Djúpavík, Westfjords, Iceland
One of the world's most remote cruise calls. A handful of residents, a cathedral-sized herring factory, a tumbling waterfall, and silence so total it rings — Djúpavík is what the edges of the earth actually feel like.
One of the world's most remote cruise calls. A handful of residents, a cathedral-sized herring factory, a tumbling waterfall, and silence so total it rings — Djúpavík is what the edges of the earth actually feel like.
Djúpavík has no cruise pier. Ships anchor in Reykjarfjörður and run Zodiacs to a small wooden and concrete landing stage directly in front of the old herring factory.
💡 Pro move: There is no tourist infrastructure beyond the hotel and the factory. No ATM, no shops, no public transport. Bring a card for the hotel/factory and dress for cold wind.
All cruise ships anchor and tender; the landing is a small pier beside the old herring factory.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (Hurtigruten, Lindblad, Aurora, etc.) | Zodiac landing pier, Djúpavík📍 | Tendered |
| Private yachts / small charter vessels | Small harbour quay, Djúpavík📍 | Docked |
Because Djúpavík is so remote, excursions are either self-guided on foot or ship-organised transfers to sites further along the Strandir coast.
Step inside the largest concrete building built in Iceland in the 1930s. Rusting processing machinery, giant oil tanks, and a haunting time-capsule atmosphere. Guided tours are booked through your ship or at Hotel Djúpavík. The factory also hosts art installations and has extraordinary acoustics.
Book factory tour →A 5-minute walk from the pier reaches the base of this dramatic waterfall tumbling from the cliffs above the village. A steep marked trail continues to the plateau top for panoramic views of the fjord and your anchored ship.
Find Iceland hiking tours →One of Iceland's most celebrated remote pools at Krossnes, set right on the edge of a stony beach with geothermal water and open ocean views. Located about an hour north on a rough gravel road (Route 643) — ship excursion or arranged vehicle required; no rental cars available in Djúpavík.
Find Westfjords excursions →The former female workers' dormitory is now a cosy hotel filled with period photos, antique furniture, and Icelandic warmth. Stop for homemade lamb soup (kjötsúpa), rhubarb cake, and coffee — the best (only) meal in town. Browse the small selection of Lopapeysa sweaters and local books.
Explore Westfjords stays →A rusting ship's hull rests on the shoreline just a few minutes' walk from the pier. The Suðurland — an 1891 passenger steamer — was moored here in 1935 during the herring boom and used as a floating dormitory for around 30 factory workers when housing ran short. The driftwood-strewn Strandir coast beyond it is equally photogenic.
Find Iceland photography tours →Everything in Djúpavík is within 500 metres of the tender landing — the 'walk' is really a gentle wander through one of Iceland's most atmospheric ghost-villages.
From the tender pier walk straight ahead to the herring factory entrance (50 m), then follow the path behind the factory to the base of Djúpavíkurfoss waterfall (250 m). Return to the pier then turn right along the shoreline to reach the MS Suðurland wreck (400 m). Loop back along the road.
From the waterfall base a marked trail climbs steeply to the plateau above. The top rewards with a sweeping view of Reykjarfjörður and your ship at anchor far below. Sturdy waterproof boots and poles recommended; the path is exposed and can be slippery.
📍 Open in MapsUpcoming cruises that call at Djúpavík, Westfjords, Iceland. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.