Westfjords road trip: an 8-day Icelandic adventure
This 8-day self-drive itinerary takes you through Iceland’s wild west and remote Westfjords, starting in the Borgarfjörður area with lava waterfalls and powerful hot springs. Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before ferrying to the Westfjords where red-sand beaches, puffin cliffs, and the majestic Dynjandi waterfall await. Then head to the fjords around Ísafjörður, visit charming fishing villages, and journey into the secluded Strandir region with its driftwood beaches and remote geothermal pool. Your trip finally ends in Reykjavik with time to relax or explore the vibrant capital.
Enjoy a unique personalized travel itinerary from our handpicked local experts for a truly memorable Iceland trip.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in your preferred hotel category
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Arranged in-trip transportation (driver, car rental or public transport)
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- 24/7 in-destination assistance
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Reykjavik - Reykholt
Welcome to the land of fire and ice
Reykholt - Stykkishólmur
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in miniature
Stykkishólmur - Látrabjarg - Patreksfjörður
Into the Westfjords: Red Sands & Puffin Cliffs
Patreksfjörður - Dynjandi - ÍSafjörður
Through the heart of the Westfjords
ÍSafjörður
Exploring Ísafjörður's seals, fjords & hidden villages
ÍSafjörður - Northern Strandir
Northern Strandir's wild coast
Northern Strandir - Reykjavik
Return to Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Goodbye Iceland
Detailed Itinerary
Reykjavik - Reykholt
Day 1: Welcome to the land of fire and ice
Begin your road trip in the Borgarfjörður region with visits to the captivating Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls where water flows through lava fields.
Stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and explore the historic village of Reykholt, rich in medieval saga heritage.
Optional detours include soaking in the shoreline pools of Hvammsvik Hot Springs or touring the vast Víðgelmir lava cave.
End your day with an overnight stay in Reykholt, surrounded by history and natural beauty.
Reykholt - Stykkishólmur
Day 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in miniature
Explore the diverse beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its rich variety of landscapes. Here, you will discover windswept beaches, lava fields, and dramatic rock formations beneath the shadow of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano.
Animal lovers should keep an eye out for orca whales and thriving bird colonies along the coast, and don’t miss a visit to the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and its postcard-perfect waterfall.
Spend the night in the charming seaside town of Stykkishólmur.
Stykkishólmur - Látrabjarg - Patreksfjörður
Day 3: Into the Westfjords: Red Sands & Puffin Cliffs
After breakfast, take the ferry from Stykkishólmur to the southern Westfjords. Then drive to Rauðasandur Beach, known for its unique red-gold sands and peaceful coastal views.
Continue to the towering Látrabjarg Cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland, where you can spot puffins up close and enjoy dramatic ocean vistas.
Your day ends in the tranquil fishing village of Patreksfjörður for an overnight stay.
Patreksfjörður - Dynjandi - ÍSafjörður
Day 4: Through the heart of the Westfjords
Continue your journey north through the stunning fjords of Arnarfjörður, Dýrafjörður, and Önundarfjörður, passing charming fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Enjoy scenic stops and hiking opportunities along the way.
The highlight of the day is the magnificent Dynjandi Waterfall, cascading down like a bridal veil and often hailed as the jewel of the Westfjords.
Spend the night in Ísafjörður, the region’s lively cultural hub.
ÍSafjörður
Day 5: Exploring Ísafjörður's seals, fjords & hidden villages
Spend the day discovering the heart of the northern Westfjords in Ísafjörður. Visit nearby fishing villages—Bolungarvík, Suðureyri, and Flateyri—all just a short drive away.
Today, you can choose between sea kayaking in the fjord, hiking the scenic trails, or a super-jeep adventure around the remote Svalvogar Peninsula.
Explore the beauty of Ísafjarðardjúp Bay and make a detour to Hvítanes Cape to spot seals lounging on coastal rocks.
When in need of refreshments, enjoy fresh waffles at the charming, turf-roofed Litlibær cottage. For an active finish, hike through the dramatic Valagil Gorge.
Overnight in Ísafjörður.
ÍSafjörður - Northern Strandir
Day 6: Northern Strandir's wild coast
If you didn't get around to it the day before, drive the length of Ísafjörður Bay, stopping to spot seals at Hvítanes Cape, and enjoy homemade waffles at the turf-roofed Litlibær cottage. You can also visit the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík, or hike the rugged Valagil Gorge.
Then venture into the secluded beauty of the Northern Strandir coast where panoramic fjords, hidden waterfalls, and driftwood-strewn beaches await. In Djúpavík, explore the atmospheric old herring factory and its summer art exhibitions.
End your day in Norðurfjörður, home to Krossneslaug—one of Iceland’s most remote and scenic hot pools. Finally, spend the night in Northern Strandir.
Northern Strandir - Reykjavik
Day 7: Return to Reykjavik
Begin your drive back to Reykjavik (just over 3 hours), arriving in Iceland’s vibrant and walkable capital. It is renowned for its clean, green, and safe atmosphere.
Spend your afternoon exploring with optional activities like the Reykjavik Food Walk, offering a tasty dive into local culinary traditions, or unwind at the oceanfront Sky Lagoon, inspired by Icelandic nature and heritage. From fall to spring, consider a northern lights boat cruise for a magical end to your journey.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Reykjavik
Day 8: Goodbye Iceland
Depending on your flight time, make a final stop at the iconic Blue Lagoon, perfectly located near Keflavík International Airport. Soak in the milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields—a relaxing and rejuvenating way to end your Icelandic adventure.
Finanlly, head to the airport, return your rental car, and board your flight home filled with unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.
