Baldur Ferry With a Rental Car: Stykkishólmur ↔ Brjánslækur (Westfjords Access Guide)

Traveling between the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the rugged Westfjords involves a choice: a long drive along winding coastal roads or a shortcut across Breiðafjörður Bay. For many travelers, the answer is the Baldur ferry. Taking a rental car onto the ferry is not just a logistical move—it is an experience that transforms a simple transfer into a scenic cruise past thousands of islands.

At Holdur Car Rental, we often get asked about the logistics of moving a vehicle across the bay. Is it safe? How do you book? What happens in winter? This guide covers everything you need to know about taking your rental car on the Baldur ferry, connecting Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur.

Why Choose the Ferry Over the Road?

When planning a route from Snæfellsnes to the Westfjords, you have two main options. You can drive the entire way, or you can cut across the water.

The driving route involves backtracking to the Ring Road (Route 1) or taking the gravel roads of Route 60 through the valleys. While beautiful, this drive can take 3 to 4 hours longer than the ferry crossing, depending on road conditions and your starting point. The drive is demanding, requiring full concentration on winding roads.

The ferry, on the other hand, offers a break for the driver. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to cross Breiðafjörður Bay. During this time, you aren't watching for sheep or navigating blind curves. Instead, you are resting, perhaps enjoying a waffle in the cafeteria, or scanning the horizon for puffins and white-tailed eagles.

The Route: Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur

The ferry operates between two key harbors:

• Stykkishólmur: The largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its colorful old houses and cinematic harbor.
• Brjánslækur: A small landing point on the southern coast of the Westfjords. It is strategically located near the Flókalundur camping site and acts as the gateway to attractions like Dynjandi and Látrabjarg.

In summer, the ferry occasionally stops at Flatey Island. While passengers can disembark here, cars cannot. If you want to visit Flatey, you must leave your car in Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur, or arrange a complex logistical split which is usually not recommended for rental car travelers on a tight schedule.

Bringing Your Rental Car on the Ferry

Taking a Baldur ferry car trip is straightforward, but it requires preparation. Unlike passenger tickets, vehicle slots are limited and fill up quickly, especially during the high season (June–August).

Reservations are Essential

We cannot stress this enough: book your slot in advance. If you arrive at the harbor without a reservation in July, you will likely be turned away. The ferry has a finite capacity for vehicles.

When booking online via the ferry operator’s website (Sæferðir), you will need to specify the size of your vehicle. Most of our standard rental cars fit into the regular passenger car category (under 5 meters length, under 2 meters height). If you have rented a large camper van or a motorhome, ensure you select the correct dimensions to avoid being denied boarding or charged extra at the dock.

Arrival and Boarding Process

1. Arrive Early: You must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. We recommend 45 minutes to be safe. Late arrivals lose their reservation.
2. Check-in: Drive to the designated ferry queue at the harbor. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone.
3. Boarding: Staff will direct you onto the ship. This involves driving up a metal ramp. Follow their hand signals closely. You will likely need to park tightly against other vehicles.
4. Secure the Car: Once parked, engage your handbrake firmly. Put the car in gear (or Park for automatics). Turn off the engine. Do not activate your car alarm, as the motion of the ship will trigger it, causing annoyance for the entire voyage.

During the Crossing

Once the ship departs, you are not allowed to stay on the car deck for safety reasons. You must head up to the passenger lounges. The car deck is locked during transit. Make sure you take everything you need—cameras, jackets, wallets, and medications—before you leave your vehicle.

Seasonality and Sea Conditions

The experience of the Stykkishólmur to Westfjords ferry changes drastically between summer and winter.

Summer (May – September)

This is the peak season. The bay is teeming with birdlife, including puffins around the islands. The crossing is generally smooth, though windy days can create chop. The ferry runs multiple times a day. This is the best time for sightseeing from the deck.

Winter (October – April)

Winter crossings are for the adventurous and the prepared. The schedule is reduced, often to one crossing per day or fewer.

• Sea State: Breiðafjörður is sheltered by islands, but winter storms can still make the crossing rough. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand.
• Cancellations: In severe weather, the ferry may be canceled. Always check the status in the morning before driving to Stykkishólmur.
• Darkness: In mid-winter, you might be crossing in total darkness, meaning you miss the views but still get the transportation benefit.

A Note on Rental Car Safety

Salt spray is inevitable on a sea crossing. While the ferry is safe, salt is corrosive. We recommend running your rental car through a wash at a gas station once you reach a larger town like Ísafjörður or Borgarnes to rinse off any sea salt accumulation, protecting the vehicle's finish.

Itinerary Planning: Connecting the Regions

The ferry is the perfect bridge between two of Iceland's most spectacular regions. Here is how to integrate the crossing into your self-drive itinerary.

