Categories Summer Tours Scandinavia Iceland Self Drive Vacations Adventure & Eco Travel Self Drive Tours Independent Tours

Travel along West Iceland and the varied landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a showcase of lava formations, geothermal activity and Viking Saga history.

The remote Westfjords are the least populated area in Iceland and ideal for off-the-beaten-track encounters with extraordinary nature. The Westfjords specialize in extremes: steep mountains plunge into deep fjords, rugged seabird cliffs hang over delicate beaches, and steamy thermal pools that among flowering vegetation.

Itinerary

Approximate distance: ca100km / 62miles

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge dividing the European and North American tectonic plates cuts through the area. You’ll see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, fissures and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. If you are a Viking history buff, we recommend the Viking World museum, famous for the Íslendingur, a Viking ship replica that sailed between Iceland and North America in 2000

Several charming fishing villages and lighthouses dot the peninsula, and the area has a reputation for tasty seafood fresh from the ocean. Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that

Drive along mystical lava landscapes of the South Coast road to the charming village of Hveragerdi for your overnight. The road takes you past rocky beaches with thundering waves. Hveragerdi is perfect for getting to know typical small-town Icelandic culture, but with a unique twist. Hveragerdi is one of the few sites in the world located directly on top of a geothermal area and, because of its many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the “flower village.”

Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm).

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Optional: Blue Lagoon Entrance and Extras |Hot Springs Around Hveragerdi Biking Tour (from Hveragerdi) |Panorama ATV/Quad tour

Hveragerdi – Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Stykkisholmur

Approximate distance: ca355km / 221miles

Massive Crater – Pebble Beaches – Glacier-Capped Volcano

Breakfast at your accommodation. Travel along the western coast towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You’ll pass through Borgarfjordur, a pretty region of mountains, rivers and charming farmhouses. Pass the perfectly formed Eldborg crater, which looks as if it belongs on the moon. You can take a hike up the crater to look into its depths and to check out the amazing landscape.

Explore the extraordinary variety of natural wonders along the peninsula from the rich birdlife at Arnarstapi sea cliffs to pleasant hiking along the shiny pebble beach at Djupalonssandur.

Throughout the day enjoy the sight of Snaefellsjokull glacier, the icy cone-shaped peak which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Also keep an eye out for Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain.

You can enjoy one-of-a-kind guided activities in the region such as glacier hiking on Snaefellsjokull, visiting Vatnshellir lava cave, whale watching near Olafsvik, and sea kayaking in the vicinity of the popular Kirkjufell Mountain. Or just take time to enjoy a cup of Icelandic coffee and pastries at an outdoor café and savor the peaceful ocean views.

The day ends in Stykkisholmur, a charming eco-friendly town with beautiful wooden buildings originally brought over from Norway in the 1800s.

Overnight in the Stykkisholmur area.

Stykkisholmur – Brjanslaekur – Westfjords

Approximate distance: ca229km / 143miles

Quaint Fishing Villages – Ferry on Breidafjordur Bay –Europe’s Largest Bird Cliffs

Breakfast at your accommodation. Today you can choose to take a ferry to the Westfjords or drive the scenic coastal route.

Driving option: Drive the scenic coastal roads to the southern Westfjords area of Brjanslaekur and, from there, on to Latrarbjarg. Please note this will add an additional hour and 211 km/ 131 miles to your trip.)

Ferry option: Sail across Breidafjordur Bay, which is home to more than 3.000 tiny islands inhabited with nesting seabirds and playful seals. (Please note the ferry cost is not included in the package price.) You will pass by the island of Flatey, a beloved summer holiday area for Icelanders.

Upon reaching the remote Westfjords, drive along the southern coast of the Westfjords. Raudasandur is a gorgeous stretch of beach where you can see the sand change colors in different areas. Colors range from white to yellow to red to black. It’s a treat for the camera, so we suggest taking some time to enjoy the views.

Next explore the area’s main attraction, Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point in Europe. The remarkable 441-meter-high (1.447 ft.) sea cliffs are alive with millions of playful puffins, gannets, guillemots and razorbills. This beautiful natural sculpture has been recognized by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The cliffs make a stunning viewpoint to the beautiful beaches below during the Midnight Sun of summer. Remember to be careful while you are here since the cliff is very high. Do not approach the end of the cliff unless you are on all fours or sitting.

Overnight in the Patreksfjordur area.

Please note: After Sept. 1. the ferry Baldur departs once per day and does not sail on Saturdays. If you are planning this trip in late August or September, please make sure Day 3 is not on a Saturday.

