Breathtaking Landscapes

Breathtaking Landscapes & Museums of Fun

The Virtually Untouched Nature of Vesturbyggð is a Treat for Every Visitor

Vesturbyggð, the southern part of the Westfjords is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular areas in Iceland. With breathtaking, tranquil fjords and a mountain road along Barðaströnd, the south coast, the area provides a view over Breiðafjörður and its countless islands.

The journey starts at Reykhólar where the Icelandic eagle resides, a lovely village with a number of galleries, museums and tours around the Breiðafjörður islands. A real treat is the wholesome seaweed bathing pool, an excellent way to relax and nourish your skin before driving west along Barðaströnd.

Beach On Fire

Be sure to stop by at Hótel Flókalundur and take a walk up to the most beautiful camping site in Iceland with a view over Vatnsfjörður, where the ferry crossing Breiðafjörður docks. On your way to Patreksfjörður is Rauðisandur (Red Beach), where the sand is indeed red, giving the illusion of being on fire.

Patreksfjörður is an old fishing town with quite an history—and a Pirates Museum. A brand new three star hotel with a restaurant opens in May 2013, adding to various accommodation possibilities available, both hotels and hostels. Patreksfjörður is a wonderful town to observe fishermen working and have guided tours of the fish factories and buy the freshest fish available.

The Largest Coastal Cliffs

Látrabjarg is the westernmost point in Iceland—and indeed Europe. It is 441 metres high and spans 14 kilometres, making it the island’s largest coastal cliff with fabulously rich bird-life and a hiking trail along most of the steep clifftop. Created by eruptions and sculpted by the raging sea, Látrabjarg has been used for farming since the arrival of the first settlers in the area.

There are several places to stay nearby. Nice and quiet and just a short distance away is Hótel Látrabjarg. Hotel Breiðavík is a great place for watching the sunset and strolling along the vast beach. Further north from Breiðavík, across the moors is Hænuvík, where the seabird life can be viewed close up.

On the way back towards Patreksfjörður is an excellent museum at Hnjótur, specialising in the life of seafarers and fishermen, telling stories of disasters and rescues and their affect on both families and communities. The film, ‘Rescue at Látrabjarg’ is shown in English and German.

Of Monsters and Music

Bíldudalur by Arnarfjörður is another village full of surprises with a Monster Museum and a Music Museum. Nowhere in Iceland have there been as many sea monster sightings as in Arnarfjörður. The Music Museum is privately owned. Just knock on the door and the owner will gladly show his collection. A short distance from Bíldudalur, in Selárdalur, is an exceptional outdoor museum created by the builder and sculptor, Samúel Jónsson. Travelling north, visit the Dynjandi waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It is actually six waterfalls in one and is called, ‘The Diamond’. -SS

Vesturbyggð

Aðalstræti 63 - 450 Patreksfjörður +354 450 2300