region of Iceland is where you can find unspoiled nature, spectacular landscapes and Icelandic fjords that defy belief. This area of Iceland is far less travelled than the rest of the country, helping to preserve the nature of the area.
The fact that the Westfjords is one of the least visited places in Iceland only adds to this region’s appeal. Just imagine how much smaller the crowds are, but with sights just as awe-inspiring.
Where are Westfjords?
As the name suggests, the Westjords of Iceland can be found in the west of the country.
Due to their remote location, the Westfjords are best reached by car or rental vehicle. The remoteness of the region means a lot of driving will be required.
A drive from Reykjavík to Westfjords can be completed in 4 to 5 hours. Take the Ring Road northbound and join Route 60 towards the Westfjords.
If you’re planning a trip to the Icelandic Westfjords, it’s important to note that they’re best accessed in the summer months, from May to October. Snowfall can be very heavy during winter. There are also fewer people living in this area; therefore, the roads are not maintained with the same frequency as the rest of Iceland.
Things To Do Near Westfjords
There is so much to see and do in the Westfjords, it deserves a blog of its own; but here is a quick run down of things to see and do in the Westfjords.
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Westfjords Iceland has been deserted since the 1950s. It is the least populated area outside the Highlands. The lack of people living and visiting here has resulted in an explosion in flora, fauna and animals. The Arctic Fox is near impossible to spot in other parts of Iceland, but in Hornstrandir they are thriving.
Take a trip to the Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords and enjoy the black sand beach nearby. Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls that fall down a cliff-face in a staircase formation. It is over 100 metres high, the scale of which is jaw-dropping. For something more colourful, head to Raudasandur which is known for its pink sand.
The tiny fjord town of Holmavik looks to be a sleepy fishing village, but is actually home to the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft. Here, you can learn about magical staffs, witch hunts and folklore in Iceland.
Thinking of Visiting Iceland’s Fjords?
Icelandic fjords and their towns will give you exactly what you’re most looking for on a trip to Iceland. From untouched nature, indescribable landscapes, to authentic Icelandic culture.
Whether you decide to visit in summer or winter, the dramatic landscape of Iceland is sure to impress. Book your rental car in Iceland early on to get the best price and make sure the vehicle you want is still available. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us!
