Customizable 8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Westfjords & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík Airport
Ends in
Keflavík Airport
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
May - Sept.
Accommodation
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included

Description

Drive toward Iceland's most remote and rural areas on this incredible eight-day self-drive tour. Travelers who want to witness spectacular, far-flung nature on a tailor-made adventure should book now.

You'll see the country's natural wealth, gain a true insight into its culture, and have the opportunity to see less explored regions such as the Westfjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. You'll also check the scenic Reykjanes peninsula and Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.

This self-drive tour lets you choose which attractions you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each one. There are no tour guides, departure times, or other group members to worry about. The freedom is all yours.

To help you enjoy the most famous places you've heard about and the lesser-known sights where you can avoid the crowds, Guide to Iceland has created a unique itinerary. It features suggestions on and off the beaten path, chosen by local experts. In turn, you'll avoid spending weeks planning that perfect itinerary.

Though organizing your trip may sound exciting, you're running the risk of missing out on some of the best attractions during the trip. By letting us handle the planning, we'll ensure that all the important stops you need to see and experience in your self-drive tour are included.

You won't miss any famous spots, such as Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, but you will also be able to immerse yourself, totally alone, in the untouched nature. It's a perfect balance.

This tour, therefore, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. An almost never-ending array of natural wonders and incredible birdlife are en route. The tour is also ideal for those wanting to see the wilder part of Iceland. You'll explore the Westfjords and its different natural wonders. You'll learn about Iceland's maritime history and how fishermen lived in the olden days.

Furthermore, you'll visit a beautiful botanical garden and watch puffins and other species of nesting seabirds. You'll also get to dip in a geothermal pool while enjoying the majestic views to keep you refreshed and energized.

During the booking process, you can add adventure activities to your holiday, which come at a special discounted rate for those attending this nature-oriented self-drive. It's also one of the easiest tours, perfect for guests of all ages. In addition, our packages come with a personal travel agent you can contact any time of the day, seven days a week.

The extra stops are only some of the many reasons people love this self-drive summer tour, earning high ratings and positive reviews.

There is time to fit these in without missing out on any sightseeing you want. It allows you to build your dream holiday and experience all of the excitement that Iceland has to offer.

Should you wish to cancel your trip for any reason, you may do so for free and get a full refund 24 hours before departure.

Don't miss this incredible eight-day self-drive adventure to Iceland's most remote and beautiful attractions. Check availability now by choosing a date. 

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Included

7 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more detailed info below)
Vehicle for 8 days (Toyota Aygo or similar. Upgrades available); all cars are new
CDW insurance for Super Budget Level, Other levels include gravel protection insurance for vehicle
Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
Transport with the ferry Baldur, including 1 car
Detailed itinerary
Personal travel agent
Taxes

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 2 nights
A river runs through the Westfjords.Westfjords / 10 nights
Reykholt was home to Snorri Sturluson, a medieval writer.Reykholt
Beautiful coastal geology helps to define the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.Snæfellsnes / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Borg á Mýrum is a church estate in Iceland.Borg á Mýrum
Hraunfossar is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in West Iceland.Hraunfossar
Krossneslaug is a geothermal hot pool found in the Westfjords of Iceland.Krossneslaug
Litlibær farmstead in the Westfjords.Litlibær
Dynjandi (meaning "Thunderous") is a series of waterfalls in the Westfjords and the largest of its kind in the region.Dynjandi
Raudasandur is the longest beach in the Westfjords.Rauðisandur
Mount Kirkjufell on Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of the most iconic mountains in IcelandKirkjufell
Snæfellsjökull glacier above the black church at Búðir village.Snæfellsjökull
Lóndrangar under the midnight sun.Lóndrangar
Búðakirkja Church bathed by the Northern LightsBudir
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Caving
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Hot Spring Bathing
Cultural Activity
Bird watching
Ice Caving
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

Car

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Large car

Large car

Category
Large
Transmission
People
Large bags
SUV

SUV

Category
JEEPSUV
Transmission
People
Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Day 1

Day 1 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Arrival Day
  • More

Your car will be waiting for you at the airport in Keflavik, so you can begin your road trip in Iceland immediately!

You may want to start by checking out some of the scenic areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It has beautiful fishing villages, geothermal features, and a rugged coastline.

In the northern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula, you'll find the town of Keflavik, around 29 miles (47 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It is home to the Viking World Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Rock'n' Roll.

Also in the same area is Sandgerdi, a fishing village serving as a marine biology center for students and researchers.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon on your first day is also possible. It's a short drive from the airport on the way to Reykjavik. Taking a dip into the lagoon is very refreshing after a flight.

