How to get here
Suðureyri lies on Súgandafjörður, in the northwest part of the Westfjords. It is 23 km from Ísafjörður. The drive takes a little under half an hour in good conditions and longer in winter. The route runs through the Vestfjarðagöng tunnel, with the branch to Suðureyri following Route 65 (Súgandafjarðarvegur). Route 65 ends in Suðureyri and is not a through road.
Coordinates near the harbour: 66.1296, -23.5268.
Before you leave, check road conditions at umferdin.is and the forecast at vedur.is. The road can close in winter, sometimes at short notice. Check again immediately before setting out.
The Vestfjarðagöng tunnel
The tunnel opened in September 1996. It is 9.1 km long and shaped like the letter Y. Three branches meet at one junction under the mountain and lead to Ísafjörður, Flateyri and Suðureyri.
Only the branch to Ísafjörður has two lanes. The branch to Suðureyri is almost three kilometres long and has a single lane. Traffic travels in both directions, using passing places cut into the rock roughly every 100 to 150 metres. Traffic lights control the bends. Always follow the lights and priority signs.
When you see an oncoming vehicle, slow down and check the signs and lights first. If signals do not control that section, look for the nearest passing place. If it is on your side, pull in and let the other vehicle pass. If it is on the opposite side, continue carefully. The oncoming driver should stop, but be ready to stop if necessary.
The vehicle's front and rear lights must be on from the start of the journey, as required by Icelandic law. Take off your sunglasses before entering the tunnel. Do not overtake. Stop only in a passing place, never in the traffic lane to take a photograph or check a map. Lorries and delivery vehicles also use the tunnel and need more room and time to manoeuvre.
Before you set out on foot
The emergency number in Iceland is 112. The operator will direct your call to the appropriate service, including the police, ambulance, fire service or rescue teams.
The weather in the Westfjords can change very quickly. Check three things before every walk, even a short one:
- vedur.is: forecasts and weather warnings;
- safetravel.is: conditions, alerts and the travel plan service;
- umferdin.is: road conditions and closures.
Phone coverage can be patchy outside the village. Check the essential information before you leave, as you may not have a signal on the way.
Once you have opened it, this guide also works without a signal.
In early spring, thawing slopes can send rocks onto roads and paths. Keep away from the slope where possible, watch your surroundings and do not wear headphones, so you can hear what is happening around you.
Sheep roam freely throughout the fjord. During the nesting season, birds defend their nests and may dive at you. Keep your distance and go around the area.
History and heritage
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