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443 km
About 6 h 55 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
Westfjords · from KEF
About Patreksfjörður and the drive
Patreksfjörður is the largest village in the southern Westfjords, built along the shore of the fjord of the same name. It is a working fishing village with a harbour, shops, a swimming pool and several guesthouses and hotels, and it is the usual base for the far west of the region. From here you reach Látrabjarg, the long bird cliff at Iceland's westernmost point, the wide golden-red beach of Rauðisandur, and, further north, the Dynjandi waterfall in Arnarfjörður.
The drive from Keflavík Airport is one of the longest we do. It goes through Reykjavík, north on Route 1 under Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes, then into the Dalir district and along the winding coast road of the southern Westfjords, around fjord after fjord and over mountain passes, before crossing the last pass into Patreksfjörður. It is a long day, and a break for food on the way is normal.
Some travellers compare the drive with a domestic flight to Bíldudalur, or take the Baldur ferry across Breiðafjörður from Stykkishólmur; others prefer to go door to door with their luggage in one vehicle. Your driver takes you to your accommodation in Patreksfjörður or anywhere nearby. Read our Iceland winter driving guide if you are travelling between October and April.
Seasons and roads
The road to the southern Westfjords crosses several mountain passes that can be snowy, icy and windy in winter, and they may close for a while in storms. Daylight is very short in December and January. We watch the forecast and road conditions and will contact you if the time or date needs to change.
