10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour to Iceland’s Remote Northwest with Snaefellsnes & the Westfjords

You have several possibilities today, so you should plan your day according to what you're most excited about.

If you'd like to take in the spectacular sights of the Westfjords, you should start early and take the 9 a.m. ferry from Stykkisholmur. If you choose to take this early ferry, you can also make a stop on the small island of Flatey.

Flatey gets its name from the fact the island itself is quite flat. It is thought to have formed during the last ice age. People only inhabit it during the summer months, and the surroundings there are lush, green, and picturesque. Flatey is an idyllic representation of isolated, quaint fishing life that has survived to the modern day. 

If you add Flatey as a stop, you'll leave your car on the ferry as the island has a strict 'no outside cars allowed' policy. Not to worry though, if you do visit Flatey, the ferry will continue on, and your car will be waiting for you in the Westfjords parking lot so you can pick it up later in the day.

If you'd like a culinary adventure before heading to the Westfjords, you could go on a Viking Sushi boat tour. In this unique experience, you will head out into the fjords of the west in a comfortable fishing vessel. As you see the sights, experienced fishermen will scour the depths of the ocean for the day's catch.

The haul will be served to you fresh on the boat with wasabi and soy sauce. When the Viking Sushi adventure is done, catch the afternoon ferry to the Westfjords.

Please note that the ferry to the Westfjords has a more limited schedule outside of the summer season. This can mean that there are fewer services running and limited services on some days. Some options might not be suitable if you're here outside of summer, and your itinerary will be arranged according to your travel date.

Once you're in the Westfjords, visit Latrabjarg, a towering bird cliff home to an immeasurable number of birds. This is Iceland's westernmost point, stretching for a whopping 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) along the Denmark Strait. Wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts will find a wealth of bird species here, such as skuas, guillemots, and, of course, the famous puffin.

You will visit Raudasandur, or Red Sands, a golden beach in the Westfjords. Unlike the black sand beaches found across Iceland, the beaches in the Westfjords are almost exclusively golden or pink. You may also want to visit Birkimelur, a gorgeous outside swimming pool surrounded by some truly stunning nature.

On the evening of your third day, you will be staying in one of the towns of the Westfjords.

The Westfjords is one of Iceland's most scenic and isolated regions, seeing only a handful of travelers yearly compared to the more popular South Coast and Southwest regions. This allows for some genuinely off-the-beaten-path adventures.

One of your first stops of the day is the impressive Dynjandi, otherwise known as Fjallfoss, a series of magnificent waterfalls that many argue is the region's star attraction. The waterfall's total height is 328 feet (100 meters), making it a dramatic subject for photography enthusiasts.

You could also stop at Reykjafjardarlaug hot pool, located in the southwest of the Westfjords beside Road 63. There are, in fact, several hot pools in the immediate area, though they are different temperatures and require short hikes to reach.

Icelandic hot pools are fantastic for many reasons. They're incredibly romantic, luxurious, and nestled amid stunning natural scenery.

You will also visit the small coastal village of Flateyri, home to approximately 267 people. Historically, this town was an important fishing and whaling center, though an avalanche in October 1995 caused severe damage and loss of life.

Since then, a dam has been built to protect the village's residents. A visit here will provide invaluable insight into the culture and lifestyles of smaller Icelandic settlements. 

You will also visit the larger towns, Isafjordur and Bolungarvik.

Isafjordur is famed for its traditional wooden buildings and the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Explore the quaint streets lined with colorful houses and indulge in fresh seafood delicacies at local restaurants in Isafjordur.

Bolungarvik is the only built-up area in the Bolungarvikurkaupstadur municipality. Around 1.6 miles (2.7 kilometers) from Bolungarvik, check out the Osvor Maritime Museum. This small museum features gorgeous turf houses and showcases traditional fishing techniques, historical artifacts, and captivating stories of seafaring life.

On day four, you'll stay at accommodation in one of the Westfjords accommodations.

Your fifth day of adventure in Iceland sees you discovering the many beautiful attractions found on the drive from Isafjordur to Holmavik, the largest town in the Strandir region.

Before you set off, you could join a kayaking excursion, available as an add-on when you book this tour. Gliding across the calm fjord waters and appreciating the mesmerizing scenery around you is an unbeatable experience.

One of your possible stops today is Vigur, the second largest island within Isafjardardjup fjord, roughly a 30-minute boat journey from Isafjordur. At approximately 1312 feet (400 meters) in width and 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) in length, Vigur is an excellent spot for bird-watching and a stroll in nature.

