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Driving to Iceland’s Spectacular Westfjords: Akureyri to Dynjandi – Part 5


Scenic coastal roads, charming fishing villages, remote fjords, mountain passes, and the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords

Ring Road & Beyond Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

A Quick Glimpse of Our Drive

Instead of sticking to the traditional Ring Road heading west from Akureyri, this route takes the scenic way along Iceland‘s beautiful North Coast. From Akureyri, Routes 82, 76, and 73 wind around the beautiful Tröllaskagi Peninsula, passing quiet fishing villages, colorful harbors, rugged mountains, and breathtaking coastal views before rejoining Route 1 near Blönduós. 

As you leave the Ring Road behind and head deeper into the Westfjords, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote. From there, Routes 59 and 60 continue into the Westfjords, where winding coastal roads, deep fjords, and spectacular mountain passes eventually lead to the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall.

This drive is all about the journey, and the transition on the drive is spectacular. Every section feels different, making it one of the most memorable drives of our Iceland road trip.  

Here are a lot of photos we captured along the scenic drive through Northern Iceland and the Westfjords.

  • Lush green hillside with pine trees and a steaming geothermal stream looking across a fjord toward Akureyri.
  • View of Akureyri harbor from Route 83, North Iceland
  • A large white cruise ship docked in the Akureyri harbor, with the colorful town and lush green mountains under a cloudy sky in the background, North Iceland
  • Panoramic view of Akureyri town and cruise port beneath cloud-covered, snow-patched mountains in North Iceland.
  • Driving along Route 1 (Ring Road) near Safnasafnið with views across Eyjafjörður toward Akureyri.
  • Driving along Route 1 (Ring Road) near Safnasafnið with views across Eyjafjörður toward Akureyri.
  • Driving along Route 1 (Ring Road) near Safnasafnið with views across Eyjafjörður toward Akureyri.
  • Driving along Route 1 (Ring Road) near Safnasafnið with views across Eyjafjörður toward Akureyri.
  • Waterfront view of Eyjafjörður from Route 1 in Akureyri town, North Iceland
  • Waterfront view of Eyjafjörður and snow-dusted mountains from Route 1 in Akureyri town.
  • Regional map boards and viewpoint stop along Route 1 in Akureyri.
  • Passing the Glerártorg shopping center while driving through Akureyri town.
  • Akureyri's signature heart-shaped red traffic lights at a town road junction.
  • Roadside farewell sign featuring Akureyri's iconic heart as you exit the town.
  • Driving along Route 82 toward Dalvík through the North Iceland countryside.
  • Scenic coastal view along Route 82 looking across Eyjafjörður toward snow-capped peaks.
  • View through a leafy green foreground bush over open rolling country fields toward a fjord and snow-patched mountains in North Iceland.
  • Telephoto view across the fjord showing a small coastal village nestled beneath towering, snow-streaked mountain slopes under cloud cover.
  • Red-roofed farm buildings standing in a vibrant green field along the coast, with massive snow-dusted mountains rising across the fjord.
  • Driving along Route 82 with dramatic views of snow-streaked mountains ahead.
  • Driving along Route 82 with dramatic views of snow-streaked mountains ahead.
  • Driving along Route 82 with dramatic views of snow-streaked mountains ahead.
  • Driving along Route 82 with dramatic views of snow-streaked mountains ahead.
  • Approaching Dalvík along Route 82, with tourist information boards by the roadside.
  • Entering the coastal town of Dalvík along Route 82 in North Iceland.
  • Street view in Dalvík featuring vibrant local buildings backed by massive, snow-streaked mountains.
  • Town view in Dalvík set against the steep slopes of the surrounding mountain ranges.
  • Scenic road along the coastline leaving Dalvík with sweeping views of Eyjafjörður.
  • Rural road junction near Árhóll along the scenic coast of Eyjafjörður.
  • A solitary red house overlooking Eyjafjörður, near Dalvík.
  • Bright yellow buttercups bloom in a coastal field in North Iceland, with a white farmhouse and a red house overlooking the blue waters of Eyjafjörður, along route 82. where yellow wildflowers bloom along the striking Tröllaskagi Peninsula coastline in North Iceland.
  • Scenic highway along Route 82 cutting through lush green valleys beneath snow-patched mountain peaks, North Iceland
  • Picturesque coastal driving along Route 82 between Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður.
  • Picturesque coastal driving along Route 82 between Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður.
  • Route 82 winding along the mountainside approaching the Múlagöng tunnel entrance< nOrth Iceland
  • Route 82 winding along the mountainside approaching the Múlagöng tunnel entrance, North Iceland
  • Emerging from the Múlagöng tunnel toward Ólafsfjörður, surrounded by lupines and mountain scenery.
  • Slopes covered in purple lupines lining the roadside along Route 82 near Ólafsfjörður, North Iceland
  • A winding coastal road in North Iceland leading toward Ólafsfjörður, flanked by purple lupine fields and the Ólafsfjarðarmúli mountain. A beautiful approach to Ólafsfjörður.
  • Entering the coastal town of Ólafsfjörður on Route 82, with speed limit signs leading into town beneath high snow-patched mountains.
  • Residential street view in Ólafsfjörður framed by dramatic mountain peaks.
  • Charming home in Ólafsfjörður set against steep, snow-patched mountains, North Iceland
  • Héðinsfjarðargöng Tunnel, Route 82 heading toward a mountain tunnel framed by massive snow-streaked slopes.