The Blue Lagoon's regenerative water features silica and sulfur, benefiting people with various skin ailments. With a temperature averaging 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), the Blue Lagoon offers a comfortable and relaxing feeling in both the swimming and bathing areas.

After checking in at your hotel in Reykjavik, make the most of your central location in one of Europe's most exciting cities. Explore its museums, shopping streets, restaurants, and cafes.

If you wish to enjoy the city's best views, head to Perlan, up on Oskjuhlid Hill. Perlan, or "The Pearl," is a museum that features a unique design. It showcases a rotating glass dome, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavik.

You can also visit the great Hallgrimskirkja, an incredible towering structure measuring 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall. The church's design was inspired by Icelandic nature, such as mountains, glaciers, and the hexagonal basalt columns surrounding the Svartifoss waterfall.

You can also visit the famous Laugavegur main street and go shopping. If you get hungry, you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes in Laugavegur.

You can even join an activity from the capital, such as horse riding or whale-watching. You'll spend your first evening in one of the comfortable accommodations of Reykjavik.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 - Westfjords

Day 2

Day 2 - Westfjords

  • Westfjords
  • More
  • Borg a Myrum church and farm
  • Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls
  • Reykholt historical site
  • More

On day two, you will head to the Westfjords, with plenty to see en route.

West Iceland is renowned for its diverse attractions, including the Icelandic settlement exhibition in Borgarnes. The museum features two interactive displays: the Age of Settlement and the Viking and poet Egil Skallagrimsson from the Egils Saga.

Here, you'll learn about Iceland's discovery and how the first settlers arrived. Interestingly, the museum uses interactive displays to keep things interesting, especially for children.

You'll also find in West Iceland the largest hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Located in Reykholtsdalur, the Deildartunguhver hot spring boasts a rapid flow rate of 380 pints (180 liters) per second. Its water has a constant temperature of 207 F (97 C), which is dangerous when you get too close.

We also recommend seeing the captivating Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, both stunning in their own right. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located next to each other, about 50 feet (15 meters) apart.

Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls that stream from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Moreover, the waterfalls flow from ledges of rocks in the lava and pour into the Hvita river. On the other hand, Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall with a rich history and intriguing folklore.

If you're a history lover, you may enjoy visiting Snorrastofa. It's a medieval research institute in Reykholt, where the early settler Snorri Sturluson wrote Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century. 

On the road from the capital, you can also take a short break at Fossatun, a waterfall said to be guarded by a troll woman named Drifa. You can also go lava tubing in Vidgelmir cave or explore the incredible inside of the Langjokull glacier through man-made channels.

Once you travel into the mystical landscapes of the Westfjords, you'll visit the village of Holmavik. This town is home to the incredible Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery. 

Here, you can immerse in the magic of early Icelanders, learning about how they used staves and spells to better their lives, and ruin those of their neighbors.

It's also in the part of the Westfjords where you'll spend the night.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 3 - Westfjords

Day 3

Day 3 - Westfjords

  • Westfjords
  • More
  • Krossneslaug
  • Attraction - Litlibær Turf Farmstead
  • More

On day three, you'll pass dramatic fjords on the way to the town of Isafjordur. Located on the Skutulsfjordur fjord in Northwest Iceland, Isafjordur is the largest settlement in the Westfjords region.

As the capital of the Westfjords, Isafjordur is the center for education, commerce, and services. As you explore the area, you'll see different mountains complementing the sea, creating an impressive landscape.

The town played a crucial role as a fishing and trading center during the 16th century. Though much has changed over the years, Isafjordur retained its identity as a marine-oriented area. In turn, it has become a home to some excellent seafood restaurants.

Consider making a stop at Tjoruhusid restaurant. It is said to have the best seafood in Iceland.

The town also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with galleries, museums, and cultural events all year round. Be sure to visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Located inside one of the oldest buildings in the region, the museum features exhibits about the history and cultural significance of the Westfjords.

You'll also find in Isafjordur the Culture House inside a building that used to be a hospital. Inside, you'll find a display of old hospital artifacts and the town's public library. Aside from the old buildings, you'll also see some of the oldest houses in the country, dating back to the mid-18th century.

If outdoor activities are your thing, Isafjordur has a lot of options to offer. You can go hiking on different trails or go kayaking in case you're visiting during summer. If you're traveling in winter, go up the mountains for some skiing or snowboarding.

Another option is to head to the tiny village of Djupavik. The village and herring station have been abandoned many times, especially since they're locked in the mountains. However, you'll currently find eight houses, a hotel, and an airport. 

