Látrabjarg: Westernmost Point of Europe

One of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, Látrabjarg is situated at the westernmost point of Europe. The favorite place for nature lovers and bird lovers, Látrabjarg is a line of seven cliffs stretched to 14-kilometers and with a height up to 441 meters. It is the biggest sea-cliff in Iceland and known to be one of the most crowded bird cliffs in the world. The Látrabjarg hosts the greatest concentration of seabirds in Iceland and attracts travelers throughout the world. It is home to millions of seabirds with guillemots, gulls, razorbills, and fulmar. You can also get a view of puffins flying over the cliff between May and September.

This picturesque location is divided into four parts namely, Keflavíkurbjarg, Látrabjarg, Bæjarbjarg, and Breiðavíkurbjarg cliffs. It has very steep sides that make it risky to go near the edge. While walking on this cliff, you will notice a painted white line that warns people getting close to the edge. You can enjoy seeing the different species of birds sitting or flying over the cliff. You will find a lighthouse on this hill that is known to be the westernmost lighthouse in Europe. The sheer numbers of birds that can be seen in Látrabjarg at one time are amazing. Protected from Arctic foxes, the birds are fearless on this cliff, providing opportunities to take the perfect photograph.

Places To Visit Near Látrabjarg

If you are planning for a weekend trip to Látrabjarg, travel to the nearby places including Patreksfjörður, Rauðasandur, and Arnarfjörður. The Patreksfjörður town lies north to the Látrabjarg cliff. This town in Westfjords has many guesthouses, hotels, and campsites. If you love to go adventurous then you can stay at the campsite of Patreksfjörður. It has now become a tourist attraction because of the natural beauties around it and the services people find in this town. Patreksfjörður is surrounded by mountains on one side and the vast ocean at the other. The swimming pool, restaurants, and cafes in this town will make your trip comfortable.

The second-largest fjord of the Wesfjords, Arnarfjörður lies near the Látrabjarg cliffs. It is also known as one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland. It is surrounded by diverse landscapes and majestic mountains that provide an amazing view to capture. The breath-taking Dynjandi waterfall in Arnarfjörður fjord is also considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

How to get to Látrabjarg?

Látrabjarg is situated at a distance of about 424-kilometers from the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik. If you are starting from Reykjavik, drive on the Ring Road 1 towards the north. Pass through the towns of Grundartangi and Borgarnes. After driving for a few kilometers from Borgarnes, take a left turn to drive on road number 60. Drive on this route to cross Búðardalur village. Keep driving for a few hours on this route until you reach Flókalundur. Turn towards road number 62 from Flókalundur. Drive carefully as the turns are sharps and roads are not paved. Drive for some time and take a left turn to drive on route 612. Keep driving on route 612 to reach Látrabjarg. From Reykjavik, it takes about six hours to reach Látrabjarg. You can stop at the different natural beauties during your journey.

Best Time to Visit Látrabjarg

Though you can travel this place during any month of the year, visiting in summers is safe and convenient. The roads leading to Látrabjarg are occupied by the heavy snow during the winters. However, visiting in late fall offers a splendid view for Aurora Borealis during Northern Lights Season. As the path becomes muddy and slippery, you should hike the cliff carefully to avoid any misadventure. Cliff edges are fragile so hikers should be aware during walking on the cliff.