Here we will make do with a short description of two areas, although they do by no means exhaust the opportunities for birdwatching. Other areas, such as the islands in Breidafjordur, the Reykhólar area, Onundarfjordur and Heydalur and many more, also offer wonderful opportunities for birdwatchers. 

Latrabjarg and vicinity
The road goes out to the lighthouse at Bjargtangar, the westernmost point of Iceland, and from there to the edge of the Latrabjarg cliff. In the
summer there are scheduled trips between Latrabjarg and the main towns of the Westfjords region.

The road goes around Patreksfjordur before turning inland at Orlygshofn and over the heath above Breidavik, and along Latravik out to the end of the
point. Orlygshofn is an important nesting area for eiders and there are a huge number of waders and sea birds in the bays. There are a large number of
wetland birds in Breidavik,  and in Latravik an unusual number of ringed plovers. Snow buntings occur in large numbers on the uplands. Stretching for
14 km and rising to 440 m at its highest point, Latrabjarg is the largest bird cliff in Iceland and also the largest by the North Atlantic.

It is thought that as many as a million birds of various kinds nest on the cliffs of Latrabjarg, including all the alcids that nest in Iceland, with
the exception of the little auk. In fact, at the foot of the cliffs is the largest razorbill colony in the world. In addition to the swarm of
guillemots and other alcids, there is a large number of fulmars and kittiwakes. And perhaps most exciting for the traveler, nowhere is the puffin
easier to approach or more fun to watch.

On the shores of fjord Isafjardardjup
Those places here discussed are easily reached by road. Furthermore, in summer there are sightseeing trips by sea over the fjord and all the way west
to Hornstrandir.

The coast is steep in most places, the cliffs plunging into the sea, and only in some places is there a shelf of land at sea level. Nevertheless, the
shores are better vegetated than in most of the region. The mountainsides and the valley bottoms often sport birch woods, and the islands of Aedey and Vigur and other smaller ones are covered in summer with grasses and flowers. The shores of Isafjardardjúp and the head of the valley have a softer
look than elsewhere in the northern reaches of the Westfjords.
A large number of eiders, puffins and other sea birds nest on the islands. Ptarmigan are found back from the shore and wrens sing in the "woods". It is
good to stop for a moment at some places by the sea and look for long-tailed ducks (old squaws) or goosanders. Harlequin ducks are found in the rivers and streams, and sea eagles nest by the fjord.

The islands of Aedey and Vigur are among the choicest spots for birdwatching. Both islands have large eider colonies and on Vigur, for example, a large number of puffins and pigeon guillemots are easlily accessible. Vatnsfjordur and Reykjanes also are homes to a varied bird life.

Other places of interest in the area Latrabjarg ,  Hornbjarg ,  Grimsey ,  Skaleyjar ,  Onundarfjordur ,  Vigur ,  Hornstrandir ,  Hesteyri ,  Haelavikurbjarg ,  Hornvik ,  Fljotavik ,  Latravik (Hornbjarg) ,  Reykjafjordur ,  Latravik (Latrabjarg) ,  Breidavik ,  Kollsvik ,  Haenuvik ,  Orlygshofn ,  Heydalur ,  Drangsnes Hot Pots ,  Breidafjordur Boat Museum

Other places of interest in the area The Sorcerer's Cottage ,  Djupavik exhibition ,  Kort, museum and craft ,  Sorcery and Wichcraft ,  Drangsnes Hot Pots

The Djupavik Exhibition of the old herring factory displays the story of Elisa Stefansson and his quest to build one of the largest herring factories in Europe in Djupavik in 1935. Before the Herring factory there was only a small farm in Djupavik with one small family. After only one year it was filled with people and life.

The bay off the shores of Djupavik where filled with herring and the factory was booming. The herring catch diminish over time and by 1944 the stocks had decreased to much and the factory slowly shut down and was finally closed in 1954.

At the time the factory was the largest concrete building in Iceland and it still stands today as a monument of this great achievement. creachure

The museum of the old herring factory is situated in the old factory and guided tour is available in Hotel Djupavik. More information on www.djupavik.is

Other places of interest in the area Bjarnarfjordur ,  The Sorcerer's Cottage ,  Kort, museum and craft ,  Drangsnes Hot Pots

The hot natural pools in Drangsnes are right along the shoreline in the middle of the village easily spotted from the road.

The pots are used throughout the year by locals and visitors. Even after a new swimming pool was built in town the attraction of the hot natural pot has yet to decrease.

The best way to meet the local and talk about everything and nothing is in the hot pots in Drangsnes. Other places of interest in the area Bjarnarfjordur ,  Grimsey ,  Sheepfarming Museum ,  Museum of Witchcraft ,  The Sorcerer's Cottage ,  Djupavik exhibition ,  Bird life and good areas for birdwatching ,  Sorcery and Wichcraft

Other places of interest in the area Bird life and good areas for birdwatching ,  Whales ,  Drangsnes Hot Pots

Trékyllisvík in Strandir is a place of phenomenal nature and varied wildlife. Seals, birds, driftwood, rocks and mountains make their mark on the place. Kört is a little museum located in the middle of Trékyllisvík. There you can find beautiful art and craft items made by local people out of driftwood, stones and textile alongside with tools, clothing and pictures that tell the story of the people's ancestors. Come and enjoy live guidance around the museum, look at the handcraft, get information about the area and sit down with a tasty cup of coffee.

Location: Trekyllisvik in Strandir
Tel.: (+354) 451-4025
arnes2@simnet.is
www.trekyllisvik.is

Open:
June 1 - September 1: Daily 10-18 
September 1 - Júní 1: Upon request

 

Other places of interest in the area Bjarnarfjordur ,  The Sorcerer's Cottage ,  Djupavik exhibition

Location: Kluka, Bjarnarfjordur
Tel: (+354) 451-3524
galdrasyning@holmavik.is
www.galdrasyning.is

Open:
June 15 - June 30: 12:00 -18:00
July 1 - August 15: 10:00 -18:00
August 16 - August 31: 12:00 -18:00

Other places of interest in the area Bjarnarfjordur ,  Djupavik exhibition ,  Kort, museum and craft ,  Sorcery and Wichcraft ,  Drangsnes Hot Pots

In the Westfjords of Iceland there are many excellent opportunities to see whales from land during your journey though the fjords and regions of our land.

In Strandir area of the Westfjords a research has been conducted for few years trying to find out how easy it really is to see whales from land. Nobody can say for sure when or where is the best time to see whales from land, but the odds are in your favor and if you are lucky you can even see many species in one trip.

But in the end, nobody will go home empty handed from taking the time to explore the sea. Seals and sea birds are in vast numbers out at sea and at the coast line, an experience equally enjoyable are the mighty whales. But if you do see a whale you should feel happy and treasure the memory for life.
Other places of interest in the area Grimsey ,  Adalvik