If you drive for another 45 minutes, you'll hit the end of the road and find a hot pool by the seaside called Krossneslaug. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a tiring and adventurous day.

After refreshing your mind and body in Krossneslaug, you'll spend the night in the Westfjords.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 4 - Westfjords

Day 4

Day 4 - Westfjords

  • Westfjords
  • More

On your fourth day, you'll continue to stay in the town of Isafjordur. From here, you can travel to several fascinating Icelandic villages rich in folklore and surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Bolungarvik, Sudureyri, and Flateyri are recommended stops. Bolungarvik is Westfjords' second-largest town and home to one of the oldest fishing stations in Iceland.

You'll find large coastal mountains and areas known for bird watching, hiking, and horse riding here. Be sure to check out the Bolafjall mountain when visiting during summer. You can also drop by the town's open-air fishing and national history museums.

Meanwhile, Sudureyri is a remote village sitting on the tip of Sugandafjordur fjord. Sudureyri used to be isolated by high mountains. However, a tunnel was opened in 1996, allowing guests to drive through the mountains.

In Sudureyri, you can see how the villagers combine tourism with their rich fishing traditions. You can check out Fishermen Kitchen, a restaurant serving local dishes featuring fresh catch from the sea.

In addition, Sudureyri also has a great swimming pool and a historic church worth visiting.

As for Flateyri, it has a fascinating history as a whaling and trading post. It's also the site of several dramatic avalanches and the largest settlement in the Onundarfjordur fjord. 

Visitors troop to Flateyri to see its tabletop mountains and unique museums. You can check out the hiking trails or drive to the white sand beach near the village and enjoy the sea.

Don't miss the Village Museum, fondly called "The Old Bookstore," to learn about the village's history. The museum also sells rare pre-owned books.

Isafjordur is also home to the Osvor Maritime Museum, which shows what life was like for Iceland's fishermen in years gone by.

If you're looking for more adventure, a kayaking tour will provide unmatched views of the magnificent fjords of the region. If you're eager to marvel at seabirds, or perhaps seals, whales, and dolphins, you shouldn't miss out on this excursion.

But if you're looking for something completely different, you may be able to arrange travel to Hornstrandir. It's an incredible nature reserve only accessible from Isafjordur.

After the eventful day, you'll spend another night in the Westfjords.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 5 - Westfjords

Day 5

Day 5 - Westfjords

  • Westfjords
  • More
  • Dynjandi
  • Rauðisandur red sand beach
  • More

After a hearty breakfast at the start of day five, it is time to head to the southern part of the Westfjords. 

Take the road to Dyrafjordur, where you’ll find the trail of the Viking Saga hero Gisli Sursson and the beautiful Skrudur Botanical Garden. Gisli Sursson is the main protagonist of the Gisla saga, written before the middle of the 13th century. 

He was an outlaw poet who was punished for avenging his foster brother. It is said that the Gisla saga contains several verses written by Gisli himself.

Meanwhile, the Skrudur is Iceland’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1909. It features an extensive collection of flowers, plants, and trees, offering visitors a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.

After appreciating Skrudur’s beauty, continue to the old town of Hrafnseyri, where you can visit a museum dedicated to another hero, Jon Sigurdsson, who was instrumental in Iceland’s battle for independence from Denmark in the 1940s.

Interestingly, the Jon Sigurdsson Museum is found inside a preserved traditional Icelandic turf building that used to be Sigurdsson’s old home. It houses various displays about Sigurdsson’s life, historical documents, photos, and artifacts.

From there, head to Dynjandi waterfall. The thunderous Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls over 328 feet (100 meters) tall, making it the largest in the region. As you look at the Dynjandi waterfall cascade, you’ll notice the water falling in a trapezoidal shape.

After taking in the beauty and magnitude of this cascade, make your way to the towering 1,456-foot (444-meter) high cliff of Latrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe. Here, you can get a closer look at some of Iceland’s many species of nesting seabirds, including puffins.

You’ll be surprised to learn that the shelter provided by the cliffs makes Latrabjarg one of the best places in Iceland for bird-watching. Make sure not to get too close to the birds. The puffins tend to nest on cliff faces that pose a slipping risk. 

Also, these puffins love to burrow, making the cliff edge’s surface more unstable. Aside from puffins, other species like guillemots, arctic terns, eider ducks, and skuas abound in the area.

