Djúpavík

Westfjords, Iceland
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Video

Djúpavík is situated in the Strandir region of the Westfjords, which is in the northwestern part of Iceland. The village is nestled in a deep fjord called Reykjarfjörður, surrounded by beautiful mountains of various sizes. One of the notable features in Djúpavík is the abandoned herring factory, which stands as a historical relic. The factory buildings have been preserved and maintained for historic importance. Just above the factory, Djúpavík waterfall cascades down the steep slopes towards the town. This location offers a hauntingly beautiful landscape and old village atmosphere. The abandoned factory buildings are stark and weathered, and timeless.

Climate

The weather in the Westfjords is highly variable and very unpredictable. Winters are frigid and snowy, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing, whereas summers are moderately cool, with average temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F).  Coastal regions are prone to powerful winds and fog, and rainfall is common throughout the year. The region's fjords, mountains, and coastal cliffs can amplify weather patterns, making Westfjords a place where, within a brief period of time, one can experience everything from calm, sunny days to stormy, foggy conditions.
Data source
Temperature averages

Lighting

The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source

Accessibility

The road to Djúpavík is decent during the summer months but can be impassable in winter.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Good phone coverage
Generally good phone coverage without any major interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Permits

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You need a three-way permit; from the Árneshreppur municipality, The Environmental Agency and the landowners, depending on where you shoot.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

There are lots around the factory and around other buildings in the village. Hótel Djúpavík could work as an office, and/or basecamp for your filming. Phone coverage is excellent.

Risk factors

The village is by the sea and the old herring factory is an old ruin, so caution is advised.

Visitors

This location is a low or medium popular tourist place. Locals tend to visit Djúpavík to get a little break from the tourist industry elsewhere.

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