Remote fjords, winding mountain roads, historic settlements, scenic valleys, lava fields, and the journey back to Reykjavík
Ring Road & Beyond Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
A Quick Glimpse of Our Drive
Heading south from the thunderous cliffs of Dynjandi, the journey back to Reykjavík is a transition from the remote wilderness of the Westfjords to the urban energy of Iceland‘s capital.
The first part of the drive winds through the heart of the Westfjords, where towering mountains rise from the sea, deep fjords stretch into the distance, and every turn reveals another breathtaking view. As Route 60 leaves the Westfjords behind and reconnects with the Ring Road, the landscape gradually begins to change. Dramatic mountains and rocky coastlines give way to green farmland, wide valleys, lava fields, and small Icelandic towns along the way.
It’s a long drive, but the ever-changing scenery makes the journey unforgettable.
Here are some photos we captured while driving Route 60 through the beautiful and remote landscapes of the Westfjords.
The sweeping curve of the causeway crossing the fjord along Route 60 
A quiet roadside waterfall cutting through the mossy green hills along Route 60. 
Kleifabúi, the stone cairn built by road workers on Kleifaheiði pass, Route 60. 
A fresh mountain stream tumbling down the rocky Westfjords landscape. 
View along Route 60 
Winding through the remote, quiet landscapes of Route 60. 
Winding past icy mountain slopes on the drive through the Westfjords. 
View along Route 60 
Wide-open views stretching across the high plateau of the Westfjords. 
Quiet mountain ponds scattered across the rocky tundra of Route 60. 
Curving past alpine lakes high up in the Westfjords mountains. 
Driving across the vast highland plateau on Route 60. 
The approach to the massive Dynjandi waterfall along the gravel stretch of Route 60. 
A dramatic view of Dynjandi cascading down the cliffside beside the road. 
Waterfalls cutting through the lush green valley along the drive. 
A cascading waterfall tumbling through mossy green hillsides. 
Scenic roadside cascades framing the Westfjords mountain scenery. 
Descending toward the edge of a bright blue fjord on a gravel stretch of Route 60. 
A calm mountain stream flowing beside the rocky high mountain pass. 
Winding down Route 60 with sweeping views of the deep blue fjord ahead. 
Following the curve of Route 60 toward the coastal fjords below. 
Wide views over rolling green slopes stretch out toward the fjord. 
Driving straight toward the massive basalt bluffs of the Westfjords. 
Driving along Route 60 with calm fjord waters and massive cliffs lining the way. 
Rocky shoreline and quiet waters along the Westfjords coast. 
Route 60, overlooking the fjord below. 
A unpaved gravel stretch cutting through a wide green valley in the Westfjords. 
Isolated houses tucked beneath massive, layered basalt cliffs along the water. 
A few local sheep grazing along the grassy mountain hillsides beside the road. 
A herd of Icelandic horses relaxing in an open green pasture near the base of the mountains. 
Icelandic horses clustered together on a seaside field along the fjord. 
Descending along a unpaved stretch of Route 60 hugging the calm fjord edge. 
Winding downhill on the gravel stretch of Route 60. 
Navigating a tight turn on the gravel mountain pass with sweeping fjord views below. 
Looking back at the gravel switchbacks snaking through the coastal hills. 
Cruising down the gravel track as the bright blue waters of the fjord open up ahead. 
A few sheep grazing right along the edge of the unpaved road. 
The gravel road winding its way along the green coastline of the Westfjords. 
Heading down into the valley floor with grazing sheep along the roadside. 
Low clouds rolling over the mountain tops as the highway reaches straight through the valley. 
Back on smooth pavement, sweeping through open green valleys framed by distant mountains. 
A quiet stretch of highway running past bright green farmlands beneath giant cliffs. 
Low fog blanketing the upper slopes and lingering snow patches along the pass. 
Following the stream along the open road with mist-covered peaks in the distance. 
Passing roadwork construction signs as the highway transitions through a 70 km/h zone. 
Spotting the blue road sign pointing the way to Eíriksstaðir. 
The visitor center and ticket office at the site entrance. 
Walking up the gravel trail toward the replica Viking turf longhouse at Eíriksstaðir. 
Side view of the longhouse showing stacked turf walls and a thick grass roof. 
