Matkaopas: Breidavik Bay

 

Breidavik Bay is a beautiful, remote, and less frequented beach and bay area near Isafjordur in western Iceland. 

At a glance, Breidavik Bay (spelled as Breiðavík in Icelandic) looks like a small settlement with a century-old church and a few houses here and there. But what sets this place apart is its extensive stretch of golden sand beach framed between rocky cliffs. Many travelers, both foreigners and locals alike, regarded Breidavik Bay as the most beautiful beach in Iceland.

Breidavik Bay is less than an hour's drive from Latrabjarg and 49 kilometers (30.4 miles) away from Patreksfjordur. You can visit these places when you join a guided six-hour tour in the Westfjords to Latrabjarg.

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Photo from Wikimedia Creative Commons by Zairon. No edits made.

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Breidavik Bay Features

Many people consider the beach of Breidavik Bay to be Iceland's premier beach, and it’s not hard to see why. Situated within a meadow enclosed by the vast, crescent-shaped cliffs of Bjarnamupur, sculpted by glaciers, and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean's waters, Breidavik offers an unparalleled natural spectacle. The beach appears endless, only occasionally broken by a mountain stream flowing towards the sea.

The beautiful sandy beach and turquoise waters of Breidavik Bay are a feat that is very rare in Iceland. The golden sands stretch along the shoreline, with cliffs and headlands framing it, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. Additionally, the bay is situated in a remote part of the Westfjords region, adding to its sense of seclusion and tranquility.

The best time to visit Breidavik Bay is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are long, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the place.

Activities To Do In Breidavik Bay

Photo from Wikimedia Creative Commons by Jóna Þórunn. No edits made.

Leisure Walk Along The Beach -  For those who find the beach's waters too chilly, a long walk along the beach is a better option. The long stretch of sandy beaches framed by steep, imposing cliffs has plenty of areas to explore. Walk along the coast to discover some dunes and creeks nearby.

Camping - With its stunning natural surroundings, expansive beach, and picturesque views of the towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, Breidavik Bay offers a perfect setting for camping enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of Iceland's landscape. Set up a tent on the camping grounds and spend the night amidst the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
 

How To Get To Breidavik Beach

By plane - If you want to get to Breidavik Beach by plane, book a domestic flight from Reykjavik to Isafjordur Airport, the closest airport to the Westfjords. You can then rent a car and drive approximately 105 miles (169 kilometers) south to Breidavik Bay.

By land - If you prefer the scenic route, rent a car in Reykjavik and embark on a picturesque drive. Take Route 1 to the north, then head west via Route 60. The journey may be longer, spanning around 255 miles (410 km), but the breathtaking views along the way will make it all worthwhile. 

Attractions Nearby Breidavik Bay

Latrabjarg Cliffs - It's no secret that some travelers use Breidavik Bay as their starting point when traveling to Latrabjarg, one of the best places in the world for bird-watching. The Latrabjarg Cliffs, considered the westernmost point in Europe, is a long stretch of high cliffs with an elevation of up to 1,443 feet (440 meters).

What makes this place truly unique is its status as home to a dozen rare species of birds, some of which are found nowhere else. Among these unique inhabitants are fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes and, of course, the puffins.

Patreksfjordur - Just 30 miles (48.5 kilometers) away from Breidavik Bay is also Patreksfjordur, the largest town in this part of the Westfjords. Because of the picturesque scenery of the place, this fishing village is also one of the most popular areas for hiking.

Hikers enjoy walking along trails and fjords between Patreksfjordur and Talknafjordur, yet another tremendous bird-watching spot. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Other sites to explore along the way include the famous Lambeyrarhals hill and Sudureyri, a small village teemed with fishing activity.  Those who want to hike in the area can join this five-hour hiking trip - click the link for more information.