Patreksfjordur is a brand new cruise destination in Iceland's Westfjords. It is the biggest town in the Southern Westfjords as well as Europe's westernmost town, predominantly a fishing town with a variety of services and public administration.
The port town is rich in cultural and commercial history, the birthplace of popular artists, and a base for French, German, and English fishermen, merchants, naval mariners in the early days, according to Gunnthorunn Bender, general manager of Westfjords Adventures.
A couple of small ships can be alongside simultaneously at the cruise pier of 230 m (755 ft) in length. The width of the canal is 40 m (131 ft) at low tide. Depth at low tide is 5.8 m (19 ft). The height of the pier above water is 6 m (20 ft) at low tide and 2 m (6.6 ft) at high tide.
All sizes of cruise ships can be accommodated at anchor. Tender boats need 5 to10 minutes to reach the cruise port, which is a ~10-minute walk from the town.
The cruise port is the starting point for trips like a walk on Europe’s biggest bird cliff, Latrabjarg. The cliff is considered to be one of the world's best places to photograph puffins.
Just half an hour away is Raudasandur, a landscape of red sand, black cliffs and the blue Atlantic complete with a seal colony. Within easy reach is Dynjadi waterfall, 100 metres high and consisting of 6 small waterfalls forming a thunderous power.
Patreksfjordur port provides general harbour services like wharf space or anchorage berths for cruise ships and boats, potable water and electricity, pilotage, weighting and waste disposal services.
The region is excellent for biking, hiking, exploring, and trout fishing. There are remote hot spring pools, incredible nature and birdlife in the summer.