Best for
Scenic driving & seals
The winding coastal road has views the whole way; stop at Hvítanes to see seals.
Westfjords
Ísafjarðardjúp: the Westfjords' Largest Fjord System
The largest fjord system in the Westfjords, stretching 75km inland with multiple branches. Home to Isafjordur, the regional capital. Seals and whales feed in its waters, steep mountains ring its shores, and it is the gateway to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Main Town
Ísafjörður
Allow 2-3 hours to drive the full length comfortably.
Quick Answer
This huge fjord system splits the Westfjords peninsula like a hand, its fingers reaching deep into the mountains. The drive keeps changing: one moment you are at sea level watching seals rest on the rocks, the next you are winding along steep coastal cliffs with views to the snowy Hornstrandir peaks.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning. The Djúp road is long and winding, so watch for sheep in summer and ice in winter. Check forecasts before setting out.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Paved Route 61
Fully paved all the way to Ísafjörður, accessible by standard car.
Highlights
Multiple side-fjords
The Djúp splits into Skötufjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hestfjörður, and more.
Wildlife
Seal Colony
Hvítanes is one of Iceland's best roadside seal-watching spots; bring binoculars.
Gateway
Hornstrandir
Boats to the uninhabited Hornstrandir nature reserve depart from Ísafjörður in summer.
Culture
Ísafjörður
The Westfjords capital at the fjord's head has museums, dining, and festivals.
What to Expect
- Seal watching at Hvítanes where harbor seals rest on rocks along Route 61
- Boat trips to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve from Ísafjörður in summer
- Multiple branching sub-fjords including Skötufjörður, Hestfjörður, and Álftafjörður
- Vigur island visit for eider ducks, puffins, and Iceland's only remaining windmill
- Ísafjörður town with the Westfjords Heritage Museum and good restaurants
- 75 kilometers of winding coastal road with constantly changing mountain panoramas
How to Get to Ísafjarðardjúp
Driving from Reykjavik
The drive from Reykjavik to Ísafjörður is approximately 450km (6-7 hours). Take Route 1 north, then Route 60 through Búðardalur, over Dynjandisheiði pass, and finally Route 61 along the fjord. Alternatively, fly to Ísafjörður airport (35 minutes from Reykjavik).
Road Conditions
Route 61 along Ísafjarðardjúp is fully paved and maintained year-round. However, winter driving requires caution due to ice, snow, and strong winds. The mountain passes leading to the Westfjords can close temporarily in severe weather. Always check road.is before departure.
Best Time to Visit Ísafjarðardjúp
Summer (June-August)
The best time for most visitors. Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight, all roads are open, and boat trips to Hornstrandir run regularly. Seal watching is excellent, and the weather is mildest (8-15°C).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer tourists and still reasonable weather. Some services may have reduced hours. Northern lights become visible in September. Expect 4-10°C temperatures and occasional rain.
Winter (Oct-April)
Only 4-5 hours of daylight in December. Roads can be icy but are maintained. Great for northern lights and winter photography. Temperatures range from -5°C to 3°C. Fewer services available.
Nearby Attractions
Ísafjörður
The Westfjords capital, with good restaurants, the Westfjords Heritage Museum, and outdoor gear shops.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Uninhabited wilderness accessible by summer boat, home to arctic foxes, seabird cliffs, and remote hiking.
Hvítanes Seal Colony
Pull over along Route 61 to watch dozens of harbor seals resting on rocks in the shallow waters.
Bolungarvík
Fishing village at the fjord's northern tip with the Ósvör Maritime Museum and Bolafjall mountain viewpoint.
Vigur Island
Tiny island in the fjord known for eider ducks, puffins, and Iceland's only windmill, reached by boat from Ísafjörður.
Vigur is an island visit, not another road stop
Visit Westfjords describes Vigur’s eiderdown farming, historic buildings and birdlife. Its nesting puffins use burrows that can collapse underfoot, which is why visitors must stay on the designated paths.
Book an actual sailing and guided visit for your date. Keep this separate from the drive along Ísafjarðardjúp and from a Hornstrandir walking trip: three different ways to explore the same broad fjord region have different transport and time commitments.
Planning help
Ísafjarðardjúp FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Ísafjarðardjúp?
It's pronounced 'EE-sa-fyar-thar-dyoop.' The name breaks down as Ísa (ice) + fjarðar (fjord's) + djúp (deep).
What does Ísafjarðardjúp mean in English?
Ísafjarðardjúp translates to 'Ice Fjord Deep' or 'Ísafjörður Deep.' It refers to the deep fjord system that leads to the town of Ísafjörður.
Is Ísafjarðardjúp worth visiting?
Yes. The largest fjord system in the Westfjords at 75km, it has seal watching at Hvítanes, access to Ísafjörður town, and boat trips to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
How long should I spend at Ísafjarðardjúp?
Plan at least 2-3 days. This allows time to drive the coastal road, visit Ísafjörður, see seals, and perhaps take a boat trip to Hornstrandir.
Can you drive around Ísafjarðardjúp?
You can drive along the southern shore on Route 61, but the fjord system is too large to circumnavigate by road. The northern shores lead to dead-ends and remote peninsulas.
What is Ísafjarðardjúp famous for?
It's famous for being the largest Westfjords fjord, home to the regional capital Ísafjörður, seal watching, kayaking, and its role as the gateway to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
What wildlife can I see at Ísafjarðardjúp?
Seals are common along the shorelines (especially at Hvítanes), and whales often venture deep into the fjord system in summer. Various seabirds nest on the cliffs.
Is the road to Ísafjarðardjúp open in winter?
Route 61 is paved and maintained year-round, but it's a long, winding coastal drive that can be icy and snowy. Always check road.is before driving.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.