Top 7 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in the Westfjords

Last updated: May 29, 2026
Ingólfur Shahin
Verified expert
Last updated: May 29, 2026

A cup of frothy cappuccino with two plates of bread and pastry in the background

Discover the best coffee shops in the Westfjords. Town bakeries and family-run farm cafes alike offer a welcome pause on your Westfjords adventure, often with a fjord view to match.

The Westfjords are wild, remote, and full of surprises, including some unexpectedly great cafes. After a windswept tour to Dynjandi Waterfall or a puffin-watching trip at Latrabjarg, nothing hits quite like a strong cup of coffee and a slice of something sweet.

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Out here, towns are few and far between, but the cafes that do exist are worth seeking out. Some sit inside old houses with creaky floors and fjord views. Others double as craft shops or local hangouts where you can pick up tips on nearby trails or Westfjords tours you didn’t know existed.

If you’re staying in the Westfjords or just passing through a few towns, this guide will point you to the coziest spots for coffee, cake, and conversation. Most are small, family-run places that make a point of doing things well, though that sometimes means limited hours or baked goods that sell out by noon.

Here’s where to find the best cafes in the Westfjords, and why they’re worth adding to your itinerary.

Key Takeaways

  • The Westfjords have a handful of memorable coffee shops, concentrated in Isafjordur (Kaffihus Bakarans and Heimabyggd), with scenic stops scattered toward Flateyri, Thingeyri, Hrafnseyri, Sudavik, and Skotufjordur.

  • Many Westfjords cafes are seasonal and open mainly from June to September, so check their Facebook or Instagram before visiting in the colder months.

  • These cafes are known for homemade treats such as Belgian waffles with rhubarb jam, kleina (twisted Icelandic doughnuts), and fresh sourdough, alongside classic coffee drinks.

  • Several double as community hubs, craft shops, or cultural spaces, making them a good place to pick up local tips on trails and Westfjords tours.

  • Towns are far apart in the Westfjords, so planning your coffee stops around your route, ideally with the map below, helps you avoid long stretches without a place to pause.



 

7. Kaffihus Bakarans (Isafjordur)

A glass bread stand containing varieties of freshly baked bread inside Kaffihus Bakarans in Isafjordur

Photo from Kaffihus Bakarans

Kaffihus Bakarans is a quaint little coffee shop in Isafjordur that doubles as a neighborhood bakery.

The glass display near the door holds fresh sourdough loaves, sweet pastries, and cakes, so the smell of warm bread mixes with the scent of brewed coffee as soon as you walk in. Seating is simple and home-style, with a few tables and soft lighting that makes it easy to linger on any day.

The drink selection is classic and simple. You can choose from filter coffee, lattes, macchiatos, or cappuccinos. In colder months, a cup of thick hot chocolate is a great way to warm up. This Isafjordur cafe is also a good stop if you’re hungry, with pizza and cakes available whole or by the slice.

It’s a popular breakfast and brunch spot, so mornings can be busy. For a quieter visit, try coming in the early afternoon when it’s easier to find a table. The atmosphere stays relaxed throughout the day, and the staff are friendly and happy to explain items on the menu if anything sounds unfamiliar.

One treat that stands out is their kleina, a twisted doughnut with a crisp edge and soft inside, often flavored with cardamom. Pair it with a warm drink, and you’ve got a quiet moment of comfort in the middle of Iceland’s remote Westfjords.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

6. Heimabyggd (Isafjordur)

A huge plate of waffles with salad on the side served with a cup of coffee in Heimabyggd, Isafjordur, West Iceland

Photo from Heimabyggd

Heimabyggd is a cozy Isafjordur cafe in the center of town. With mismatched furniture, colorful walls, and a laid-back atmosphere, it feels like stepping into someone’s living room. This small coffee shop in Isafjordur is a favorite with both locals and travelers looking for a quiet spot to relax.

The menu includes freshly baked sourdough bread, homemade meals, and plenty of options for both vegetarians and vegans. You’ll find everything from scrambled eggs with toast and jam to eggplant hummus and hearty sandwiches. Oversized cinnamon rolls are also on the menu, perfect with a cup of coffee.

When it comes to coffee, Heimabyggd offers all the classics: espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, cortado, and more.

But this cafe is more than just a place to eat and drink. It’s also a local hangout. They host events like open mic nights, pizza days, book swaps, and film screenings. If you’re planning to visit, you can find updates about opening hours, specials, and events on their Facebook page.

