Travelling in fantastic scenery
Icelanders as well as foreigners often say they have never seen more spectacular, glorious nature than in Iceland, not least in the West Fjords. Still, many people have yet to visit us to experience everything that the West Fjords and its residents can offer. In recent years, vastly improved roads and other means of transportation have greatly facilitated all access to our wonderful region. Therefore, now is the time to fulfil your dream of coming to our part of Iceland, with its wild nature, steep mountains, deep fjords, prospering communities, and even a different society than anywhere else on the island. Not only are there numerous possibilities for outdoor activities and other entertainment, but they can often be shaped by your personal requests. The offerings include trips through West Fjord communities to gain acquaintance with their history, animal life, residents and culture, together with particularly adventurous tours through the huge bay of Ísafjarðardjúp or to the northerly reaches of Strandir on the region's far northeast coast. Though now deserted, these northerly areas, called Hornstrandir, were inhabited until around the middle of the last century, although life was certainly difficult. Today, hiking in Hornstrandir is extremely popular, and most people who try it return again and again.
 
West Fjord society
In the past, society in the West Fjords was deeply influenced by isolation, caused by mountains and the sea. Fishing and services formed the main source of livelihood for the coastal villages, while the widely separated farms mostly raised sheep. Despite modern transportation and the end of isolation, West Fjord culture has a special flavour, for instance in colourful individuals who seem to keep one foot in the past. The fruits of local waters and land have their uses too, such as eider down and driftwood, or bird eggs, puffins, shark and dried fish for food. People are energetic and willing to celebrate, regardless of the season. Suðureyri has its Family Weekend, Ísafjörður its fun-filled Ski Week, Patreksfjörður its unforgettable Seamen's Day, Drangsnes a Harbour Festival, and Sævangur in Strandir the so-called Strange Games, with names that will prove even funnier if you let someone explain the Icelandic to you. Lastly, mention must be made of the annual strong man's competition, the West Fjords Viking, which many villages participate in. 

Natural treasures
Through their raw, magnificent, yet pleasant nature, the West Fjords may be considered a world of their own. Cut by glacially formed valleys, soaring mountainsides line the coast, and jutting promontories face the ocean waves. Wherever you look there are true gems of nature. The landscape of Hornstrandir is magnificent and unique, and contains many of Iceland’s most beautiful spots. Hornstrandir, Vatnsfjörður, Hrísey by Miðhús near Reykhólar, and the eastern side of Flatey are protected for the sake of birds, plants and sheer attractiveness. Rauðisandur is a peaceful beach, while Dynjandi is a classically picturesque waterfall that cascades 100 m down a mountain slope.  Látrabjarg, Hornbjarg and Hælavíkurbjarg are not only Iceland's most spectacular sea cliffs, but also harbour the most birds. Vigur island in Ísafjarðardjúp also shelters abundant bird life. Masses of driftwood collect in many parts of Strandir, such as Trékyllisvík, north of which the rocky Drangaskörð belongs to the area's most unusual natural phenomena. For yet another sight that will impress anyone, climb the ancient Vaðalfjöll volcanic plugs, near Bjarkarlundur. 

Walking and hiking
The West Fjords present endless opportunities for walks and sightseeing, both in the highlands and near the farms and villages. Mountains are reflected in the sea,  and nature lures the visitor. Maps of the main trails through the region's inviting nature will help you select a path to fit your abilities. You might choose a route for observing a mix of nature and historical remains, or select from the Ísafjörður Heritage Trail, a walk to see birds on Vigur, a ramble along nearly any regional shore, or hikes around Vatnsfjörður. Hornstrandir offers short walks as well as highly fulfilling treks of several days. A tour is available along Ísafjarðardjúp, with a stop at Drangajökull glacier, or you can walk from Bæir to Kaldalón. The whole- or half-day hikes between Arnarfjörður and Tálknafjörður are popular. At Trékyllisvík, there is a  walking track through witch country, where Kistugjá, site of witch-burnings, and the peculiar rock called Grásteinn, near Stóra-Ávík, can be seen along the way.

Regional history
History enthusiasts will want to visit the West Fjords, because it was here that the first Viking explorer, Hrafna-Flóki, gave Iceland its name, after seeing a fjord full of ice from the top of a mountain. Today, relics connecting the present with the past can be found all over the West Fjords, such as building ruins by the coast, and old farm outposts and deserted farmsteads in the valleys. Brjánslækur has ruins from the time of Iceland's settlement, Hrafnseyri was birthplace to one of the country's independence heroes, and, in Tálknafjörður, Suðureyri preserves one of the island's oldest whaling stations. West Fjord society has been characterised by the supernatural, and has been home to most of Iceland's witches and sorcerers. The Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft is located at both Hólmavík and Bjarnarfjörður in Strandir, on which coast the community centre Sævangur and its Sheep Farming Museum are also situated. Hnjótur is home to an air transportation and folk museum, Bíldudalur to a music museum, and Flateyri to the Doll Museum, while the Maritime Museum at Ísafjörður displays the oldest cluster of wooden buildings in Iceland. Bolungarvík boasts both a natural history museum and Ósvör, a traditional building for fishing gear and fishermen's work At Djúpavík, travellers can tour a history exhibition about the decades of the herring boom, and at Reykhólar they can see an exhibition on the use of natural resources. 

Travel by sea
Sea transport has always been important in the West Fjords. In fact, many interesting attractions cannot be reached except by watercraft. Experiencing the region's nature by boat is thus a good option; for instance, you can take the ferry over Breiðafjörður to Brjánslækur via Flatey, site of the oldest library in Iceland. Other boat trips on offer in the far northwest include sightseeing in Ísafjarðardjúp, with a stop at the island of Vigur, reminiscent of times gone by; a circular trip through the enchanting Jökulfirðir; or daily trips to Hornstrandir. A trip along the northeast coastline departs from Norðurfjörður, destined for Reykjarfjörður Nyrðri and Hornvík. Sea angling and excursions to Grímsey, just outside of Steingrímsfjörður, are both available from Drangsnes. Last but not least, the West Fjords are a kayaker's paradise. Kayak trips of three to four hours are offered at Önundarfjörður, Ísafjörður and other places. Furthermore, one can arrange day trips and even week-long trips. Kayaking in Jökulfirðir will prove the trip of a lifetime.

Fauna
Amidst such varied animal life, the nature observer has plenty to see. Small fauna crowd the shores, while seals bask on reefs. The largest bird cliff in the entire North Atlantic is at Látrabjarg. Around a million birds of various species nest there, with the largest population of auks in Europe. Many travellers come to see them, or go to view the other renowned bird cliffs of Hornbjarg and Hælavíkurbjarg. Vatnsfjörður and Ísafjarðardjúp also have colourful bird life, especially the islands of Æðey and Vigur, where great numbers of eider ducks breed, along with puffins and other sea birds. A tremendous puffin population also inhabits Grímsey by Steingrímsfjörður, making trips there an incredible experience. While the majestic sea eagle lives in Breiðafjörður and the southeast parts of Ísafjarðardjúp, it ranges widely to feed. Where the Arctic fox is protected, in Hornstrandir, it is frequently noticed running with prey in its jaws. With luck, one can sometimes spot whales blowing, even from land. Wonderful times await the nature lover who enters the peace of the West Fjords.