| Western fjords | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Iceland |
|---|---|
| Capital | Ísafjörður |
| Surface | 22,271 km² |
| Inhabitants | 7.137 (2011) |
| Tourism site | |
| Institutional website | |
Western fjords is a region ofIceland.
To know
With a good approximation it can be said that the territory of the western fjords covers almost entirely the Icelandic region of Vestfirðir (in fact the data in the box refer to the latter).
Geographical notes
The territory of the region extends over a peninsula entirely composed of fjords, which overlook the Atlantic Ocean, more precisely in the Strait of Denmark towards the southern coast of Greenland, a sea rich in icebergs that are transported to the Icelandic coasts by the Current of the Eastern Greenland. The peninsula is connected with the rest of the island via a 7 km long isthmus of land that divides two wonderful fjords (the Gilsfjörður and the Bitrufjörður). It is an entirely mountainous territory, with jagged coasts that stand out high and rocky for their entire length, giving life to inlets, bays and fjords. Drangajökull is the fifth largest glacier in Iceland and is the northernmost of the European ones.
Territories and tourist destinations
Below is a description of the region and its fjords starting from its southwestern side.
- Breiðafjörður is the wide gulf that separates the region fromWestern Iceland furrowed by ferries that shorten the road between the capital is Ísafjörður, the major tourist center.
- there Látrabjarg Peninsula it is at the western end of the gulf. Bjargtangar lighthouse is the westernmost point in Europe. Little visited, it has steep cliffs that plunge into the sea populated by flocks of birds.
- Arnarfjörður - The fjord welcomes the village of Bíldudalur which collects a certain tourist favor thanks to the splendid surrounding landscapes and the possibility of boat trips.
- Dýrafjörður - Welcomes the center of Thingeyri (Þingeyri), a village of 300 inhabitants that offers the possibility of excursions by car to nearby Sandfell mountain.
- Onundarfiord - On the next fjord is the village of Flateyri whose few houses were buried by an avalanche in 1995.
- Súgandafjörður is the name of the next fjord, just 13 km long. Basically it is Suðureyri, a village that remained isolated until the opening of a recent road and a 5 km tunnel that made it easier to connect with Ísafjörður.
- Ísafjarðardjúp it is the deepest of the Westfjords and also the most branched. It welcomes the following centers: Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík is Súðavík.
- Reykjarfjörður —
- Norðurfjörður —
- Strandir - The stretch of eastern coast, which is also very jagged. Strandir tourist centers are: Hólmavík, Drangsnes is Djúpavík.
Urban centers
- Ísafjörður - Major tourist center of the region.
- Bolungarvík - 15 km from Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík is a suitable place for those who love tranquility.
- Djúpavík
- Drangsnes
- Hólmavík
- Patreksfjörður - Capital of the administrative district. The small fjord immediately north of the Látrabjarg peninsula. It is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint ofIreland.
- Reykhólar
- Súðavík
- Tálknafjörður - Icelandic municipality in the Vestfirðir region.
Other destinations
- Dynjandi - a series of waterfalls that cascade down the slopes of the Arnarfjordur hills. Near the falls there is a campsite where you can stay overnight.
- Hornstrandir - Completely uninhabited, the Hornstrandir natural region lies at the northern end of the region. Despite the remote location it is very popular. It can be reached by boat starting from Ísafjörður and you can also stay overnight but with a sleeping bag.
- Cliffs of Látrabjarg - host several colonies of seabirds, and represent the westernmost point of Europe.
How to get
By plane
- Air Iceland flies by Reykjavík to Ísafjörður.
- Eagle Air flies by Reykjavík to Gjögur is Bíldudalur.
By car
The shortest way from the capital involves passing through the Hvalfjordur tunnel. After Borgarnes we head to Stykkisholmur where we board the ferry to Brjanslaekur. From here to Isafjordur there are 122 km.
How to get around
What see
What to do
Starting from the capital it is possible to practice numerous hiking trails and guided tours.
In the second half of June, in the village of Bíldudalur, the Steam Punk Festival.
At the table
Safety
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Western fjords
Commons contains images or other files on Western fjords
