The Ring Road 2

The Ring Road 2 in Iceland’s West Fjords is a gateway to the least visited and most stunning nature in the country. Wind your way along jagged coastline to discover Iceland’s best wilderness, wildlife, and local culture. Travel this new route in Iceland to experience the best outdoor adventures in remote Westfjord nature!

The new route, Ring Road 2, is a 950 km (590 mile) road that leads visitors into the stunning Dalir region of West Iceland. The opening of the road also marks the opening of Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel, a new road connecting Arnarfjordur to Dyrafjordur.

If you want to explore remote nature in Iceland, Ring Road 2 allows you to do just that. It leads you to iconic fjord landscapes and Icelandic wildlife. The road also gives travelers a chance to explore local culture by stopping through colorful towns and villages along the way.

If you drive to the Ring Road 2 from Reykjavik, head North on the Ring Road (Route 1) for a little over 100 km (62 miles). After you pass Bifröst, turn off Route 1 and onto Route 60. 

Keep driving for over 200 km (124 m) until you reach the turn off for Route 61. This is where the Ring Road 2 officially begins! 

At this point, you’ll have the choice to either explore the route counterclockwise via Route 61 or continue northwest along Route 60. If you continue along Route 60, you’ll head straight into stunning Westfjord coastline. Keep following Route 60 as you pass by incredible nature.

At Flókalundur, continue hugging the southern coastline and follow Route 62 and 63 until the road meets up with Route 60 again near Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel. From Dýrafjörður, continue on Route 60 until you get to Ísafjörður on Route 61.

Here you have the choice to take Route 61 back to where you began at Route 60 or take the long way back via Route 68. Either way, the Ring Road 2 is nothing short of epic.

Incredible sights and outdoor adventures await you along the Ring Road 2. There’s plenty to see and do as you weave your way through stunning Westfjord nature. Here are a few of the best things to do while traveling the Ring Road 2:

The Icelandic Westfjords are known for their pristine waters. Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords, is a top sea kayaking hub in the area. Ring Road 2 travelers can hop on a kayak to weave their way in and out of the beautiful fjords in Ísafjörður.

Explore the beautiful mountain landscape of the Westfjords with a sea kayaking tour from Ísafjörður. Glide on calm waters as an expert guide takes you to the best and most isolated areas along the fjord coastline. 

The Ring Road 2 in Iceland has great little towns to explore. Take a look into the lives and culture of Icelandic people with a visit to at least one of these Westfjord villages:

• Isafjordur is known as the capital of the Westfjords. It’s also a trade and fishing hub in the region. You can find many great outdoor adventures departing from the town’s busy harbor.
• Súðavík is a small village just off the coast of Álftafjörður. Plan a visit to its Arctic Fox Centre, a museum and exhibit dedicated to all things arctic fox.
• Patreksfjörður is a quaint town with a population of 660 and known as the biggest town in the southern Westfjords.
• Bildudalur is a fishing village in the southwest region of the Westfjords. It’s located on the coast of Arnarfjörður and has a population of roughly 200. 
• Reykholar is a small village on the south shore of the Westfjords. It’s famous for its kelp factory and rich bird life. 
• Holmavik hosts Iceland’s popular Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.The town is tucked alongside Steingrímsfjörður and has a population of roughly 400. 

West Iceland’s Raudasandur Beach is a majestic red sand beach along the southern Westfjords. Though it’s not directly along the Ring Road 2, it’s one of the most famous beaches in Iceland and worth the small detour.

Enjoy a stroll along its 10-kilometer stretch of stunning coastline. Depending on the weather, beach visitors can witness beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and pink in Raudasandur’s sand.

One of the main draws of the Westfjords in Iceland is the area’s rich and active wildlife. The most popular wildlife attraction near the Ring Road 2 is Látrabjarg. Not only is Látrabjarg the westernmost point of Iceland, it’s also one of the biggest bird cliffs in Europe.

Find a wide-variety of sea birds hanging out on Látrabjarg’s 14-km-long and 44-m-high cliffs. If you’re on the search for Icelandic Puffins, Látrabjarg is where you should go. The area is one of Iceland’s best places to watch puffins in their natural habitat.