Akureyri to Ólafsfjörður: Routes 1 and 82

  • Entrance to the 3.7 km Héðinsfjarðargöng II tunnel on Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Lush valley and stream in Héðinsfjörður along Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Snow-capped peak and waterfalls along Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Scenic pull-off on Route 76 in Héðinsfjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Parking area (Bílastæði) along Route 76 in the Héðinsfjörður tunnel corridor between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður in North Iceland.
  • Entrance to the 3.7 km Héðinsfjarðargöng II tunnel on Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Route 76 framed by purple lupines in Siglufjörður valley, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Driving through lupine fields along Route 76 toward Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Summer lupines lining Route 76 in Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Approaching Siglufjörður town along Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A field of blooming purple lupines on a green hillside overlooking the colorful fishing village of Siglufjörður, surrounded by steep, rugged mountains and a blue fjord.
  • Siglufjörður harbor nestled at the base of the mountains, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Blooming purple lupines in the foreground looking across the bay toward the town of Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A serene landscape in Northern Iceland featuring a small reflective pond in the foreground with lush green marshes. In the background, towering triangular mountains with snow-filled crevices rise toward a cloudy sky near the town of Siglufjörður, North Iceland
  • View across the fjord to the town of Siglufjörður with its colorful buildings and church nestled below mountains, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Trailer loaded with colorful kayaks parked near the harbor with snow-patched mountains in the background, Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Lupine flowers blooming along the Siglufjörður shoreline, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • The scenic coastal town of Siglufjörður framed by steep mountains, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A peaceful mountain landscape near Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Avalanche protection barriers installed high on the steep slopes above Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Quiet street in Siglufjörður town center with mountain views, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Historic red-painted wooden building on the harbor front in Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Lush green valley and dramatic mountains framed by coastal waters along Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Winding stretch of Route 76 passing through scenic mountain terrain in North Iceland.
  • Winding stretch of Route 76 passing through scenic mountain terrain in Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Driving along Route 76 past lupine-covered hillsides and coastal traffic signs near Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A sheep grazing beside Route 76 with blooming lupines along the mountain slopes, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • The entrance to the Strákagöng tunnel cut into the rocky cliffs of North Iceland.
  • Following a camper van along the scenic coastal cliffs of Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • The coastal farmlands of North Iceland, Route 76
  • The bright orange Kálfshamarsvík lighthouse perched above the rocky shoreline, Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Sheep grazing on open green pastures along the coastal farmlands of Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Cruising past green mountain slopes on the quiet coastal stretch of Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Route 76 cutting through a green valley towards snow-dusted mountain peaks, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Sheep running along the roadside on a scenic coastal bend of Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A pair of sheep casually crossing Route 76 along the northern coast, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Route 76 winding downhill toward calm waters and distant, snow-tipped peaks, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Scenic curves along Route 76 offering wide views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Driving along the edge of the fjord with dramatic mountain peaks on the horizon, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Tranquil lake waters reflecting the surrounding green valley and rugged northern mountains., Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A rural farmstead with grazing sheep nestled beneath snow-dusted mountains, Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Swans swimming in calm waters along the North Iceland coast, röllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Driving down a long, straight stretch of Route 76 toward flat-topped coastal mountains, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Passing colorful farmhouses framed by dramatic mountain backdrops along Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Purple lupines carpet the landscape along Route 76 on Iceland's Tröllaskagi Peninsula, with calm coastal waters and snow-capped peaks in the background.
  • Views across the fjord to snow-covered peaks from the grassy shores of Route 76, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A wide landscape view of a coastal lagoon in North Iceland. A curved sandbar with a small road and a few houses sits between a calm lake and the ocean, Route 76, North Iceland
  • Coastal pastures offering views of the blue fjord and distant islands, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Coastal pastures offering views of the blue fjord and distant islands, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
  • A road sign along Route 76 marks the turnoff for Route 77 toward Hofsós.
  • Approaching the quiet coastal village of Hofsós along Route 76, framed by snow-patched coastal peaks.
  • Houses and coastal buildings sit below a prominent, rounded mountain near Hofsós along the Skagafjörður coast.
  • A small white church with a bright blue spire (Hofskirkja) stands on a lush green hillside in Hofsós, Iceland, with a prominent pyramid-shaped mountain and snow-capped fjords in the background under a cloudy sky, North Iceland
  • White church with a blue spire in the distance behind a parking area near green coastal hills in Hofsós.
  • Grassy cliffs give way to the dark basalt column formations along the Hofsós coastline.
  • The white-and-blue Hofsóskirkja stands gracefully in front of rugged, snow-dusted mountains.

