The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration confirmed this morning that the Örlygshafnarvegur road is closed all the way to Látrabjarg (Route 612) due to mudslides. No bypass is listed, and the closure is in effect as of 20 April 2026. No reopening date has been given.
Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point and one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, is a primary destination for wildlife photographers hoping to photograph puffins, razorbills, and guillemots at close range. Puffins began returning to Iceland’s coasts in mid-April, making this one of the most sought-after windows for bird photography in the Westfjords. The road closure means the cliffs are currently inaccessible by vehicle.
What photographers should do:
- Do not attempt to drive Route 612 toward Látrabjarg — the road is closed due to active mudslide conditions, which can be dangerous.
- Check the live Icelandic traffic dashboard at umferdin.is before setting out, as conditions can change quickly in spring.
- Monitor the road status daily if you are planning to visit; spring mudslides in the Westfjords typically clear within days to a couple of weeks.
- If you are already in the Westfjords, consider alternative photography locations such as Rauðasandur beach or the Dynjandi waterfall area while the road remains closed.
If the road does reopen, allow extra time for your approach and be aware that the track may still be soft and uneven. Respect any signage and do not drive off the designated road surface — the surrounding vegetation recovers slowly in this remote region.
For full guidance on Westfjords photography, see our Photographing the Westfjords: Iceland’s Forgotten Region.
Source: Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration — https://umferdin.is/en