Przewodnik turystyczny — Breidavik Bay

Breidavik Bay is a remote and less frequented beach 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.

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

Why Visit Breidavik Bay

As mentioned, Breidavik Bay boasts a beautiful sandy beach and turquoise waters, 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. 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.

What To Do In Breidavik Bay

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

Breidavik Beach - If you want to relax and enjoy peace and tranquility, you can stay at the beach of Breidavik Bay. A quick swim at Breidavik Bay offers a refreshing escape from the Westfjords's rugged beauty. Take a dip in the crisp waters of the Atlantic Ocean as you glimpse the endless skies and the rocky cliffs nearby.

Please note that the water in this area is too cold for most people, so a quick one is enough and is best done during the summer season. If you want to spend the night in the area, pitch your tent on the bay's camping grounds.

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, and you will find some dunes and creeks.

Latrabjarg - 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. Latrabjarg, 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. If you're a bird enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to spot these rare ctoureatures on a Guided 6-hour Tour in the Westfjords to Latrabjarg.

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 5-Hour Hiking Trip - click the link for more information.

How To Get There

By plane - If you want to get there 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.