Matkaopas: Patreksfjörður

Located in the Westfjords of Iceland, Patreksfjörður is a charming village of approximately 650 inhabitants.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Emstrur. No edits made.

Its name means ‘the fjord of St Patrick’, named as such as it was settled by a reverend after Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

Visit this area on a tour of the Westfjords.

Services at Patreksfjörður

Patreksfjörður has grown into a great destination for tourism as the industry has developed in Iceland. Even so, its main industry, as it always has been, remains to be its fisheries.

The town has several options for accommodation, with hotels, guesthouses, bungalows and a campsite. It also has restaurants, cafes, and a swimming pool, making it a perfect place to stay for those exploring the Westfjords.

Bíldudalur is the nearest airport for those who do not have the time or license to drive to Patreksfjörður. There is one flight a day here from Reykjavík, and regular buses between the two towns.

Sites near Patreksfjörður

This settlement, in the southern part of the region, is close to many major attractions. Those in the nearest vicinity include Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, and Rauðasandur.

Dynjandi, meaning ‘Thunderous’, is without a doubt one of the country’s – if not the world’s – more spectacular waterfalls. Falling from a height of 100 metres (328 feet), it tumbles in many steps, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly ambience.

The path leading up to Dynjandi has many other waterfalls to be admired.

Látrabjarg is the name of a set of cliffs, and is one of the world’s best spots for bird watching. Along this stretch, millions of birds can be seen, including, from May to September, the adorable and elusive puffin.

The puffins here are protected, and will let you get remarkably close for some excellent photographic opportunities.

Rauðasandur, meanwhile, is a beautiful beach. Unlike most in Iceland, defined by volcanic black sands, the sand here is golden, red and orange, lending the area a somewhat tropical beauty.