Following the paved path up the hillside toward the longhouse. 
The trail leading up to the statue of Leif Erikson looking out over the valley. 
Standing outside the entrance to the reconstructed Viking turf home. 
Rolling green hills along the road to Eiríksstaðir. 
Rolling green hills and a quiet chapel along the road to Eiríksstaðir.
Here are some photos from the drive along the Ring Road.
Following a camper van along Route 1 near the turnoff for Glanni waterfall. 
Passing a vibrant roadside mural painted along the base of a steep mountain slope. 
Driving along the Ring Road surrounded by mossy lava fields and distant snow-capped peaks. 
Approaching the outskirts of Reykjavík along the multi-lane highway near midnight. 
Sun Voyager at Midnight: Reykjavík’s Iconic Waterfront Sculpture Beneath the Summer Sky 
Symmetrical front view of Hallgrímskirkja Church beneath an overcast midnight sun sky in Reykjavík 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Views along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) on the way to Selvallafoss 
Hvalfjörður Tunnel 
Soft midnight sun colors reflecting across Faxaflói Bay along the Reykjavík waterfront. 
Walking up a quiet, nearly empty Rainbow Street toward Hallgrímskirkja during the late June midnight sun. 
The modern geometric glass facade of Harpa Concert Hall standing along the harbor. 
Hallgrímskirkja soaring behind the Leif Erikson statue in downtown Reykjavík. 
Looking up toward the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson atop Arnarhóll hill in central Reykjavík. 
Driving past the landmark Culture House building along the street in downtown Reykjavík. 
Passing the striking Art Deco exterior of the National Theatre of Iceland in central Reykjavík. 
The stone inscription on the back of the Leif Erikson statue in front of Hallgrímskirkja. 
A bold purple iris mural adding a splash of color to a building facade in downtown Reykjavík. 
Framing a shot of the Leif Erikson statue and Hallgrímskirkja in central Reykjavík.
Along this stretch, there are plenty of memorable stops, from deep fjords and quiet shorelines to scattered farms and small villages in the Westfjords, before the scenery gradually changes to greener countryside on the approach to Reykjavík.
There are several worthwhile detours if you have extra time. Hólmavík is a charming fishing village and a great place for whale watching, while Rauðisandur is famous for its sweeping red sand beach. Farther south, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers iconic sights such as Kirkjufell, Saxhóll Crater, and the sea arches of Arnarstapi, while nearby Hraunfossar is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Highlights Along the Drive
- Dynjandi
- Scenic Westfjords fjords, mountain passes, and coastal views along Route 60
- Hólmavík (optional detour for whale watching)
- Rauðisandur (optional detour for its red sand beach)
- Búðardalur
- Eiríksstaðir (optional stop)
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula (worthwhile detour – our visit: Part 1 and Part 2)
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss (worthwhile detour)
- Reykjavík
Quick Tips for This Drive
- Distance: Approximately 350 km (218 mi) from Dynjandi to Reykjavík.
- Driving Time: Around 5 to 6 hours without sightseeing stops.
- Fuel: Gas stations are limited in the Westfjords. Fill up whenever you have the opportunity, especially before leaving the more remote areas. Fuel is available in places Flókalundur, Bjarkarlundur, Búðardalur, and Borgarnes (the last major hub before the final stretch into Reykjavík).
- Food and Cafes: Options are limited outside of local hubs. The stops along the highway, such as Flókalundur, Búðardalur, and Borgarnes, provide cafes and casual meals. Carrying snacks, water, and a packed lunch is recommended for the drive.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses, hotels, cabins, and campsites are scattered in towns and rural areas along the route, including Flókalundur, Búðardalur, Borgarnes, and across the Westfjords. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the peak summer months when availability is extremely limited.
- Road Conditions: Route 60 includes paved sections, gravel roads, winding coastal stretches, and mountain passes. Roads in the Westfjords can be narrow, and weather conditions can change quickly. Always check current road conditions at (road.is) and weather forecasts at (vedur.is) conditions before heading out.
- Suggested Time: Allow at least one full day for this drive. The long summer daylight hours make it easier to enjoy scenic stops along the way, but extra time is recommended if you want to explore detours such as Hólmavík, Rauðisandur, or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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