Iceland's remote Westfjords 7-day road trip
Take the road less travelled on this self-drive road trip across some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes. Setting off from the south, you’ll head northwest towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Often referred to as Iceland in miniature, it offers a real variety of sights and landscapes within a relatively small space. You’ll then catch the car ferry to the wilds of the Southern Westfjords. This section of your road trip will take you through stunning mountains, past deep blue fjords and thundering waterfalls. You’ll see monumental cliffs abundant with bird life, walk across vast unspoilt beaches and take your pick from an array of hot springs. This wild west drive is an independent traveller's dream.
Services
Included:
- 3-4-star hotel accommodation with private bathroom & breakfast
- Rental car (CDW insurance, unlimited km, emergency service, wifi)
- Ferry crossing
- Customised sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests, with maps for each day
- Northern Lights tips
- Contact person in Iceland
- Final details depend on package as the itinerary is customisable
Excluded:
- International flights
Optional:
- Optional excursions available for an additional charge:
- Borgarnes Settlement Centre visit
- Glymur waterfall hike
- Kaldalon glacial creek and Snaefjallastrond tour
- Reykjavik museums tour (history, art, whales)
- Reykjavik Perlan Interactive Nature Museum visit
Itinerary at a Glance
Deildartunguhver - Reykholt - Hraunfossar
Driving west
Arnarstapi - Djupalonssandur - Kirkjufell
Sights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Breidavik - Látrabjarg - Raudasandur
Ferry to the Southern Westfjords
Dynjandi - Thingeyri - Holt Beach
Dynjandi waterfall & the fjords
Kambsnes - Hvitanes - Litlibaer
Driving the Northern Westfjords
Reykjavik
Journey to Reykjavik
Kleifarvatn - Gunnuhver - Reykjanesta
The Reykjanes Peninsula
Detailed Itinerary
Deildartunguhver - Reykholt - Hraunfossar
Day 1: Driving west
After picking up your rental car, you'll begin your drive west. The lava landscape of West Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights, such as the Grabrok Crater and the Glanni Waterfall, just off the ring road.
A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The village of Reykholt on the way is steeped in saga history with a medieval centre and the oldest hot spring in Iceland.
Hikers might like to take the road into the Hvalfjordur Fjord for the exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves to the 198-metre tall Glymur Waterfall. There are many options to choose between.
Tonight, you'll be spending the night at your hotel in Stykkishólmur.
Arnarstapi - Djupalonssandur - Kirkjufell
Day 2: Sights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
After breakfast this morning, it's time to head along the 90-km long Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature’.
Dominated by the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, it offers an incredible variety of sights and hidden treasures. You could see desolate lava fields and fascinating rock formations, windswept beaches and coastal views, orca whales and bird colonies. The picturesque Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall just outside of the town of Grundarfjordur is a must-see.
After exploring the wonders of this varied area, it's time to head back to Stykkishólmur.
Breidavik - Látrabjarg - Raudasandur
Day 3: Ferry to the Southern Westfjords
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, you'll catch the car ferry from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords. The Southern Westfjords are famous for having the most stunning light-coloured beaches in Iceland. The most popular of these is the red-hued Raudasandur, also home to a colony of seals. The Latrabjarg Cliffs are the westernmost point of Iceland. In the summer, they offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching and are considered the best place in Iceland to photograph puffins up close.
Afterwards, head to your hotel for a night in Patreksfjörður.
Dynjandi - Thingeyri - Holt Beach
Day 4: Dynjandi waterfall & the fjords
After breakfast, you'll hit the road between the northern and southern Westfjords, which goes through some of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland, passing charming fishing villages and leading over steep mountain passes.
The drive through the fjords of Arnarfjordur, Dyrafjordur and Onundarfjordur is very scenic. The highlight of this route is the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, one of Iceland’s loveliest waterfalls. There are also some excellent hiking and horseriding routes in the region.
You'll end today's drive in Ísafjörður, where you'll spend tonight.
Kambsnes - Hvitanes - Litlibaer
Day 5: Driving the Northern Westfjords
This morning you'll explore Isafjordur Bay, which lies in the Northern Westfjords and is where you can best experience the stunning beauty of Iceland's fjord landscape.
This scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. Take a little detour to see curious seals at the Hvitanes Cape, enjoy waffles at the charming Litlibaer turf-roofed house or hike in the Valagil Gorge. The picturesque town of Isafjordur is the largest settlement in the region, with a rich maritime history and a well-preserved town centre.
You'll be heading on to Drangsnes tonight, where your hotel awaits you.
Reykjavik
Day 6: Journey to Reykjavik
This morning after breakfast, you'll be heading to Iceland's capital. The drive from the Northern Westfjords to Reykjavik takes around four hours. So, depending on what time you set off, you may have an afternoon and evening to enjoy the delights of the city. Perhaps visit a museum or art gallery or simply take a stroll around the centre of town or the harbour area then head out to a restaurant.
Kleifarvatn - Gunnuhver - Reykjanesta
Day 7: The Reykjanes Peninsula
Positioned between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik, the moon-like lava landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula is a great place to visit at the end of your trip. Except for the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the geological wonders of this region remain much less visited.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts across the peninsula, making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland (you can even take a tour inside an actual volcano), with colourful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline, bustling bird cliffs and the Bridge Between Continents.
Once you've explored the otherworldy atmosphere of the area, it's time to head to the airport for your flight home.
