Ferries in Iceland: Crossing to the Westfjords and Islands

The Baldur Ferry to the Westfjords

The Baldur ferry, operated by Sæferðir, is the main link between the Westfjords and the rest of Iceland. It sails from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords, with a stop at Flatey island. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours. In summer, there are usually two departures daily; in winter, one. Booking ahead is wise for cars in July and August. Fares vary, but expect to pay around 3,000–5,000 ISK per passenger and 6,000–10,000 ISK for a car, based on standard rates.

The ferry is a comfortable way to skip the long drive around the fjords. From Reykjavík, it's a 2-hour drive to Stykkishólmur, making it feasible to catch the morning sailing. Onboard, there's a café and plenty of seating. The approach to Brjánslækur offers striking views of the Westfjords' rugged coastline. If you're heading to Ísafjörður, it's another 2.5-hour drive from Brjánslækur, but the scenery is spectacular. For a stay near the ferry, consider the Fosshotel Westfjords in Patreksfjörður, about an hour's drive from Brjánslækur.

Herjólfur to the Westman Islands

The Herjólfur ferry connects Landeyjahöfn on the south coast to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. The crossing takes about 35 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option. Landeyjahöfn is a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, with a new tunnel (opened in 2019) shortening the journey from the capital. The ferry runs several times daily year-round, but weather can cause cancellations, especially in winter. Passenger fares are around 2,000 ISK, and bringing a car costs about 5,000 ISK. Book online to secure a spot during peak season.

Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the archipelago. The ferry docks right in the town of Vestmannaeyjabær, putting you within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The island is known for its puffins (best seen in summer), the Eldheimar museum, and hiking to the top of Eldfell volcano. For accommodation, the Vestmannaeyjar Hotel is a solid choice, centrally located. Note that the ferry from Þorlákshöfn, which was the main route until 2010, now operates only in winter or when Landeyjahöfn is inaccessible, adding about an hour to the journey.

Other Ferries and Practicalities

Iceland has a few other ferries worth knowing. The Sævar ferry from Árskógssandur to Hrísey island in Eyjafjörður takes just 15 minutes and is free for pedestrians. It's a nice side trip from Akureyri. The Grímsey ferry from Dalvík takes about 3 hours and is popular for crossing the Arctic Circle. Fares are around 4,000 ISK return. For those heading to the island of Viðey off Reykjavík, a short ferry from Sundahöfn runs in summer. These smaller ferries are less about practicality and more about the experience, offering a glimpse of island life.

When planning ferry travel in Iceland, always check the weather forecast and ferry operator websites for updates. Cancellations can happen with little notice, so build flexibility into your itinerary. Most ferries have limited food options, so pack snacks. If you're bringing a vehicle, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. For the Baldur and Herjólfur, booking online in advance is recommended, especially in July and August. While the ferries are reliable, they are not as frequent as buses, so plan your day around the schedule. Consider staying near the ferry terminal the night before an early departure to avoid stress.

Where to Stay for Ferry Crossings

For the Baldur ferry, basing yourself in Stykkishólmur the night before is convenient. The FosshotelStykkishólmur offers comfortable rooms and is close to the ferry terminal. Alternatively, the Harbour Hostel is a budget-friendly option. On the Westfjords side, Patreksfjörður has several guesthouses, such as the Hotel Latrabjarg, which is about an hour's drive from Brjánslækur and serves as a good base for exploring the Latrabjarg cliffs. If you're heading to Ísafjörður, the Hotel Ísafjörður is a reliable choice in the heart of town.

For the Westman Islands, staying in Heimaey is the obvious choice. The Vestmannaeyjar Hotel is centrally located, and the Guesthouse Árný is a cozy alternative. On the mainland, Hvolsvöllur is a good base for the Landeyjahöfn ferry, with hotels like the Hótel Hvolsvöllur. If you're catching the ferry from Þorlákshöfn, the town has a few guesthouses and is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. For the Grímsey ferry, Dalvík has the Hótel Dalvík, which is convenient for an early departure. Book well in advance during summer, as rooms near ferry terminals fill up quickly.