The arrival at Djupavik is via tender to a small wooden pier, as there is no deep-water terminal for ocean vessels in this remote Westfjords inlet. Located in the Strandir region of northwest Iceland, this destination is a stark, haunting settlement that rewards those seeking isolation but punishes anyone expecting traditional tourist infrastructure. You will find exactly one hotel, zero ATMs, and no shops. We have sent Waterways Cruise clients here and the consistent feedback is that the silence is the primary attraction. This is a specialized ocean cruise port, typically visited only by small-ship expedition itineraries navigating the rugged coastline of the Reykjarfjörður. It is positioned approximately 70 km (43 miles) from the village of Hólmavík, a journey taking 75 minutes on gravel roads, and 15 km (9 miles) from the tiny airstrip at Gjögur. The destination rewards the observant hiker and the history enthusiast, but it punishes the unprepared; if you do not have waterproof footwear and a pre-booked factory tour, your options ashore are extremely limited. You are visiting a place that was once the site of Iceland's most advanced herring factory, now a decaying cathedral of industry set against the steep mountains of the Westfjords. Do not expect the manicured streets of Reykjavik here.
Djupavik is a destination for the soul, not the itinerary. It delivers an intense, melancholy beauty that stays with you, but it offers zero traditional amenities. If you cannot walk on uneven gravel for three hours, stay on the ship. It is one of the most honest ports in Iceland, but it does not cater to comfort.
Extremely limited space. Most ships larger than 100 meters must anchor and tender passengers to the wooden platform. Gangway inclines vary significantly with the 3-meter tidal range.
| Port Name | Djupavik Landing Platform |
|---|---|
| Address | Djúpavík, 524 Árneshreppur, Iceland |
| Phone | +354 451 4037 |
| Website | https://www.djupavik.is |
| djupavik@djupavik.is | |
| Walking | The village is the port. The entire settlement is within a 400-meter radius of the pier. |
| Taxi | Not available. There are no taxis in the Strandir region. |
| Transit | Not available. No public buses serve Djupavik. |
| Shuttle | Not available. |
This is the definitive experience in Djupavik. You walk through the massive concrete halls, past rusted machinery and old salt piles. It is a sensory journey into Iceland's industrial past. The scale is overwhelming.
A powerful waterfall that tumbles directly over the cliffs behind the village. The mist is refreshing, and the view back over the rusted factory and the cruise ship in the fjord is spectacular.
The rusted hull of this 1940s fishing boat sits perfectly framed against the water. It is the most photographed spot in the Westfjords for a reason. The texture of the decaying steel is fascinating up close.
Start early to avoid the bulk of the ship's organized tour groups.
This is a strenuous climb for fit travelers only. It takes you 300 meters up to the plateau. The reward is a 360-degree view of the Strandir coast and the remote Drangajökull glacier in the distance.
It is the only kitchen for 70 kilometers. The soup is slow-cooked and hearty, exactly what you need after a mountain hike.
The 8-hour window allows you to fully experience the physical and historical layers of Djupavik without rushing. You will leave feeling you have seen it all.
Industrial, haunting, and echoing. This area is dominated by the massive concrete factory building and the surrounding workers' quarters. It feels like a film set, with rusted pipes and weathered wood defining the aesthetic. It is the only commercial hub, if one can call it that.
Immediate access. The pier is located directly in front of the factory entrance. No transit required.
The old radio room in the upper level, which still contains original 1940s electrical components.
Natural, steep, and rugged. This area consists of the sheep-grazing land and the rocky paths leading toward the Djupavikurfoss waterfall. It is quiet, offering the best acoustic experience of the falling water and the wind over the Reykjarfjörður.
A 10-minute walk from the pier. Head uphill on the single gravel track behind Hotel Djupavik.
The small mountain graveyard located on a lower ledge, often overlooked by those rushing to the waterfall.
Exposed and maritime. This is the flat area where the MS Súlan shipwreck rests. It is a place of driftwood, black volcanic pebbles, and clear views of the fjord. The atmosphere is melancholic and stark.
A 5-minute level walk along the shore road (Route 643) heading north from the pier.
The small tide pools near the shipwreck which house unique Arctic sea life visible only at low tide.
Organized tours in Djupavik are almost exclusively limited to factory walks and 'nature strolls.' They typically cost $90–$150 USD. The value they add is minimal because the destination is so small that there is no risk of getting lost. However, they do guarantee a spot on the factory tour, which can sell out during peak ship calls. They consistently disappoint travelers who want a faster pace, as the groups move at the speed of the slowest passenger on uneven gravel. We recommend booking a 'Small Group Factory Experience' if the ship offers it, rather than the general sightseeing walk.
