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

Welcome to your very first day in Iceland!

Landing at the Keflavik International Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you'll immediately pick up your vehicle for the next ten days and set out towards Iceland's capital city (and the northernmost capital in the world), Reykjavik.

You could stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to Reykjavik. This world-renowned bathing facility is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant can arrange this for you. If you have extra free time, there's still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Driving to your accommodation in the city, you'll immediately be privy to Iceland's incredible natural vistas. The Reykjanes Peninsula, in the country's southwest, is characterized by its rugged coastlines, dried volcanic fields, and distant mountains. As the countryside begins to dissipate in favor of Reykjavik's infrastructure, you'll find yourself in the urban hub of the country.

After settling into your accommodation, you can discover this charming capital city, Reykjavik. Given the glorious midnight sun, you'll still have plenty of light for sightseeing. Why not visit the architecturally inspired Harpa Concert Hall? And perhaps the Hallgrimskirkja church?

You could wander along Rainbow Street, a symbol of Iceland's friendliness toward the LGBTQ community, and then along Laugavegur street. Laugavegur features colorful buildings, street art, and excellent places to eat and drink.

If you have the time, you could even check out some of the city's exciting cultural exhibitions or parks. The Tjornin pond and Hljomskala park area is the go-to city-center green space. Sit and watch the geese and ducks at Tjornin, then stroll through Hljomskala and read up about the park's various sculptures.

When you're ready to rest, head to your Reykjavik accommodation for the night.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in miniature." It holds this nickname thanks to the sheer eclecticism of the region's natural attractions. Visitors are usually awed by the area's dramatic landscape, diverse animal life, and magical atmosphere.

As you traverse this incredible environment, you'll forever be in the shadow of the glacial stratovolcano, Snaefellsjokull, that gives the peninsula its name.

Start by visiting the sandy beach, Ytri-Tunga, famed for its resident seal colony. Here, you can walk down to the shoreline for a closer look at some of this country's most beloved finned inhabitants. These curious animals are either playing in the water or resting on the rocks and golden sand.

You can then move on to the charming hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery from these little towns. Afterward, visit diverse attractions such as Djupalonssandur black pebble beach and Kirkjufell mountain.

Djupalonssandur beach is a stunning natural wonder and features fascinating objects known as the "lifting stones." These four large stones were once used to test the strength of Icelandic fishermen. For a more thrilling experience, you can also try lifting these rocks.

Kirkjufell is a majestic mountain that has become an iconic symbol of the country's natural beauty. Rising 1500 feet (463 meters) above sea level, Kirkjufell is often called "Church Mountain" due to its distinctively cone-shaped peak. Its striking silhouette and stunning surroundings have also earned it the title of one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

It's possible to upgrade your day with a visit to Vatnshellir cave. Descending a spiral staircase, a trip into Iceland's subterranean universe will provide fantastic insight into this country's geological history. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the setting of Jules Verne's famous novel, "Journey to The Centre of the Earth."

Tonight you'll stay in accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

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.

Day seven takes you to the majestic sites on the Diamond Circle.

The Diamond Circle is the northern equivalent of the more famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, comprising four stops, including Husavik, Asbyrgi canyon, Lake Myvatn, and Dettifoss waterfall.

Dettifoss Waterfall is found within Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's second-largest National Park. This stunning feature is Iceland's most powerful waterfall, pouring 96,500 gallons of cascading water over its lip every second into the dark and cragged canyon below.

Asbyrgi is a dramatic canyon, said to be the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir when he pressed his feet onto the earth. On the other hand, scientists have concluded that the canyon was formed after glacial flooding during the last Ice Age. Asbyrgi is a gorgeous hiking spot, sporting fantastic views over the area and lush vegetation.

Husavik is considered Iceland's whale-watching capital, thanks to the abundance of life found off its coast. Here, visitors can see one or more of the twenty different cetacean species that call Icelandic coastal waters home, including the minke, humpback, orcas, and harbor porpoises.

