What is the population of Patreksfjordur?

Patreksfjordur has approximately 650 residents and is the largest town in the southern Westfjords.

What does Patreksfjordur mean?

Patreksfjordur means 'Patrick's Fjord' in Icelandic, named after Saint Patrick, patron saint of the Irish monks who may have settled here.

How far is Patreksfjordur from Reykjavik?

Patreksfjordur is about 380 km from Reykjavik (5-6 hours driving) via Route 60 or the Baldur ferry shortcut.

How far is Latrabjarg from Patreksfjordur?

Latrabjarg bird cliffs, Europe's westernmost point and a major puffin colony, is about 60 km (1 hour drive) from Patreksfjordur.

Raudasandur is a red sand beach about 30 km from Patreksfjordur, one of Iceland's more unusual coastal landscapes.

Can I take a ferry to Patreksfjordur?

The Baldur ferry from Stykkisholmur lands at Brjanslaekur, about 35 km from Patreksfjordur. It's a scenic shortcut from Snaefellsnes.

Is there good hiking near Patreksfjordur?

Yes. Coastal trails and mountain routes run through the fjords around the town.

What services does Patreksfjordur have?

Patreksfjordur has hotels, restaurants, supermarket, gas station, and swimming pool, and is a good base for exploring the southern Westfjords.

Patreksfjordur: Base for Latrabjarg and Raudasandur

Name: Patreksfjordur, Iceland
Address: IS

Gateway to Europe's westernmost point at Latrabjarg and the red sands of Raudasandur, and the hub of the southern Westfjords.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~650

Westfjords • Southern hub

Patreksfjordur is the usual base for the southwestern Westfjords. From here you can reach the Latrabjarg bird cliffs, home to millions of seabirds including puffins, and the red sand beach at Raudasandur. Named after Saint Patrick, the town has a full set of services and sits right on its fjord.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Roads to Latrabjarg and Raudasandur are unpaved. Check conditions before driving, especially the steep descent to Raudasandur.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Westfjords

380 km from Reykjavik

Population

~650

Largest in southern Westfjords

Known for

Latrabjarg access

Gateway to bird cliffs

Top Attractions near Patreksfjordur

Latrabjarg Bird Cliffs

14 km of cliffs, millions of seabirds, puffins

Raudasandur Beach

Unique red and golden sand beach

Dynjandi Waterfall

Broad cascade waterfall (1 hour drive)

Patreksfjordur Swimming Pool

Geothermal pool with fjord views

Hnjótur Museum

Aviation and folk museum nearby

Coastal Hiking

Cliff walks and trails

How to Get to Patreksfjordur

From Reykjavik: 5-6 hours by car via Route 60, or take the Baldur ferry from Stykkisholmur to Brjanslaekur (35 km away).

Ferry shortcut: The Baldur ferry saves several hours and offers a scenic crossing through Breidafjordur bay.

From Isafjordur: About 2 hours drive via Route 60 around the fjords.

Best Time to Visit Patreksfjordur

Summer (June-August): Puffins at Latrabjarg (best June-early August), all roads open, midnight sun.

Winter: Northern Lights and winter storms, but roads to Latrabjarg and Raudasandur may be closed. The town itself is accessible year-round.

Planning help

Patreksfjordur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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