Siglufjörður to Hofsós: Routes 76, 75, and 73

  • Open grassy plains stretch toward snow-dusted mountain ranges along the drive through North Iceland.
  • Open grassy plains stretch toward snow-dusted mountain ranges along the drive through North Iceland.
  • Open grassy plains stretch toward snow-dusted mountain ranges along the drive through North Iceland.
  • Blönduöskirkja's striking, modern architectural design sits atop a grassy hill in Blönduós.
  • A paved road winds through a lush green landscape toward a calm blue fjord and snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky in Route 75, North Iceland.
  • Icelandic horses enjoying a quiet stretch of pasture along the drive to the Westfjords
  • Bright summer wildflowers stretch toward the coastline between Blönduós and the Westfjords, Northwest Iceland
  • Bright summer wildflowers stretch toward the coastline between Blönduós and the Westfjords, Northwest Iceland
  • Rolling open roads winding through the quiet countryside along Route 59
  • A winding descent through the steep valleys of Route 60., Northwest Iceland
  • Route 60 winding through the steep valleys of the Westfjords, Northwest Iceland
  • Wrapped hay bales scattered across the lush green farmland along Route 60, Northwest Iceland
  • A quiet pasture nestled right at the base of the mountains, Northwest Iceland
  • Following the fjord’s edge on Route 60, Northwest Iceland
  • Driving straight across the fjord causeway, Route 60, Northwest Iceland
  • An open paved road leading downhill toward a causeway crossing a calm bay, Route 60, Northwest Iceland
  • A gravel road curving past a small concrete bridge under steep, dark rock cliffs, Northwest Iceland
  • The Djúpá river winding through Djúpidalur valley on Route 60.
  • The turnoff to the quiet Djúpidalur valley.Northwest Iceland
  • Climbing the gravel mountain pass on Route 60, Iceland
  • Smooth paving following the edge of the fjord along Route 60
  • Gazing across the water at distant mountain streams along Route 60, Iceland
  • The sweeping curve of the causeway crossing the fjord along Route 60, Iceland
  • Route 60, Iceland
  • A wide panorama of flat-topped volcanic mountains with small snow patches overlooking a barren, mossy plateau.
  • Driving through high-elevation mountain passes with lingering snow along Route 60, Iceland

Blönduós to Dyjandi: Routes 73, 1, 59 and 60

Along the way, there are plenty of memorable stops, from scenic viewpoints and winding mountain passes to dramatic coastal roads, cascading waterfalls, charming fishing villages, historic sites, colorful harbors, beautiful beaches, and peaceful fjords. 

Covering approximately 550 km (about 7 hours of driving without stops), this route showcases a quieter, less-traveled side of Iceland.

Highlights Along the Drive 

Quick Tips for This Drive

  • Distance: Approximately 550 km (342 mi)
  • Driving Time: Around 7 hours without sightseeing stops.
  • Fuel: Gas stations are available in Akureyri, Dalvík, Siglufjörður, Hofsós, Sauðárkrókur, Blönduós, Flókalundur, and a few larger towns along the route. Fill up whenever you have the chance, especially before entering the more remote parts of the Westfjords. 
  • Food & Cafes: Restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and bakeries can be found in Akureyri, Siglufjörður, Blönduós, and several fishing villages along the route. Once you enter the Westfjords, options become much more limited, so carrying snacks and water is a good idea. 
  • Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, cabins, and campsites are scattered throughout Akureyri, Siglufjörður, Blönduós, Búðardalur, and the Westfjords. 
  • Road Conditions: This route includes a mix of paved roads, gravel roads, mountain passes, and winding coastal sections. Some Westfjords roads are narrow and weather conditions can change quickly. Always check current road conditions (road.is) and weather forecasts (vedur.is) before heading out.
  • Suggested Time: Allow at least one full day, make use of summer long sunlight hours, to enjoy the scenic viewpoints, fishing villages, coastal landscapes, and Dynjandi waterfall without rushing. More time is recommended if you want to explore the Westfjords at a slower pace.
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