Region
Westfjords
380 km from Reykjavik
Patreksfjordur: Base for Latrabjarg and Raudasandur
Gateway to Europe's westernmost point at Latrabjarg and the red sands of Raudasandur, and the hub of the southern Westfjords.
Population
~650
Westfjords • Southern hub
Quick Answer
Patreksfjordur, the largest town in the southern Westfjords, is the service base for the Latrabjarg bird cliffs and the red-sand beach at Raudasandur.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Roads to Latrabjarg and Raudasandur are unpaved. Check conditions before driving, especially the steep descent to Raudasandur.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
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): Longer days for excursions; check road access and seasonal bird activity before setting out.
Winter: Northern Lights and winter storms, but roads to Latrabjarg and Raudasandur may be closed. Check the route into town as well as the roads to individual sights.
Keep a town stop in the plan
Brattahlid at Adalstraeti 55 offers an outdoor pool and hot tubs overlooking the fjord. The municipal operator, checked September 10, 2026, lists general single admission at 1,326 ISK and free swimming for children under 18. Its current pool hours are Monday–Thursday 08:00–21:00, Friday 08:00–19:30 and weekends 10:00–15:00. The earlier weekend closing is easy to miss when planning a long day outside town.
If arriving via Baldur, plan the ferry before the road trip. The operator’s September–December 2026 schedule has no Saturday sailing. Arrival is at Brjanslaekur, so you still need an onward journey to Patreksfjordur; the ferry does not dock in town.
Planning help
Patreksfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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 is a separate drive from Patreksfjordur. Check the approach road and allow time for a cliff walk; a town stay does not guarantee road access or puffin sightings.
What is Raudasandur?
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.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.