The Westfjords are mountainous; the coastline is heavily indented by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.

[2] The lack of flat lowlands in the area limits the potential for agriculture, which is mostly restricted to low-intensity sheep grazing near the fjords.

Good natural harbors in many fjords and their proximity to fishing areas are vital for the local economy.

Westfjords is generally the coldest area at sea level in Iceland, as a result of the East Greenland Current.

The density of Arctic Fox in some parts of Hornstrandir nature reserve (such as Hornvik) is the highest in the world.