Best for
Scenic drives
If you love road trips, fjords are the payoff; plan frequent pull-offs and pauses.
Guide
Iceland's Fjords: Westfjords & Eastfjords
Choose a coast first, then the towns, waterfalls and walks that fit the driving route. A viewpoint across a fjord may still be a long journey by road.
Planning rhythm
Slow travel
Build in buffer time for wind, rain, and photo stops.
Quick Answer
Iceland's fjords cluster in the Westfjords and Eastfjords. What a fjord is, which ones to visit, driving and weather notes, and how many days to plan for each coast.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Fjord driving often involves wind, steep grades, and changing visibility, so always check official weather and road updates and follow local closures.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Conditions
Wind-aware
Exposed sections can feel intense, so check wind before committing to long stretches.
Pace
Add time
Include stops and road conditions in the journey time; distance alone is not enough.
Westfjords
Isafjardarjup (Ice Fiord Deep)
75km long, the largest fjord system. Gateway to Hornstrandir.
Arnarfjordur (Eagle Fiord)
Second-largest Westfjords fjord. Home to Dynjandi waterfall.
Onundarfjordur (Onundur's Fiord)
Golden sands at Holt beach and Flateyri village.
Dýrafjörður
Viking saga history and the Westfjords Alps.
Patreksfjordur (Patrick's Fiord)
Gateway to Latrabjarg bird cliffs and Raudasandur beach.
North Iceland
East Iceland
Seyðisfjörður
Rainbow Street, artist community, and Smyril ferry terminal.
Reyðarfjörður
Longest Eastfjords fjord. WWII history and broad views.
Borgarfjordur Eystri (East Fortress Fiord)
Puffin colony at Hafnarholmi and rhyolite hiking trails.
Mjoifjordur (Narrow Fiord)
Remote access and Klifbrekkufossar waterfall.
Faskrudsfjordur (The French Fiord)
Historic hospital museum and bilingual French-Icelandic signs.
Berufjörður
Bulandstindur pyramid mountain and Djupivogur village.
Planning help
Iceland fjords FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is a fjord?
A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides, shaped by glaciers. In Iceland, fjords often mean winding coastal roads, sudden weather shifts, and viewpoints that look different every few kilometers.
When is the best time to visit Iceland’s fjords?
Summer is the easiest for long daylight and generally simpler driving. Shoulder seasons can be quieter, but roads and passes may be affected by wind, rain, or early snow. Winter can be beautiful, but requires flexible plans and careful decisions.
Is it safe to drive fjord roads?
It can be, but conditions matter. Fjord routes include steep grades, narrow sections, and exposed wind. Check official road status and wind forecasts before you go, slow down for gravel, and avoid pushing long drives in poor visibility.
How many days should I plan for fjord travel?
Plan extra time. Distances can look short on a map, but roads are slower and you’ll want photo stops. For the Westfjords, 2–4 days is a common minimum; for the Eastfjords, 1–2 days can work depending on your route.
What should I pack for fjords in Iceland?
Windproof layers are key. Bring a waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, and grippy shoes. In shoulder seasons and winter, add gloves, a hat, and consider microspikes if you plan to walk on icy viewpoints.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.