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Dramatic Westfjords & Local Secrets

5 Days / 2 locations in Iceland

Meet the little-known but fascinating Westfjords, the geologically-ancient peninsula of northwest Iceland. Mountains and fjords encircle charming villages dependent on the sea for fishing and transportation. Though life here presents challenges from the landscape and nature, this area has played an important role in Icelandic history, even producing two of its presidents.

This escorted tour introduces you to preserved traditions and eco-friendly innovations that have enabled the residents to coexist with the changing sea and weather. Stroll back in time on guided walking tours of towns and scenic coastal roads set in stunning natural surroundings. Meet local residents from towns and farms and discover how they live year-round on the edge of the fjords. Sample some of Iceland‘s freshest seafood products and take part in a fisherman‘s cooking class. Marvel at the powerful beauty of the mountains and fjords, perfect backdrops for northern lights shimmering on the long winter nights, especially when bathing in one of the area’s famous hot spring-fed pools.

Please note: Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Check in at your hotel in Reykjavik and get yourself comfortable for your day in the city (airport transfer not included). At your hotel, you will get a packet with more information about your trip.

Reykjavik is an ideal city for a stylish Scandinavian getaway. The numerous art galleries and museums, as well as superb restaurants and cafés, are perfect for discovering the city's unique culture and cuisine.If you arrive early in the day, there are abundant choices of optional tours available, and it is easy to visit some of the well-known natural attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and more. Overnight in Reykjavik.

 
Day 2     Reykjavik - Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Stunning Fjord Views ––Innovative Fishing Village- Delicious Seafood

Breakfast at hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby for your group transfer to Reykjavik Domestic Airport and check-in for your flight to Isafjordur, (population approx. 2,600) the largest town in the Westfjords Peninsula. You will be met at Isafjordur Airport by your local guide for a transfer to this beautiful town surrounded by spectacular fjord scenery.

Your trip in the Westfjords starts with a drive through scenic countryside and an ingenious mountain tunnel to Sudureyri in Sugandafjordur Fjord. This pretty village was once isolated by high mountains and rough roads; thanks to the tunnel, Sudureyri now welcomes visitors year-round. The thriving community processes gourmet-quality fish using sustainable methods combining tradition and innovation. A local guide will take you on a village walking tour, telling you of daily life and offering samples of delicious fish treats along the way. You´ll hear how the fishing industry has shaped Icelandic culture and discover how Icelandic fish can be on your domestic dinner plate hours after leaving the ice-cold Atlantic waters. You´ll also see where one of Iceland´s most famous clothing companies got its start.

The tour ends with a visit to the Fisherman Hotel and its seafood cooking school using locally-sourced ingredients. Here you´ll learn to prepare a simple fish course you can try at home.

Return to Isafjordur. Tonight you might want to try some of the delicious local seafood at one of the local restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Isafjordur or similar. If luck is with you, you might even see northern lights, which can often be seen on cold and clear nights.

 
Day 3     Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Traditional Eider Farming - Fjord views and white sand beach - Charming Isafjordur - Northern Lights Hunting

Breakfast at hotel. Today visit Myrar, located on Dyrafjordur Fjord. This area is home to one of the larger nesting areas for eider ducks. Meet with an area farmer and hear about the sustainable coexistence between eider ducks and farmers. Learn about local wildlife, such as the arctic fox. Visit Myrarkirkja, a beautiful wooden country church. Stroll on a white sand beach where you can take in views of Önundarfjordur, considered by locals to be one of the area´s prettiest fjords. Enjoy home-made cakes and coffee in Flateyri, a village with its own special stories to share.

This afternoon is open for you to enjoy Isafjordur. The town has some of Iceland´s oldest buildings, beautifully painted and maintained. A stroll through the charming old town area is like walking back to a simpler time in Iceland. Visit a museum or art gallery, or simply sit in a cafe and enjoy the relaxed pace of life.

Tonight depart for a countryside restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Afterwards, if nature cooperates, you‘ll go out looking for northern lights. Don‘t forget your swimsuit and towel: tonight you might have the opportunity to relax in one of the local hot-spring fed swimming pools. Overnight in Isafjordur.

Please note that northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed

 
Day 4     Isafjordur - Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Local Fishing Heritage – Scenic Coastal Road – Farewell to the Westfjords

Breakfast at hotel. Today visit the preserved 19th-century fishermen´s huts and camp at the Osvor Maritime Museum in Bolungarvik. Here you can see the wooden rowboats fishermen used at sea, along with the materials used for catching and processing fish.

Afterwards take a nature walk (easy walking) along Oshlid, a scenic costal road that is closed to auto traffic and considered abandoned. Nature and weather are reclaiming the road, but you can still see how challenging travel here was in older times.

Lunch on your own in Isafjordur. Then it´s farewell to the Westfjords with a transfer to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Transfer from airport to hotel in Reykjavik and overnight. The evening is open for your own activities.

 
Day 5     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon you can spend the day at your leisure or experience Iceland further by going on a half-day tour. You can also add extra days to your stay and we will help you make arrangements.

 

Notes

All departures are guaranteed with minimum of 2 participants.

Maximum Group Size 16 Participants
Price Includes
2 Nights at a Hotel in Reykjavik, Including Breakfast (except Arrival Day)
2 Nights at a Hotel in Isafjordur, Including Breakfast
Round-Trip Domestic Flights Reykjavik - Isafjordur, Including Airport Tax
Round-Trip Transfers Between Reykjavik Hotel and Reykjavik Airport With Ass
Guided Tour With Transport Between Day 2 and 4
Visit to Sudureyri Fishing Village With Guided Walking Tour, Incl. Tastings
Guided Visit to a Traditional Farm and Church at Myrar in Dyrjafjordur Fjor
Coffee and Cakes at Flateyri Village
Dinner at a Countryside Restaurant And, Weather Permitting, Northern Lights
Visit and Admission to Osvor Preserved Fisherman‘S Hut and Camp
Guided Walk Along Oshlid Coastal Road
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Excursions
 Transatlantic Air
IT$-1269
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