Discover the fjords in Iceland. These glacier-carved inlets span remote coastlines rich in wildlife, dramatic cliffs, and centuries-old fishing villages. Read on to find out where they are located and how you can visit them.
Iceland has more than 100 fjords spread across the country. Most travelers visit on fjord tours in Iceland or self-drive tours, covering regions like the Eastfjords, Westfjords, North Iceland, and the fjords just outside Reykjavik in the west.
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Iceland's fjords are functioning ecosystems home to whales, seals, puffins, and Arctic foxes. The open coastal views also make them some of the best spots in the country to see the northern lights in winter.
What To Know Before You Visit the Icelandic Fjords
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Iceland has over 100 fjords, which are mostly concentrated in the Westfjords and Eastfjords.
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Hvalfjordur and Borgarfjordur are the most accessible fjords and can be visited as a day trip from Reykjavik.
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Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit the Westfjords, as many mountain roads are gravel and closed in winter.
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Seydisfjordur is widely considered the most beautiful fjord in Iceland, while Isafjardardjup is the largest fjord system in the Westfjords.
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Eyjafjordur is the longest fjord in North Iceland.
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Renting a car or taking self-drive tours are the best ways to explore and reach the fjords of Iceland.
Icelandic Fjords Near Reykjavik
Picture by Axel Kristinsson from Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
Two of the most accessible fjords in Iceland are located just north of Reykjavik, Hvalfjordur and Borgarfjordur. They're both easy to include in short itineraries through tours from Reykjavik.
Hvalfjordur Fjord
Hvalfjordur Fjord, meaning “whale fjord” in Icelandic, is 19 miles (30 kilometers) long. Its peaceful landscapes, natural beauty, and accessibility attract visitors year-round.
A tunnel under Hvalfjordur Fjord was constructed between 1996 and 1998 to shorten the distance between Reykjavik and Akureyri. Driving around Hvalfjordur Fjord now requires a detour off the Ring Road, but it’s well worth it.
A trip to the bottom of Hvalfjordur Fjord allows you to see Glymur, Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall. Reaching the best viewpoints requires a 3–4 hour round-trip hike from the Botnsa parking lot.
Afterward, you can head back along the fjord and continue to Hvammsvik Hot Springs. Here, you can go on a rejuvenating dip in the geothermal pools that sit right at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
Borgarfjordur Fjord
Meaning ”fortress fjord” in Icelandic, Borgarfjordur Fjord covers the entire coastline between Reykjavik and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s home to Borgarnes, a quaint town that’s a popular stop between Reykjavik and Akureyri.
Borgarfjordur Fjord features geothermal waters and a combination of mountains and valleys. You can also find the Hraunfossar Waterfalls and other natural attractions like the Deildartunguhver Hot Springs, which heat up the luxurious Krauma Spa.
You can visit Borgarfjordur by taking Route 1 north from Reykjavik. The drive takes about one hour and passes through the Hvalfjordur tunnel. Alternatively, you can join guided excursions such as a private sightseeing tour to Borgarfjordur.
The Westfjords of Iceland
The Westfjords is Iceland’s most remote and dramatically beautiful region. It’s a rugged peninsula of deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and fishing villages. The mountains here are among the oldest in Iceland, which formed between 10 and 16 million years ago.
The region is often overlooked, as the Ring Road bypasses the region entirely. Some of the roads are gravel and many go over high mountain passes, making them impassable in winter.
One of its highlights is the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Here, mountains and incredible sea cliffs jut toward the ocean. It’s the most remote area in the country, with no permanent residents.
Summer is the best time to visit. Booking a summer self-drive tour in Iceland gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Guided multi-day tours or Westfjord excursions are also a good option if you’d rather not navigate the mountain roads yourself.
Isafjardardjup Fjord
Isafjardardjup is the largest fjord system in the Westfjords, containing several smaller fjords within it. The region’s main hub, Isafjordur, sits on a narrow spit of land inside the fjord and is the best base for exploring the wider region.
You can reach the fjord system via a scenic drive from Reykjavik or a quick flight from Reykjavik to Isafjordur.
Arnarfjordur Fjord
Arnarfjordur is the second largest fjord in the Westfjords and one of the most dramatic. The iconic Dynjandi Waterfall cascades down into the fjord in a series of tiers.
To reach it, you can drive Route 60, which connects the northern and southern Westfjords. If traveling from the south, you will cross the scenic Dynjandisheidi mountain pass.
The area is also steeped in sea monster folklore. The nearby Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in the village of Bildudalur is worth a stop if that catches your interest.
Breidarfjordur Fjord
Breidafjordur, which means “wide fjord” in Icelandic, connects the Westfjords to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and is famous for its thousands of small islands, rich birdlife, and marine ecosystem.
You can cross it aboard the Baldur Ferry, with an optional stop at Flatey Island.
The Eastfjords of Iceland
Mountains in the Eastfjords are younger, harsher, and more rugged than the flat-topped mountains in the Westfjords. The spectacular hiking routes in this region take outdoor adventurers to fjords, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
The Eastfjords are accessible via the Ring Road, which runs along the coast through the region. The main hub is Egilsstadir, which serves as a good base for exploring the surrounding fjords.
You can fly into Egilsstadir from Reykjavik, or go on a 10-day self-drive tour across the Ring Road from either direction.
Seydisfjordur Fjord
Seydisfjordur Fjord is widely considered Iceland’s most beautiful fjord. It has steep mountain walls and a charming village at its head.
This fjord, which is also the name of a town, sits just off the Ring Road, around 16 miles (27 kilometers) east of Egilsstadir via Route 93. As the only road into the fjord, the drive is stunning in itself, winding down through switchbacks with views of waterfalls like Gufufoss.