Traveling along the Alftafjordur fjord, you'll pass through the coastal village of Sudavik, where one can find the nearby Arctic Fox Center. This fantastic facility in the Westfjords is dedicated to Iceland's only native mammal, the adorable little Arctic Fox. Here, you will be able to see two resident foxes up close and learn more about the biology and history of these fascinating animals.

Once in Holmavik, you could visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. Here, you can learn about this town's haunting history of magic. Three men accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake here in 1654, setting off Iceland's hysterical witch-burning craze until 1690.

If you have time today, you could drive to Djupavik, an almost deserted village north of Holmavik. The desolate and decaying houses provide some hauntingly beautiful photographs.

A bit further is the hot spring Krossneslaug, known as the 'pool at the end of the world' due to its remote location. The pool's geothermal waters provide a serene and rejuvenating soak while surrounded by panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean.

Tonight, you will stay in one of the accommodations in the Westfjords near Holmavik.

Leaving the Westfjords on day six, you'll make your way across the northern stretch of the country towards Akureyri town, enjoying the fantastic sights and scenes along the way.

You could stop at the 49-foot (15-meter) high basalt rock stack, Hvitserkur, said to resemble petrified trolls, an elephant, or even a dragon. You could also stop at the waterfall, Reykjafoss, and the lakes, Hop and Blondulon, the latter of which is one of Iceland's biggest lakes.

On the Troll Peninsula, you'll find the charming villages of Siglufjordur and Hofsos. The former is Iceland's northernmost town and boasts incredible natural beauty and the award-winning Herring Era Museum.

Hofsos, on the other hand, is one of the country's oldest trading posts, dating back to the 1500s. Today, it is most known for its infinity pool, a geothermal swimming pool overlooking the fjord that integrates beautifully into the landscape.

Akureyri, a town of approximately 18,000 people, is considered Iceland's unofficial "capital of the north," famed for its vibrant local culture, fantastic surrounding scenery, and the sheer number of available activities nearby, such as hiking and sightseeing.

If you're in the mood for relaxation, you could visit the Bjorbodin Beer Spa. This attraction combines the ancient art of brewing beer with a spa concept for a one-of-a-kind experience. A soak in these warm beer baths infused with natural ingredients promotes relaxation and revitalization, potentially improving skin health.

If you have some time to spare in the evening, Akureyri is filled with numerous points of interest. You could see the church, Akureyrarkirkja (arguably more impressive than its cousin in the capital), the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, or explore some of the city's exciting local nightlife.

When you're ready to rest, head to your accommodation in this town of North Iceland for a good night's sleep.

Today, you'll journey from Akureyri back to the capital of Reykjavik.

On the way, you can drive through the beautiful west coast of Iceland, where you'll find waterfalls, hot springs, and historic settlements.

You'll head through the Eyjafjordur fjord and might like to stop in the quaint village of Hauganes. This settlement is a perfect example of quiet country life, and it's an excellent place to stretch your legs and take in the surroundings.

Then, you'll head west through the sweeping vistas and fjords. You should make a stop at the Hvitserkur rock formation. This large, jagged rock juts out from the sea, pointing towards the sky.

Hvitserkur is one of Iceland's most photographed natural attractions due to its fascinating and unusual appearance. Depending on the angle you look at it, Hvitserkur seems to take on many shapes. Local legends say Hvitserkur was once a troll who met his end in the rays of the early morning sun.

You'll continue through the west, eventually coming to Husafell. From here, you can opt for a lava cave tour. In this experience, you'll venture into one of the largest lava caves in the world. You'll see a cavernous world of lava rock resulting from an eruption over a thousand years ago.

Then continue towards the south, where you can stop at the Krauma Nature Baths. Here, you can rest in the warm waters or even have a bite to eat at their restaurant, which boasts delicious meals made from local ingredients.

Before you return to the city, you might like an excursion into the Thrihnukagigur volcano. This magma chamber is known for its incredible color palette and impressive size. In this tour, you will be lowered into the heart of this lava cave to take in the remarkable sights of a volcanic eruption long ago.

If you arrive in Reykjavik early enough, this would be the perfect time to experience FlyOver Iceland. This new attraction combines incredible HD filming, storytelling, projection, and the thrill of theme parks to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The most exciting part of FlyOver Iceland is a simulated flight over the top sights in the country without having to leave the ground.

For your final night in Iceland, you'll stay in Reykjavik.