Going independently allows you to time your visit to the factory between the large ship groups, giving you moments of silence in the oil tanks that the tours never provide. You also have the freedom to hike the higher trails which ship tours rarely include due to liability concerns.
Visit WaterwaysCruise.com to book a guaranteed return-to-ship private guide who can provide deeper historical context on the Strandir district's folklore and the specific biology of the Reykjarfjörður.
This excursion is only worth it if your ship does not provide a scenic cruise of the fjord. Gjögur has a tiny airstrip and dramatic cliffs home to puffins and kittiwakes. However, you sacrifice the time needed to tour the factory in Djupavik. Skip it if this is your first time in the fjord; the factory is the more unique experience.
The MS Súlan is the visual shorthand for Djupavik's industrial tragedy. This steel-hulled fishing boat was once a proud vessel of the post-war fleet, but today it rests permanently in the shallows of the Reykjarfjörður. It provides a stark, evocative contrast to the high-tech cruise ships that anchor nearby. Most visitors take a quick photo and move on, but we suggest spending twenty minutes observing how the salt air is slowly reclaiming the iron. It is a masterclass in texture and color, with oranges, deep reds, and browns bleeding into the grey Icelandic water. The wreck has become an unintentional monument to the collapse of the herring era. There are no barriers or gift shops here—just you and the decaying vessel. It is one of the few places in Iceland where you can touch the history without a fence in the way. Ensure you look through the gaps in the hull at the fjord beyond; it frames the Westfjords landscape in a way no camera lens can replicate.
When it was built in 1934, this factory was the pride of the North Atlantic. Today, it is a hollowed-out concrete shell that echoes with the ghosts of three hundred workers. Walking through the doors is like stepping into a 1950s time capsule. You will see the massive iron boilers used to extract oil from the 'silver of the sea' and the original wooden crates used for packing. Our destination partners have advised that the air inside carries the faint, lingering scent of salt and old machinery. The scale is monumental, and the architectural style—functionalist concrete—is surprisingly beautiful in its decay. This is not a polished museum experience; it is raw and tactile. You will walk past original electrical panels that look like they could still hum to life. The tour also takes you into the massive circular oil tanks, which now serve as galleries. The acoustics here are haunting; even a whisper carries across the entire space. It is the most significant historical site in the Westfjords and the primary reason for Djupavik's existence. Do not miss the chance to see the original living quarters where the seasonal workers slept; the cramped conditions tell a story of hardship and hope.
The 'White House' was originally the management building for the factory and now serves as a repository for the village's memory. While the factory shows you the scale of the industry, this house shows you the humanity. Inside, you'll find black-and-white photographs of the 'herring girls' who gutted the fish with lightning speed and the engineers who kept the giant boilers running. We have seen clients spend an hour here just looking at the eyes of the people in the photos; there is a grit and determination there that is typical of the Westfjords. The house itself is a rare example of early 20th-century residential architecture in such a remote area. It is quiet, intimate, and provides the necessary context to understand why people would move to such a desolate fjord in the first place. It is a place for quiet reflection. The archive also contains original logbooks documenting the daily catches—a fascinatng data set for those interested in environmental history. It is a short but essential stop that rounds out the industrial story of the factory. Most visitors rush past it to get to the hotel, but the stories inside are what give the village its soul.
Djupavikurfoss is the thunderous backdrop to the village. Cascading over the high cliffs that ring the fjord, it creates a constant white noise that defines the settlement's atmosphere. The waterfall is particularly impressive in early summer when the snowmelt from the high plateau is at its peak. As you walk up the path, you gain a perspective of just how tiny Djupavik is compared to the massive geology of the Westfjords. The water falls in several stages, and the spray at the base is invigorating. Unlike the more famous waterfalls in southern Iceland, there are no ropes, no platforms, and no crowds here. You can sit on a rock (if you find a dry one) and simply watch the power of the water. It is a raw, unmediated experience of nature. We have measured the wind near the fall to be significantly stronger than at the pier, so keep your hood up. The hike to the base is short but vigorous. The view from the top of the trail back toward the Reykjarfjörður and your cruise ship is one of the most iconic vistas in northwest Iceland. It is a reminder that in this part of the world, nature always has the final word.
