Updated May 2026

Westfjords (Vestfirðir) — Wilderness Area in Ísafjörður, Iceland

Iceland's remote northwest peninsula — almost zero light pollution, ferry-only winter access.

★★★★★4.4· Editor's pick

Wilderness AreaBudgetDark sky 5/5

Westfjords (Vestfirðir) — aurora viewing site, hero photo — Photo: westfjords.is

The Westfjords are the dark-sky upgrade for travelers willing to commit to the logistics. The region only has about 7,000 people across an area the size of Connecticut, the road over Steingrímsfjarðarheiði closes for hours at a time in winter storms, and the ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur is the reliable winter access. In return: latitude 66°N, no settlement glow for 50 km in any direction, and fjords that frame aurora reflections cleanly.

Aurora season

Sep → Apr

Peak months

Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar

Latitude

66.07° N (65-70)

Dark-sky rating

5 / 5

Glass roof

Aurora alarm

Not provided

What to expect

Best in late February through March when daylight hours return enough to drive safely between viewing nights. Stay in Ísafjörður (the regional capital, ~2,600 people) or in Hotel Heydalur (a working farm in the southern fjords).

Dark-sky notes

Bortle 1-2 outside Ísafjörður. The northern Hornstrandir peninsula is the darkest part of Iceland.

Amenities & features

remote fjordsself driveferry accessguesthouseshot springs

Book or research

For current rates, dates, and reservations, visit the property's own site:

Visit westfjords.is ↗

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights at Westfjords (Vestfirðir)?

Westfjords (Vestfirðir) has a viewing season of Sep → Apr, with peak months in Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar. Dark sky is reliable here, so any moonless clear night during these months is a viable viewing window.

Where is the best aurora viewpoint here?

Bortle 1-2 outside Ísafjörður. The northern Hornstrandir peninsula is the darkest part of Iceland.

How do I get to Westfjords (Vestfirðir)?

Ísafjörður, Iceland. Ísafjörður, 400 Iceland. See westfjords.is for current access details and bookings. As a wilderness area, plan self-drive or a guided tour out from the nearest town.