The Westfjords is a realm of steep, majestic cliffs, colorful sandy creeks, incredible birdlife, untouched wilderness, and tranquil natural hot springs in remote locations. It’s a different side of Iceland, offering exquisite tours that captivate every visitor with its impressive diversity of natural wonders and unspoiled nature.

This region is dotted with small fishing villages, established wherever there is enough flat land to settle. Patreksfjörður, the westernmost town in Europe and the second largest in the Westfjords, holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is the birthplace of many renowned Icelandic artists and has a rich history of fishing and trade. The town served as a base for English, French, and German fishermen, merchants, and naval mariners in its early days. Despite its isolation, the nearby town of Bíldudalur thrives with a vibrant cultural scene, featuring the Sea Monster Museum, which showcases the sea monsters that have colored Icelandic folklore for centuries. The ports of Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur in the municipality of Vesturbyggð are perfect starting points for exploring the Westfjords’ most treasured attractions.

One such attraction is the breathtaking Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and the westernmost point of the continent. Home to the largest seabird colony in the Northern Atlantic, walking along the edge of Látrabjarg offers an unforgettable adventure amidst pristine Icelandic nature. It is renowned as the best place in the world to photograph puffins, who pose gracefully for the cameras.

Another natural marvel is Rauðasandur (Red Sand), Iceland’s most famous beach, named for its distinctive red sand. Flanked by stunning vistas of black cliffs and blue ocean, Rauðasandur is a sight to behold. The beach is also home to a remarkable seal colony, where grey and harbor seals can often be seen up close. In the summer, over 100 seals bask in the sun on Rauðasandur, providing excellent opportunities for photography.

A short drive from the ports brings you to Dynjandi, the largest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Westfjords. This magnificent waterfall stands about 100 meters high and 60 meters wide, with a hiking path leading up to the central gorge, allowing visitors to touch the cascading water.

The area is perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. For those interested in trout fishing, trips and licenses for Lake Sauðlauksvatn are affordably priced. Visitors can also enjoy sea angling tours in Patreksfjörður, soak in remote hot spring pools surrounded by stunning Icelandic nature, or rent a bike to explore the area independently. The Westfjords offer incredible birdlife and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal place to fill your soul and camera with unforgettable memories.

Attractions

The WOW Tour
Enjoy the Westfjords on a guided bike tour.
The bike tour is excellent for those who want a more intimate experience exploring unspoiled nature.
Seeing the incredible sights of the Southern Westfjords on a bike will be an unforgettable experience that is fun, active, and safe.

The Grand West
On this tour, you’ll visit Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, and the westernmost; you’ll visit Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland.
Enjoy the amazing bird life (bird season is from mid-April until the beginning of August), incredible nature, and the stillness and pristine beauty of Rauðasandur, one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets.
Bask in the impressive diversity of natural wonders and unspoiled nature.
Látrabjarg is the largest seabird colony in the northern Atlantic and may be the best place in the world to photograph puffins.
Walking on the cliff's edge with the local guide and enjoying the majestic and pristine Icelandic landscape is an unforgettable adventure.
Rauðasandur is one of Iceland´s most famous beaches, with its red-coloured sand, black cliffs, and blue ocean.
It’s a beautiful place to fill your soul and camera with memories.

Pearls of the Westfjords
You´ll explore the majestic 441m high Látrabjarg cliff with its magical bird life – the largest seabird colony in the Northern Atlantic (bird season mid-April until the beginning of August).
You´ll learn how the cliff has been been used and how it was used in a famous rescue in 1947.
Driving the rough track towards the deserted Keflavík, you will enjoy the magnificent view over Rauðasandur, Breiðavík, and Látrabjarg.
The steep, rough, high-altitude road to Kollsvík will provide a thrilling drive and a “helicopter´s view” over Hænuvík and the opening of the two fjords of Patreksfjordur and Tálknafjörður.
The large sandy beach of Rauðasandur is one of the most spectacular sites of Iceland.
The red sand glows in the summer light, getting its reddish colour from crushed scallop shells.
We will stop by the French Café at Rauðasandur before we head back to Patreksfjordur for dinner and photo sharing after a memorable day.

The Heritage Museum
Hnjótur Museum in Örlygshöfn in Patreksfjörður, displays a unique collection of old items from the Southern Westfjords.
At the Heritage Museum at Hnjótur, you´ll learn how local people lived in the past, utilized the bird cliff, and even rescued foreign fishermen from stranded ships under the steep cliffs.
At the museum is an exhibition about the rescue of the British trawler Dhoon that stranded at Látrabjarg cliffs in 1947.
At the museum is an attractive cafeteria, souvenir shop and information center.
PilotYes
Tidal movement3 m
Length230 m
Draft6 m
Air draftNo restrictions
Beam50 m
AvailableYes
PontoonsNo
TugboatsNo
Type of bottomMud / Sand
Minimum depth10 m
Distance from anchorage to tender pier0.4 nautical miles
BunkersNo
SuppliesYes, if ordered in advance
Waste handlingYes
Fresh waterYes
Pilot channel16 and 11
Emergency channel16
Medical emergency112
ISPS approvedYes
Ship tendersYes
Crew facilitiesYes
Shuttle servicesYes
Excursion busesYes
TaxisYes, if ordered in advance
Public transportationNo
Rental carsYes
Terminal building for passengersYes
Tourist informationYes
ShoppingYes
RestroomsYes
Local currencyISK
Currency exchangeYes
ATMYes
Internet accessYes
Guide serviceYes
City mapsYes
Public telephonesNo
MailboxesYes
City centre0.5 km
Airport35km Bíldudalur airport (Domestic)

Contact info

Visiting addressAðalstræti 75, 450 Patreksfjörður
Contact personElfar Steinn Karlsson, Harbour Master
MobileT: +354-4502300 M: +354-8617743
Websitewww.patreksfjordurport.is
Email
elfar@vesturbyggd.is