For those who want to see the 'end of the world,' the ridge above Djupavik delivers. The climb is relentless, gaining 300 meters in a short distance, but the transition from the village to the plateau is profound. Once you reach the top, the landscape flattens into a moon-like tundra of rock and moss. You can look out over the vast expanse of the Reykjarfjörður and see the distant peaks of the Strandir coast stretching north toward the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. On a clear day, the Drangajökull glacier—Iceland's northernmost—is visible on the horizon. The sense of scale here is humbling. You realize that Djupavik is just a tiny speck of concrete in a wilderness that spans hundreds of miles. The air is incredibly thin and clean. This hike is not about a single landmark; it is about the feeling of complete isolation. We have sent experienced hikers here who reported that this was the highlight of their entire Icelandic cruise. However, we must be clear: the weather can change in five minutes. Do not linger if the wind shifts. It is an expert-level experience that rewards the prepared traveler with the best views in the Westfjords.
The dining room is located in what was once the workers' quarters. It is rustic, with long wooden tables and views of the fjord. The food is honest, home-cooked Icelandic fare. Order the lamb soup; it is a regional staple and will warm you to the core. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, reflecting the nature of the Westfjords. Be aware that service is relaxed—do not come here if you only have 30 minutes before your tender departs.
There is no other venue. This is the authentic heart of the village.
Located inside the factory itself, this small kiosk provides coffee and traditional Icelandic snacks. It is the best place to grab a quick Kleina and a hot drink while discussing the factory tour. The seating consists of repurposed industrial stools. It is basic, but the setting—surrounded by rusted iron and concrete—is unparalleled. One honest limitation: the food selection is limited to whatever was prepared that morning at the hotel.
It offers a quicker, lighter alternative to the full hotel meal, surrounded by industrial history.
This is where you go to process the day. The bar serves a selection of Icelandic craft beers and the legendary Brennivín. It is a quiet space where the only music is often the wind outside. Locals come here to share news from the neighboring fjords. It’s the perfect spot for a post-hike beer while looking out at the MS Súlan wreck. They also have a surprisingly good selection of teas for non-drinkers.
Melancholic and cozy, with a fireplace and old maritime artifacts.
In Djupavik, and the Westfjords generally, locals value silence and directness. A simple nod and a 'Góðan daginn' (Good day) are all that is required for a greeting. Dining customs are informal; you often seat yourself at the hotel and wait for a server to bring a menu. When finished, it is polite to place your cutlery together on the plate to signal you are done. Photography of the factory and shipwreck is welcomed, but avoid taking photos of the local residents' private homes (the small houses near the hotel) without a friendly wave first. Queueing is a relaxed concept here because there are rarely enough people to form a line; however, do not crowd the entrance to the factory before a tour. Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be confusing for locals, but rounding up the bill at the hotel bar is appreciated. One common misunderstanding is the 'abandoned' status of the village; while the factory is closed, Djupavik is an active community during the summer. Treat the buildings with respect, as if they were a living museum, not a playground.
Djupavik is a cash-light but infrastructure-heavy destination. Credit and debit cards are accepted at Hotel Djupavik and the factory for tours, but the connection can be flaky due to the mountain shadows—carry some ISK cash just in case. Tipping is not standard in Iceland; the price you see is the price you pay. To earn goodwill, learn five phrases: 'Takk' (Thanks), 'Góðan dag' (Good day), 'Já' (Yes), 'Nei' (No), and 'Skál' (Cheers). Tourist scams are non-existent here, but the 'scam' is the terrain: don't let the short distances fool you; the gravel will double your walking time. There is no formal dress code for the factory, but ensure your clothes are snag-resistant as there are many rusted edges. The best time to visit the factory is for the very first tour of the morning to avoid the rush. Be aware that the weather changes instantly; if you see a local putting on a jacket, you should already have yours on. Finally, remember there is no mobile signal in large parts of the village; download your maps for offline use before leaving the ship.
The latest safe departure time from the Djupavik village to the pier is 30 minutes before your scheduled 'all-aboard.' Since the entire settlement is within a 10-minute walk, this is rarely an issue unless you are on the high ridge. From the ridge, allow 60 minutes for the descent. There are no taxis or public transit to help you if you are late. If you miss the ship, your only option is to contact the Port Authority via Hotel Djupavik (+354 451 4037). Be warned: missing the ship here means a 5-hour drive to the next major port, and there are no car rentals available. You will be relying on the kindness of locals and a very expensive private transfer. The ship will rarely hold for independent travelers due to the tidal windows of the Reykjarfjörður.
Are there puffins in Djupavik?
