Published: 24.07.2021
Island's most remote, untouched, and in my opinion, most beautiful region. It is the oldest part of Iceland (it formed 16 million years ago) and as a result, here you can see lush greenery with countless species of flowers and ancient landscapes, unlike the rest of Iceland.
Driving through the remote Westfjords is an unforgettable experience as you navigate through winding fjords and around every corner, new breathtaking views await you. The region is full of hot springs, fjords like I have never seen before, and mountains that dramatically rise along the coast. It is a vast maze of peninsulas with endless hiking opportunities. The landscapes were sometimes so awe-inspiring and dramatic that my heart almost skipped a beat (and I really mean that). It was also because of the strong winds, which often forced me to take a 2-day break with my motorhome, as it would have been blown off the road despite weighing over 7 tons. It should also be noted that the Westfjords are only easily accessible from May to September during the summer months, as they are not always cleared in winter due to their remote location.
My Dethleffs Globetrotter was not really made for this region, as there are hardly any paved roads and the roads are very rough (with large stones and many potholes). I sometimes had to drive at 5-10 km/h, worrying that a tire might burst or that the motorhome's structure would be damaged by the unevenness and endless small bumps. But my white whale safely rocked me around, even though it was sometimes really precarious. On the journey to PINGEYRI, there were such strong gusts of wind that all 3 tires on the right side of my 7-ton vehicle came off the road, and I was in danger of tipping over (which is not uncommon for motorhomes in Iceland). After a quick prayer while driving and half an hour later, I arrived safely at the PINGEYRI campsite, sheltered from the wind by the campsite/swimming pool. It was a close call!
I have posted many photos in this blog, perhaps too many. I apologize in advance! But as I said, it has been the most impressive experience for me in Iceland so far! That's why you have to go through it! ;-) Enjoy!