A large landslide crossed the road at Kaldbaksvík on the Strandir coast in late September 2026, closing the route into Árneshrepp following heavy rainfall. Continued landslide risk in the area has been reported, and the road remains closed. Árneshrepp is one of Iceland’s most remote inhabited areas, situated in the northern Westfjords.
Why this matters for photographers
The Strandir coast and Árneshrepp are destinations sought out by photographers for their isolation, dramatic fjord scenery, and autumn light conditions in September and October. The single road in and out of the area means a closure effectively cuts off access entirely. Photographers with planned trips to this part of the Westfjords should expect disruption and check conditions before departing.
What photographers should do
- Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) at road.is for the current status of the route before travelling towards Árneshrepp or Kaldbaksvík.
- Monitor the Icelandic Meteorological Office (vedur.is) for ongoing rainfall warnings and landslide risk alerts in the Westfjords region.
- Build flexibility into your itinerary; given the continued risk noted by authorities, the closure may not be resolved quickly, and alternative Westfjords locations should be identified in advance.
If the road reopens, approach the area with care. Landslide events can leave debris and unstable ground near roadsides; stay on established surfaces and do not leave vehicles in potentially hazardous positions.
For full guidance, see our Photographing the Westfjords: Iceland’s Forgotten Region.
Source: Iceland Review — https://www.icelandreview.com/news/arneshrepp-landslide-road-closed-kaldbaksvik-september-2026/