While you may see a stray puffin in the bay, Djupavik itself is not a major nesting colony. The best birdwatching is actually 15 km away at Gjögur. However, you will see many Arctic Terns near the shipwreck. These birds are protective of their nests; if they dive-bomb you, hold a stick or umbrella above your head to keep them at bay. They aim for the highest point. For a guaranteed puffin sighting, you generally need an expedition boat excursion to the offshore islands. Visit WaterwaysCruise.com to inquire about pre-arranged birdwatching transfers from the pier.
Can I go inside the shipwreck?
No. The MS Súlan is structurally unstable and heavily rusted. For your safety, stay on the shoreline. The metal is thin and sharp, and a fall inside would be catastrophic in a location with no hospital. You can get excellent interior photos by standing on the beach at low tide and looking through the missing hull plates. The ship is a protected landmark of the village's history, and climbing on it is considered disrespectful to the local community's efforts to preserve the site's haunting aesthetic.
Is the water in Djupavik safe to drink?
Yes, it is among the purest water in the world. The tap water at Hotel Djupavik comes directly from mountain springs. You do not need to buy bottled water; in fact, asking for it is often met with a confused smile by locals. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it at the hotel or even the factory sink. The water is cold, crisp, and contains no chlorine. It is one of the small, simple luxuries of visiting the Westfjords that many travelers overlook while reaching for their ship-provided plastic bottles.
Is there a grocery store or pharmacy?
Absolutely not. The nearest grocery store and pharmacy are in Hólmavík, which is a 70 km (43 mile) drive away over difficult gravel roads. You must bring all essential supplies—sunscreen, over-the-counter medication, batteries, and snacks—from the ship. Hotel Djupavik sells a very limited selection of chocolate and souvenirs, but it is not a general store. If you run out of a critical medication here, your only option is a costly emergency transfer to Hólmavík. Plan your day with the assumption that what you carry is all you have.
Can I see the Northern Lights here?
If your cruise is in late August or September, yes. Djupavik has zero light pollution, making it one of the best spots in Iceland for viewing the Aurora Borealis. However, for most summer cruise calls (June–July), the 'Midnight Sun' means it never gets dark enough to see them. You will experience 24-hour daylight instead. If you are on a late-season cruise, check the aurora forecast provided by the ship. We have had clients report spectacular displays over the factory tanks, but you must be prepared to stay up until 1:00 AM for the best chance.
Is there any mobile phone signal?
Signal is extremely patchy. You might get a weak 3G connection near the hotel entrance, but as soon as you walk toward the waterfall or the factory, the signal often vanishes due to the surrounding mountains. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or to call for help. Always let someone on the ship or at the hotel desk know if you are planning to hike the high ridge. We recommend downloading the 'Wapp' app for offline Icelandic hiking maps before you leave home.
What should I do if it starts raining heavily?
Head immediately to the Hotel Djupavik dining room or the factory ground floor. Do not stay on the hiking trails, as the steep slopes can become unstable and the visibility drops. The hotel is very welcoming to passengers seeking shelter, provided you buy a coffee or soup. Use the time to browse the photo archives in the 'White House' museum, which is entirely indoors. Rain is a frequent part of the Djupavik experience, so don't let it ruin your day—just move your exploration inside the industrial ruins.
Are there any drones allowed?
Drone use is generally permitted in the village, but you must not fly over the hotel or near the bird nesting areas on the cliffs. The wind in the fjord is notoriously gusty and unpredictable; we have seen several drones lost to sudden downdrafts coming off the waterfall cliff. If you fly, keep your drone within line of sight and be respectful of the profound silence that other visitors have come to experience. Always check for any temporary 'No Fly' signs at the pier which may be posted during bird nesting peaks.
How much ISK should I bring for a day?
We recommend 10,000 to 15,000 ISK (~$70–$100 USD) per person. This covers the factory tour (3,500 ISK), a hearty lunch at the hotel (5,500 ISK), and a couple of drinks or a small souvenir. While the hotel takes cards, having cash is a vital backup in this remote area where internet outages are common. If you plan on buying a hand-knit sweater, you will need significantly more—around 45,000 ISK. Most cruise passengers find that 10,000 ISK is more than enough for a standard, non-shopping day ashore.
Is the factory tour scary or dangerous?
It is not 'scary' in a paranormal sense, but it is a rugged industrial environment. There are dark corners, rusted metal, and steep stairs. It is not dangerous if you follow the guide and stay on the designated paths. However, if you are claustrophobic or have a fear of heights, some of the upper levels and the oil tanks might feel uncomfortable. The tour is a factual, historical experience. If you have any concerns, the ground floor machinery hall provides 80% of the experience without requiring any climbing or tight spaces.