Spectacular West

Geothermal Lagoon – Flower Village – Geothermal Greenhouses

Approximate distance: 100km / 62miles

Pick up the car at the airport and start your Iceland experience.

From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula towards your first overnight stay in the charming village of Hveragerdi. This village 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.”

If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Important: Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

Overnight stay in Hveragerdi.

Massive Crater – Pebble Beaches – Glacier-Capped Volcano

Approximate distance: 355km / 221 miles 

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 Stykkisholmur or similar in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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

Approximate distance: 229 km / 143 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. 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.

If you do not want to take the ferry, you can drive along scenic coastal roads to the southern West Fjords area of Brjanslaekur and, from there, on to Látrarbjarg. (Adds an additional hour and 211 km/131 miles to your trip.) In September, the ferry does not operate all days, and driving the coastal roads is the best option.

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

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

Approximate distance: 175 km / 109 miles

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 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.

Uninhabited Fjords – Seal and Birdlife – Remote Arctic Wilderness

Approximate distance: 355km / 221 miles

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

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

Approximate distance: 270km / 168 miles

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

Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Breakfast at your accommodation. Drive back to Keflavik International Airport. * We recommend departing your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.