After another eventful day full of beautiful sights and wonders, you’ll spend the night in the Westfjords.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 6 - Snæfellsnes

Day 6

Day 6 - Snæfellsnes

  • Snæfellsnes
  • More
  • Kirkjufell Mountain
  • Snaefellsjokull
  • More

Start the day with a visit to the golden-red sands of Raudisandur or a relaxing dip in the natural hot pool in the Vatnsfjordur nature reserve. Raudisandur is a beach in the Westfjords known for its red and golden sands. This feature is unique since most Icelandic beaches have black sands.

Raudisandur beach is also near Latrabjarg, Europe's highest birdwatching cliffs. As a result, you'll see puffins and other bird species making their way to the ocean.

On the other hand, the Vatnsfjordur nature reserve is a barren and rocky area with lowlands practically covered with birchwood. It also boasts a rich fauna with around 20 types of birds living in the area.

Moreover, you'll see minks and foxes running around the nature reserve, while seals can be seen swimming in the ocean. However, Vatnsfjordur's main highlight is the geothermal water springs and a swimming pool, which you can bathe in.

After relaxing in the geothermal pool, you can drive to Brjanslaekur in the Westfjords across Breidafjordur bay. You'll then ride the ferry, Baldur, that'll take you to the village of Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The great thing is the ticket for the ferry ride is included in this tour! 

From there, you can explore the area's unique sights, including the Snaefellsjokull glacier in Snaefellsjokull National Park. You can also visit the Djupalonssandur black beach, the Dritvik Cove, and the small, charming hamlets of Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Budir.

If you have time to spare, you can take a snowcat to the top of Snaefellsjokull. This additional activity starts in the town of Grundarfjordur, where a guide will take you to the foot of the mountain. You'll ride a vehicle specially built to handle the rough glacial landscapes of Iceland. 

Once there, you will switch to a snowcat and ascend to the glacier. This magnificent ice cap sits atop a 7000-year-old volcano, featured in the Jules Verne novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

After all these beautiful stops, you'll spend the night in the Snaefellsnes area.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 7 - Reykjavík

Day 7

Day 7 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Londrangar Basalt Cliffs
  • Budir hamlet
  • More

Today, you can spend extra time exploring the sights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

You could go on a Viking sushi boat trip, where you get to sample seafood caught right before your eyes. Some of the freshest seafood you can taste include crabs, urchins, and sea scallops, to name a few.

This unique experience lets you enjoy the area's open seas and breathtaking views while feasting on various seafood.

You can also choose to explore the lava tube cave Vatnshellir. The lava tubes were formed after a volcanic eruption some 8,000 years ago.

As you enter the cave, you'll learn about Iceland's geology and folklore. Olden tales say trolls resided in these caves, making them their home.

If lava tube caving doesn't interest you, you can go hiking between Hellnar and the fishing village of Arnarstapi. Hellnar is an old village that used to be one of the largest fishing stations in the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Hellnar is home to incredible rock formations along the shores. Be sure to check Valasnos, a protruding cliff that changes colors depending on the weather conditions, time of day, and sea movements.

As you explore Arnarstapi, you'll see a beach that features Gatklettur, an eroded circular stone arch. This spot is a favorite among photographers, as the sunlight hits the spectacular waves, creating a visual spectacle.

You can also spend more time indulging in some photography along the cliffs. The cliffs of Malarrif are the heritage of volcanic eruptions from the famous volcano Snaefellsjokull, and there you can also find the impressive sea stacks, Londrangar.

The Londrangar sea stacks are basalt cliffs, remnants of an old volcanic crater. The cliff features two pillars measuring 246 feet (75 meters) and 200 feet (61 meters) tall, respectively.

Interestingly, the area is full of myths and folklore. The farmers chose not to use the fields surrounding the basalt cliffs, believing that elves lived there.

Once you have fully enjoyed the peninsula, head back south toward Reykjavik and spend a little more time exploring Iceland's capital.

After another eventful day, you can spend the night in Reykjavik.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 8 - Reykjavík

Day 8

Day 8 - Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krýsuvík
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

Depart to the Keflavik International Airport on your final day, having experienced many attractions Iceland offers. If your flight schedule allows, you may have time for a dip in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon spa.

The waters of the Blue Lagoon offer a comfortable and relaxing feeling as you reminisce about the incredible adventure you have just experienced in the land of fire and ice.

If you've already been there, explore Reykjavik and do some last-minute shopping or have a better look along the Reykjanes Peninsula.

We hope you enjoyed your stay and will come back soon!

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Experiences

What to bring

Driver's license
swim suit
Camera

Good to know

Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavík City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license is required, along with a one-year-long on-road experience. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time.

Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.

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