Seydisfjordur is also a major hub for East Iceland tours, with many excursions departing from the harbor.
Borgarfjordur Eystri
Borgarfjordur Eystri is a fjord known for its puffin colonies and dramatic mountain scenery. To get there, take Route 94 north from the Ring Road near Egilsstadir.
Borgarfjordur is the starting point for the Viknaslodir hiking trails, one of Iceland’s hidden gems. From here, you can hike to Lodmundarfjordur Fjord for some of the best fjord hiking experiences in the country.
As you travel toward Borgarfjordur Eystri, make sure to stop for a hike to the spectacular Storurd Boulders. This area is famous for its azure waters and otherworldly surroundings.
Vopnafjordur Fjord
North of Borgarfjordur Eystri lies Vopnafjordur, a region encompassing both a wide fjord and a charming fishing village. Nearby, you will find Selardalslaug, one of Iceland’s best swimming pools, which sits right on the banks of a salmon river.
Visit the fjord from Egilsstadir by taking Route 1 before turning to Route 85 north. Then, turn to Route 85 until you reach Vopnafjordur.
Fjords in North Iceland
There are two large fjords and several smaller ones in North Iceland. The region is dotted with islands, wildlife, and charming historic towns.
North Iceland is accessible via the Ring Road, which runs through the region, or by flying from Reykjavik to Akureyri. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and is operated daily.
For international travelers, direct seasonal flights are also available to Akureyri. There are direct flights from European hubs like London and Zurich, making it easier than ever to explore tours and excursions in North Iceland.
Eyjafjordur Fjord
Eyjafjordur is the longest fjord in North Iceland, stretching inland to Akureyri, the country’s northern capital. It is one of the best places for whale watching tours in Iceland and home to the popular Forest Lagoon.
Visitors also come to see Hrisey, an idyllic island with a rich history and culture sitting in the middle of the fjord. You can reach Eyjafjordur by driving the Ring Road north from Reykjavik.
Skagafjordur Fjord
Skagafjordur Fjord is known for its rich history, culture, and deep connection to the Icelandic horse. It is home to several islands, including Drangey Island.
While in the area, don't miss the Glaumbaer Turf House Museum, home to beautifully preserved 18th-century homes.
Siglufjordur Fjord
Siglufjordur is a narrow fjord on the Trollaskagi Peninsula, tucked between steep mountains. It’s also the name of the town near it, which was once Iceland’s “herring capital.” Now it's better known as the filming location for the Icelandic crime series "Trapped."
If you visit Siglufjordor Town and the fjord, the award-winning Herring Era Museum is a must-see.
To get there, take the Hedinsfjardargong tunnels through the mountain from Olafsfjordur. You can also drive through the historic Strakagong Tunnel from the south.
Plan Your Visit to Iceland’s Fjords
The best way to experience these beautiful fjords is by renting a car from Reykjavik or other main cities in Iceland. You can also go on a self-drive tour around the island. This gives you a chance to travel the Ring Road and create a journey that suits you.
Self-Drive Tours In Iceland
Explore the different fjords of Iceland with the freedom of a rental car. These highly rated self-drive tours offer a complete package of adventure.
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10-Day Circle of Iceland Self-Drive — Explore every corner of Iceland, including glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and black sand beaches.
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2-Week Complete Iceland Self-Drive Adventure — See Iceland’s natural wonders on this epic two-week journey around the entire country.
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One-Week Circle of Iceland Self-Drive Tour — Enjoy a fast-paced itinerary covering all major attractions, from glaciers to geysers, in just one week.
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7-Day Summer Self-Drive Adventure — This one-week tour lets you discover Iceland’s top highlights during the vibrant summer season.
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One Week South & West Iceland Self-Drive — Explore the best of Iceland’s South Coast and magical West on this slow-paced yet scenic one-week itinerary.
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9-Day Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Self-Drive Tour — Drive the iconic Ring Road and explore the diverse landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in nine unforgettable days.
Take Guided Tours in Iceland
You can also visit the fjords on a guided day or multi-day tour with an English-speaking guide to help you maximize your experience.
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5-Hour Puffin Watching and Folklore Tour in Borgarfjordur eystri — Visit Borgarfjordur eystri and see the iconic puffin birds in their natural habitat.
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Small-Group Hiking Tour in the Westfjords From Isafjordur — Explore the beauty of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the most remote areas in Iceland.
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Small-Group 3-Day Arctic Fox & Midnight Sun Tour in the Westfjords — Embark on a journey to find Iceland’s Arctic foxes under the midnight sun.
How Iceland Fjords Were Formed
The formation of Iceland’s magnificent fjords began during the last ice age when glaciers covered most of the country. As the massive glaciers moved across the land, they carved deep U-shaped valleys. These valleys eventually filled with seawater as the glaciers began to melt.
Erosion and shifting tectonic plates continued to shape the fjords, which are framed by dramatic mountains. In the inner, shallower sections of the fjords, also known as the “sea bottom,” these Icelandic mountains are draped with small streams and countless waterfalls.
The “mouth” of a fjord is the wider section that connects to the sea. These areas offer breathtaking views and are also home to some of Iceland’s unique wildlife, such as whales, seals, puffins, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.
Explore the Fjords in Iceland
Iceland's fjords are unlike anywhere else. They're remote, raw, and endlessly scenic. Whether you drive along the coastlines at your own pace or join a guided tour, getting there is part of the adventure.
Once you're in the region, pair your exploration with some of Iceland's best hiking excursions, visit the best waterfalls, or join nature tours and let someone else handle the logistics.
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Have you visited the fjords in Iceland? Which region is at the top of your wish list? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!