If you want to take advantage of the abundance of whale-watching opportunities, you can take a whale-watching tour from Husavik. There are two types of whale-watching tours to choose from.

You could opt for a traditional whale-watching tour, where you will board a boat and head into the sea to spot these calming creatures. Another option is to take a rib boat tour. In this variation, you will travel through the northern waters in a smaller and more agile rib boat, meaning you can get even closer to these sea giants.

If you would like some relaxation, there are two other options you could add to your day.

Husavik is home to the GeoSea Spa. This luxury facility is slightly different from the other geothermal spas in Iceland. The heated water of GeoSea is seawater. The heated saltwater has multiple benefits to the mind and body as you relax in the open with an incredible ocean view.

There's also another geothermal spa in the Myvatn region. The Myvatn nature baths are often called 'The Blue Lagoon of the North.' The blue waters of Myvatn are a great place to unwind and take in the spectacular landscapes of the geothermal north.

You will spend your night in North Iceland, surrounding the Myvatn region.

Lake Myvatn and its surrounding area make for a fantastic day of sightseeing. The lake itself is a spectacular wonder, a large pool of aquamarine water surrounded by green pseudocraters formed some 2,000 years ago. Ensure your camera is ready to capture Myvatn's unique landscapes.

Among the attractions in this area is Dimmuborgir, an area of fascinating volcanic rock formations that have gnarled and twisted over the centuries, appearing as a dark fortress or castle, straight out of the pages of fantasy. This area is of particular interest to geologists and nature enthusiasts.

Nearby, you can visit the Martian-like landscapes of Namaskard pass, an area of rampant geothermal activity complete with bubbling mud cauldrons and steaming fumaroles. Visiting Namaskard is one of the best ways to see firsthand the hot, molten underbelly that continues to sculpt and form the island to this day.

The perfect way to get the most out of this fascinating region is to take a day tour covering the must-see sights from Askja to Myvatn, available as an add-on during booking. This 12-hour experience is the most comprehensive way to see all the sights and not miss a thing.

In this day tour, you'll have a break from driving and navigating because you will be picked up and guided throughout the day. You'll also have plenty of time to take in the natural wonders of this region with the added benefit of extra special activities like the chance to bathe in the warm waters of a volcanic crater.

You'll also visit the otherworldly areas used to train the Apollo missions to the moon in the 60s, which have also been a training ground for the NASA 2020 mission to Mars.

Tonight, you'll spend another night in North Iceland.

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.

Today is the day you'll head home. Although it might be sad to leave Iceland, you can still see some attractions before you go if you have a late flight.

Those with a later flight may visit the Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport today. This world-class spa is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and look back on your incredible adventure in the land of fire and ice.

Or, you might have time to explore more of Reykjavik's sites. One of the standout attractions is the Perlan Museum, a captivating landmark with impressive educational exhibits.

Perched atop hot water storage tanks, the museum features interactive displays, including an artificial ice cave where visitors can experience a glacial environment up close. From Perlan's panoramic observation deck, visitors can marvel at the stunning views of Reykjavik and its surrounding landscapes.

Reykjavik boasts a thriving art scene, with galleries like the Reykjavik Art Museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international artwork. Or, you could check out some of the city's quirky museums, such as The Icelandic Phallological Museum and the Icelandic Punk Museum.

Another option for those with a late flight is to explore the Reykanes Peninsula, a convenient sightseeing destination due to its airport proximity.

One of the prominent highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula is the dramatic coastal cliffs at Reykjanesviti. Visitors can witness the powerful waves crashing against the rugged shoreline and marvel at Iceland's oldest lighthouse.

The otherworldly landscape at the Krysuvik geothermal area showcases steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and colorful mineral deposits, providing a unique glimpse into Iceland's volcanic activity.

For aviation enthusiasts, the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll offers a fascinating journey through Iceland's musical history, showcasing the nation's vibrant music scene. 

You'll drop your rental car at the Keflavik International Airport in plenty of time for your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you again soon!