From Stykkisholmur: 15:00 (3:00pm)*

From Brjanslaekur: 18:00 (6:00pm)*

*This schedule is subject to change.

Patreksfjordur –Bildudalur – Thingeyri – Isafjordur

Approximate distance: ca175km / 109miles

Rugged Heaths – ‘Thunderer’ Waterfall – Capital of the Westfjords

Breakfast at your accommodation. Travel across the spectacular Westfjords, keeping an eye out for thermal bathing springs hidden among the rugged heaths. The town of Bildudalur has a curious and entertaining Sea Monster Museum where you can discover local legends of mysterious ocean creatures.

At Dynjandi waterfall, the thunderous power of the main cascade drops 100 meters (329 ft) off the edge of a mountain. The waterfall base provides views seaward over lush valleys, making it an ideal picnic stop. You’ll actually see six different waterfalls as you walk from the parking lot up to Dynjandi, a very nice experience.

Continue on, enjoying local communities. The town of Thingeyri is a nice place to stop, especially its Simbahollin Café. The owners restored a beautiful old house for the café, sparking a community-wide renovation. The village is charming, and the café has legendary Belgian waffles. The café also offers guided horseback riding tours in the area.

Continue to Isafjordur, the largest town in the area and the honorary capital of the Westfjords. The town has some of the country’s oldest buildings, beautifully preserved. Several locally guided walking tours can connect you with the town’s history, folklore and culinary heritage. If you like adding in an activity, we recommend sea kayaking. The area has peaceful water for kayaking, and it is an interesting way to get a closer view of bird life.

Overnight in Isafjordur area.

Isafjordur – Holmavik – Strandir – Laugar Saelingsdalur

Approximate distance: ca355km / 221miles

Uninhabited Fjords – Seal and Birdlife – Remote Arctic Wilderness

Breakfast at your accommodation. Drive the numerous uninhabited inlets of Isafjardardjup Fjord, with its beautiful coastline teeming with seals and bird life, towards Holmavik village. The Arctic Fox Centre in Sudavik is an interesting place to visit and learn about these charming animals that are so prevalent in the Westfjords.

We recommend an excursion to the Strandir coast, one of the least-visited corners of Iceland. This remote and desolate wilderness has an air of mystery, where you can hike the breathtaking moorlands, soak in natural geothermal pools and learn about ancient sorcery and witchcraft. We definitely recommend a stop at the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft. The Westfjords has long been associated with tales of witchcraft and magic, and this museum describes this interesting history.

Head out of the Westfjords and into Western Iceland. End your day in the fertile green valleys of Laugar in Saelingsdalur, an area rich in ancient Sagas and tales of elves.

Overnight in the Laugar in Saelingsdalur area.

Laugar in Saelingsdalur – Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik

Approximate distance: ca270km / 168miles

Viking Heritage – Mysterious Waterfalls – Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring

Breakfast at your accommodation. Drive to Eiriksstadir, the Viking Age home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eriksson, who discovered North America. See the turf-covered replica of his longhouse and the adjacent excavation site where you can stand on Leif’s doorstep and share his magnificent view overlooking Haukadalur valley.

Head through Borgarfjordur, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. This is a beloved vacation spot for Icelanders from Reykjavik. It contains a charming mix of miniature forests, waterfalls, caves and views of Langjokull Glacier. If you want to add some adventure to your day, a visit to the colorful Vidgelmir caverns or the unique Into the Glacier ice cave is an unforgettable experience. The charming Husafell area has a mix of hiking trails that suit all skill levels, including a history-themed trail.

Visit Hraunfoss waterfall where the water shimmers from moss-covered lava into cerulean waters below. The nearby Barnafoss Falls have a mysterious secret to reveal. Be sure to stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where you can buy organic tomatoes grown using geothermal heat. Deildartunguhver you can also enjoy the Krauma natural geothermal spa, which uses a blend of the hot spring’s water and glacier cold springs. The spa’s restaurant specializes in dishes made with ingredients from area farms and greenhouses.

Borgarfjordur is also a great area to discover handicrafts and tasty farm-fresh treats. The Ullarselid Wool Center at the Icelandic Agricultural Museum in Hvanneyri sells handicrafts made from wool and other materials, nearby is Hespa’s House, where you can see how wool is dyed with natural Icelandic plants. Stedji is a microbrewery located on a farm. You can visit the tasting room and try some really unique brews. Ljomalind Farmer’s Market in Borgarnes has handcrafts and delicious food items that make great souvenirs.

Continue via Hvalfjordur (the Whale Fjord) to Reykjavik.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. *

*Please note that the package price is based on 6 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7 an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 6 day rental is up and use our Flybus departure transfer.

Notes