Heimabyggd also supports sustainable living. Inside the cafe, you’ll find eco-friendly items for sale like shampoo bars, bamboo cotton swabs, and all-natural sunscreen. It’s a thoughtful little place where good food, good coffee, and a welcoming vibe all come together.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


5. Litlibaer (Skotufjordur)

Plates of waffles and pies and cups of coffee on a green table by the fjord at Litlibaer, a coffee shop in the Westfjords

Photo from Litlibaer

Litlibaer is a cafe set inside a restored turf-roof farmhouse overlooking Skotufjordur, and it feels more like a living museum than a typical coffee shop. The house is well preserved, with simple wooden furnishings and a cozy layout that invites travelers to rest and recharge.

This family-run Westfjords coffee shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and homemade treats. Their signature offering is a plate of waffles served with rhubarb jam and a generous helping of whipped cream, perfect with a cup of strong black coffee. You’ll also find pancakes, kleina (a traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut), and hot chocolate on the menu.

Litlibaer sits right by the fjord, and on a calm day, you might spot seals lounging near the shore as you sip your drink. The views are wide open, with steep mountain ridges and the stillness of the water creating a peaceful backdrop. It’s the only black house along this stretch of remote fjordside road, which makes it easy to spot.

If you’re continuing toward Sudavik or planning to visit the Arctic Fox Center, Litlibaer makes for a scenic stop along the way.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

4. Kaffi Sol (Flateyri)

Eight jars of strawberry mousse cake with fjord and mountain views in the background at Kaffi Sol, Flateyri

Photo from Kaffi Sol

Kaffi Sol is a family-run cafe in Flateyri, an easy stop if you’re driving the Westfjords between Dynjandi Waterfall and Isafjordur. It’s warmly tucked into the owners’ own home, and the couple behind it are known for their hospitality, which hundreds of visitors mention in glowing reviews.

It’s a small and peaceful coffee shop, with around five or six tables inside and a few outdoor seats for sunny days. The glass wall by the dining area offers a constant view of the fjord, making it a great spot for relaxed photos or quiet moments with your cup.

While the menu in this Westfjords cafe is short, everything on it feels homemade and thoughtful. Their rhubarb porridge paired with Westfjords wheat cakes is a standout. Don’t leave without trying a slice of rhubarb cheesecake or the traditional Icelandic “happy marriage cake,” a rustic oat streusel dessert loved by locals. If you’re visiting in colder months, the house vegetable soup is a welcome treat.

Drinks are simple: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a few local beers. What elevates the experience is the setting, as you sip your drink looking out at calm waters and steep mountain ridges, especially in spring and summer. Kaffi Sol is the kind of place where a quick coffee break can turn into a slow afternoon.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM


3. Hrafnseyri Cafe (Hrafnseyri)

A distant view of Hrafnseyri's row of three black turf houses beside the Jon Sigurdsson Museum and a church

Photo from Hrafnseyri Cafe

Hrafnseyri Cafe is a coffee shop in the Westfjords located right beside the Jon Sigurdsson Museum. Jon Sigurdsson, the leader of Iceland’s independence movement, was born here, so it’s a meaningful stop for a dose of local history during your Westfjords trip.

You’ll spot the cafe easily. It’s housed in three turf-roofed black buildings that sit quietly by the fjord. Step inside, and you’ll find a cozy wooden interior filled with the scent of freshly baked pies.

Outside, the terrace offers peaceful seating with views of the fjord, the Hrafnseyri Church, green hills, and the mountain ridges of Hrafnseyrarheid. It’s the kind of place where everything slows down as you sip your coffee and enjoy a slice of tart or a plate of pancakes.

This Westfjords cafe serves the usual coffee options along with milkshakes, making it a nice treat for both kids and adults. Keep in mind that the cafe is seasonal and usually closes during the colder months, approximately starting in September, so it’s best to check their Instagram or Facebook before you plan your visit.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM


2. Ogur Cafe (Sudavik)

A dessert spread with a whole cake, a slice of cake on a separate plate, and a teacup, set outdoors at Ogur Cafe in Sudavik

Photo from Ogur Cafe

Ogur Cafe is a peaceful Westfjords cafe located in the old assembly house in Ogur, Sudavik. It’s a quiet spot with fjord views, fresh air, and a warm atmosphere, perfect for taking a break during your drive through the Westfjords.