Starting in Snæfellsnes

Before catching the ferry, spend a day or two exploring the peninsula. Our Snæfellsnes guides cover the must-see spots like Kirkjufell mountain and Djúpalónssandur beach. Stykkishólmur itself is worth a few hours of exploration; visit the Volcano Museum or hike up to the lighthouse for a view over the bay you are about to cross.

Arriving in the Westfjords

When you roll off the ramp at Brjánslækur, you are immediately in the wild Westfjords. The terrain here is steeper and the roads can be more challenging.

• West to Látrabjarg: Turn left (west) to head toward the Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and a massive puffin colony.
• North to Dynjandi & Ísafjörður: Turn right (north/east) to head over the mountain passes toward the majestic Dynjandi waterfall. From there, you can continue to Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords.

Be advised: The road immediately following Brjánslækur involves gravel sections and steep mountain passes. Ensure you are comfortable driving on gravel before heading into this region.

When NOT to Take the Car

Is there ever a time to leave the car behind? Generally, for our rental customers, the answer is no. You need the car on the other side. Public transport in the Westfjords is sparse to non-existent.

However, if you are staying in Stykkishólmur and just want a day trip to Flatey Island, leave the car at the harbor. You can take the morning ferry as a foot passenger, spend the day walking the car-free island of Flatey, and return in the afternoon. This saves you the cost of the car ticket and the hassle of logistics, as cars are prohibited on Flatey anyway.

Pricing and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Taking a rental car on ferry Iceland routes is not the cheapest option, but the value lies in time and energy saved.

• The Cost: You pay for the vehicle (based on size) plus a ticket for every passenger, including the driver.
• The Benefit: You save roughly 150–200km of driving. In Iceland, where fuel is expensive and driving requires high focus, this saving is significant. You also save wear and tear on the driver, arriving in the Westfjords fresh and ready to explore rather than exhausted from a 5-hour drive.

Safety and Reliability

The Baldur ferry is a vital lifeline for locals and freight, meaning it is maintained to high standards. It is a reliable vessel capable of handling Icelandic conditions. However, as a driver, your responsibility doesn't end when you park.

• Handbrake: We cannot emphasize this enough. The ship moves. If your handbrake is weak or not fully engaged, your car can roll.
• Alarms: Please ensure you know how to lock your rental car without arming the motion sensor alarm. If you don't know how, check the vehicle manual in the glove box or ask our staff when you pick up the car.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take any type of rental car on the Baldur ferry?

Yes, the ferry accommodates standard cars, 4x4s, and camper vans. However, availability depends on the size of the vehicle. You must book the correct size category (length and height). If you are driving a large motorhome, spots are very limited, so book weeks or months in advance.

Is the Stykkishólmur to Westfjords ferry route open all year?

Yes, the ferry operates year-round, but the schedule varies significantly. In summer, there are usually two departures daily. In winter, there is often only one, and it may not run every day of the week. Always check the current timetable on the operator's website before planning your winter trip.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive after getting off the ferry at Brjánslækur?

While a 4x4 is not strictly mandatory for the ferry itself, we highly recommend a 4x4 if you plan to travel further into the Westfjords, especially toward Látrabjarg or across the Dynjandiheiði mountain pass. The roads can be rough, gravelly, and steep. In winter, a 4x4 is essential for this region. See more in our guide Choosing the Best 4x4 for Iceland's Westfjords.

What happens if I miss my reserved ferry slot?

If you miss your departure, your ticket is generally forfeited, and you will have to buy a new one for the next available crossing. In summer, the next crossing might be fully booked, leaving you stranded. This is why we recommend arriving at Stykkishólmur at least 45 minutes prior to departure.

Can I visit Flatey Island with my rental car?

No. Visitors are not permitted to bring cars onto Flatey Island. If you wish to visit Flatey, you must park your car in Stykkishólmur or Brjánslækur and travel as a foot passenger. Alternatively, you can send the car across on the ferry without you (for a fee) while you stop at Flatey, but this is complex and risky for tourists to coordinate.

Is it rough crossing the bay? Will I get seasick?

Breiðafjörður is filled with countless islands which provide some shelter, so it is generally smoother than open ocean crossings. However, in bad weather or strong winds, the vessel can roll. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is wise to take preventative medication before boarding.

How much time does the ferry save compared to driving?

Driving from Stykkishólmur to the southern Westfjords (via Route 60) takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on road conditions. The ferry crossing takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. While the time saving on the clock is modest, the saving in driving effort and fuel is substantial.

Are there food and restrooms on the ferry?

Yes, the Baldur ferry has a cafeteria serving hot food, sandwiches, coffee, and their famous waffles. There is also a children's play area, free Wi-Fi (though signal varies), and ample restroom facilities.

The Verdict

For travelers aiming to combine the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the southern Westfjords in one trip, the Baldur ferry is the superior choice. It serves as a scenic intermission in your road trip, allowing you to relax while moving toward your next destination. Just remember to book your slot, arrive early, and enjoy the waffles on board.

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