Iceland’s Fjords are one of the country’s breathtaking natural wonders. Carved by ancient glaciers and filled with the vibrant blue of the North Atlantic, these deep, narrow inlets are surrounded by cliffs and dotted with picturesque villages. If you are planning your trip to Iceland, visit these Fjords. Embark on Iceland tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience. This guide will take you on a journey through the most beautiful fjords in Iceland,
What is a Fjord?
A fjord is a long, deep inlet of the sea, lodged between cliffs or mountains, that lies far inland but is open to the sea. Holes in the ocean floor are formed by glacial erosion, a process in which a glacier remodels the terrain it occupies, carving out a valley and then flooding it with seawater as the ice melts. A beautiful, large, deep water body forms with picturesque views.
Most of the fjords on the Icelandic coast were carved out during the last Ice Age when glaciers slowly traveled over large territories and carved valleys with cliffs relative to their height. With the retreat of ice, vast, U-shaped valleys were formed, out of which the sea flooded to produce the outstanding fjord system characteristic of Iceland today.
Top Fjords in Iceland
Westfjords
Ísafjarðardjúp Fjord
Ísafjarðardjúp is the largest fjord in the Westfjords region and stretches approximately 75 kilometers. It is surrounded by high mountainous areas, where snow-capped peaks offer beautiful scenery throughout the year. The fjord is home to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the region, which serves as a cultural and commercial hub. There are many things to like about this town: the architecture of the buildings, the atmosphere, the life showing off the activities and life of Icelanders, and the opportunities for outside things to do. You can hike around the area on some of the most striking terrains of this region, where arctic foxes, seals, and many bird species can be spotted. The waters of the fjord are also shallow, making it the perfect place for kayaking to capture the beauty of the place more closely.
Arnarfjörður
Arnarfjörður is incredibly beautiful, notable for its high cliffs, deep valleys, and solitude. This fjord is one of the most spectacular in Westfjords, particularly a favorite spot for tourists and adventures seeking privacy and beautiful nature. But the main attraction of Arnarfjörður is the enormous waterfall Dynjandi, known as the jewel of the Westfjords. Dynjandi is different as its water tumbles down in a step-like fashion and makes an immense, tranquil sound.
Súgandafjörður
Súgandafjörður is a relatively short fjord in the Westfjords area. The mountains surrounding the fjord are steep and give a sharp drop into the water, giving the area a stunning aesthetic. The small town of Suðureyri within the fjord provides information on the fishing culture of Icelanders through historical places and museums. Súgandafjörður is also a dream for photographers, as there are many interesting options for photographing the light break-through in mountains and the sea.
Eastfjords
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is one of the most picturesque fjords of the Eastfjords region in Iceland. It consists of many wooden houses and is rich in arts and culture. Seyðisfjörður is a town located at the eastern end of the fjord, and it is known to be one of the prettiest towns in Iceland, relatively rich in cultural activity with art galleries, local crafts, and music festivals. Enormous mountains and rich green valleys enclose the fjord, and the region is excellent for kayaking, hiking, or viewing waterfalls.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður has a French connection, and the town has French-styled buildings and structures visible. From 1880 to 1914, this fjord was used by French fishermen, and the city honors this heritage with a French-flavoured museum and renovated structures. The fjord has stunning beauty, charming villages, a lighthouse, and a relaxed ambiance. It is also a perfect place for nature and outdoor lovers, with good long strolls along the coast, historical sites, and fine views of the sea and mountains.
Mjóifjörður
Partially because of the lack of tourist infrastructure, Mjóifjörður is regarded as one of the least accessible and most breathtaking fjords of Iceland. The fjord is long, and those narrow arms of the sea stretch inland a long way with mountains on both sides, giving it a fascinating look. Mjóifjörður has only a few inhabitants and is considered one of the planet’s quietest and most picturesque places. Tourists are willing to endure the struggle to reach the place as it offers them a taste of raw and authentic Icelandic nature, away from the buzz of popular tourist locations.
Other Noteworthy Fjords
Hvalfjörður
Hvalfjörður is a stunning fjord not far from Reykjavik, with a lot of history and beautiful views. As its name signifies, Whale Fjord used to be something more than a picturesque part of the coast. It was a whaling place. Iceland today is home to the beautiful Hvalfjörður, hosting several beautiful trails, from the famous waterfall trail to the second largest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur waterfall.
Breiðafjörður
Breiðafjörður is Iceland’s largest, shallowest, and probably richest national fjord. The whole area is characterized by thousands of small islands that are unique and different from each other in terms of the conditions they provide for organisms. Breiðafjörður is even scarcer and primarily known for its birdlife, including puffins, seals, and other marine animals.
Best Time to Visit Iceland’s Fjords
Since June to August is summer, the weather is quite pleasant, with a lush green cover. There are many activities in the fjords, and the nights are short but bright to enable the visitors to engage in more activities. Concerning the weather, the climate is relatively moderate and is accompanied by early morning to late evening daylight.
On the other hand, winter (November to March) turns fjords into a silent, snowy world best suited for watching the Northern Lights or exploring Iceland’s peaceful, undisturbed geography. However, winter visits may be more dangerous because of early darkness and possibly unfavorable climates. Compared to the two seasons, summer is ideal for an energetic adventure, while winter is a quiet and magical season.