This cafe in the Westfjords serves traditional Icelandic cakes and fresh bread alongside their soup of the day. Their Icelandic lamb soup is a favorite, especially on colder days, and the homemade cakes are a perfect accompaniment to a hot drink. You’ll also find flatbread with toppings like lamb or trout, along with a full coffee menu offering everything from Americanos to lattes.

Ogur Cafe is more than just a place to eat. It’s a local gathering spot that regularly hosts community events, and locals gather here for celebrations such as the Ogur Festival. Travelers will also appreciate the little conveniences like Wi-Fi and a charging station for electric cars, making it both a scenic and practical stop.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (June until August only)


1. Simbahollin (Thingeyri)

An assortment of cookies on multiple plates and a whole cake inside Simbahollin in Thingeyri

Photo from Simbahollin

Simbahollin is a coffee shop in Thingeyri set inside a former grocery store from 1915, and stepping inside feels a little like time travel. The owners renovated the building in 2015, keeping the vintage charm alive. They live upstairs and open the cafe from June to September, just when Thingeyri comes to life for the summer.

Simbahollin is known for its relaxed vibe, friendly service, and one very popular menu item: Belgian waffles with homemade rhubarb jam and cream. Pair it with a latte, cappuccino, or hot chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a perfect treat. They also serve homemade soups and cakes, making it a great lunch stop or afternoon pick-me-up.

There’s more to this Westfjords cafe than just great food and coffee. Simbahollin doubles as a cultural space with live music, art exhibitions, and local handicrafts on display in the warmer months. Whether you’re here to refuel or stay awhile, this cafe in the Westfjords is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

Customer Ratings

  • Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Address

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (June 1 to September 1)


Map of the Best Cafes in the Westfjords

With long stretches between towns in the Westfjords, it’s helpful to know where you can count on a warm drink, a homemade treat, and a scenic place to pause before the next leg of your journey. Use this map to plan your coffee breaks and make the most of your Westfjords itinerary.

Frequently asked questions
What are the best coffee shops in the Westfjords?
The best-rated cafes in the Westfjords include Simbahollin in Thingeyri, Ogur Cafe in Sudavik, and Litlibaer by Skotufjordur, along with Kaffihus Bakarans and Heimabyggd in the main town of Isafjordur. Each is known for homemade treats and a relaxed, local atmosphere.
Are coffee shops in the Westfjords open year-round?
No, many Westfjords cafes are seasonal and open mainly from June to September. Town cafes in Isafjordur, such as Kaffihus Bakarans and Heimabyggd, stay open year-round, but it is best to check each cafe’s Facebook or Instagram before visiting in the colder months.
Where can I find coffee shops in Isafjordur?
Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords, has the most options. Kaffihus Bakarans sits on Hafnarstraeti and Heimabyggd is on Adalstraeti, both in the center of town and open throughout the week.
What food do Westfjords cafes serve?
Westfjords cafes typically serve homemade baked goods and light meals, such as Belgian waffles with rhubarb jam, kleina (a twisted Icelandic doughnut), sourdough bread, soups, and cakes. Most also offer a full range of classic coffee drinks.
Do you need a car to visit the cafes in the Westfjords?
Yes, a rental car is the most practical way to reach most of these cafes, as towns in the Westfjords are far apart and public transport is limited. Several cafes, like Litlibaer and Kaffi Sol, are scenic roadside stops between the larger towns.

Appreciating Coffee Culture in the Westfjords

A person holds a coffee cup, viewed from behind, with a fjord in the background

Coffee shops in the Westfjords often feel like quiet escapes. Many are small, family-run spots that reflect the slower rhythm of life in the region. These cafes offer a welcome stop during your Iceland road trips, with views so lovely you might just linger longer than planned.

Westfjords cafes might not serve the wide range of beans and brewing styles you’ll find in the best cafes and coffee shops in Reykjavik, but their simple, classic offerings are just as memorable. Experiencing both ends of Iceland’s coffee culture gives you a richer taste of the country, with Reykjavik’s urban variety and the Westfjords’ heartfelt simplicity each worth savoring.

Have you visited any of these cafes in Isafjordur or the Westfjords? Or is there one you’re excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin
Verified expert
About the author

Born on the west side of Reykjavík and raised in the heart of downtown, I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by Iceland’s beauty. I’m a proud father of two and an avid traveler who has visited five continents—but Iceland remains, without a doubt, the most breathtaking place I know. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the country, exploring its hidden gems and natural wonders. My passion for Iceland and for helping others experience it led me to co-found Guide to Iceland, where we focus on connecting travelers with unique, local services and unforgettable adventures.

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