Summary
- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Vehicle – All types are suitable
- Season – May – Sep
Main areas of this itinerary:
Ring Road, Golden Circle, Iceberg Lagoons, East Fjords, Dettifoss, Myvatn, West Fjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The big itinerary around Iceland including the West Fjords along the mountains landscapes and the deep fjords. World-known tourism magazine “Lonely Planet” ranks the fjords in western Iceland among the top ten recommended targets for 2012.
The route covers the Ring Road – the perimeter road surrounding the country and a number of secondary roads along the route leading to the attractions, such as the National Park Thingvellir, Geysir, waterfall Gullfoss and Snæfellsnes peninsula with its fascinating landscapes.
The itineary includes the area Skagafjörður and the largest city in North Iceland – Akureyri. The route passes the famous lake Myvatn area, the grand canyon of the river Jökulsá, Europe’s largest waterfall Dettifoss and the East Fjords of Iceland.
This itinerary also includes sites, such as the famous Glacial Lagoon, the views of Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull, Skaftafell National Park, Dyrhólaey cliffs, glacial outwash plain and you will end this tour in the Blue Lagoon, one of the world’s best spa resorts. 14 days of a real adventure only Iceland can offer.
Itinerary Map
Day 1 – Landing in Iceland – Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland
After the pick-up of the car at the airport you will leave towards the capital Reykjavik. The way goes through the Reykjanes peninsula crossed by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Comparing to other European capitals, Reykjavik is a small capital city, but it concentrates cultural life, the economy and the Icelandic government and in fact is the largest city in Iceland in terms of population size. Reykjavik’s urban landscape is open and not overloaded with buildings and most of the constructions are low. The city is famous as a lively entertainment city, restaurants, cafes and bars are scattered all over it. Wooden houses with colored roofs are the city mark. You should go for a walk in the center of the capital as a great starting point for the following trip.
Accommodation: Reykjavik
Optional Activities: FlyOver Iceland, Perlan, Sky Lagoon
Day 2 – To the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park
You will leave the beautiful Reykjavik and head northwest. You will pass through the tunnel under the whales’ fjord to Borgarnes. This small town is the capital of West Iceland and coordinates all farmers’ services in this area.
From here the road is short to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and it goes through a series of craters and lava fields.
Crater Eldborg that can be seen from the road is the most important one, a walking trail leads to the viewpoint at the top of the crater.
You will visit the seal colonies in the peninsula and will continue to the Snæfellsjökull National Park area. The heart of the park is the impressive volcano with the glacier at its peak.
The volcano dominates the entire peninsula, reaching the height of 1477 meters, it can be seen even from Reykjavik. Many sites are located around the mountain inthe park’s area. Djúpalónssandur Beach is decorated with black stones and impressive lava formations.
Picturesque fishermen villages are adjacent to the black cliffs near the sea. A wide variety of sea birds can be seen in the area and for those fortunate enough to get to see, whales may rise above the water to breathe. You will continue along the northern side of the peninsula to the town of Stykkishólmur, which is the gateway to the Western Fjords.
o not miss a short walk to the top of the lighthouse in the harbor overlooking hundreds of small islands. From Stykkishólmur next morning you will take a ferry to the West Fjords. Estimated driving distance: 270 km.
Accommodation: Stykkishólmur
Optional Activities: Lava Cave
Day 3 – Ferry boat cruise to the Breidafjordur Bay – Cliff Látrabjarg
From the town of Stykkishólmur leaves a ferry for the cruise among the islands of the Breidafjordur Bay. The bay is decorated with hundreds of small islands and the scenery is spectacular. From one side there are the table-shaped mountains of the West Fjords and from the other side the tongue of land of the peninsula. If you are lucky you will see the white-tailed White Iceland Eagle. The cruise lasts for two and a half hours and soon you will get off the ferry with our cars at the West Fjords.
West Fjords are a wild region, it couldn’t have been existed a more appropriate decoration for its western edge than the Látrabjarg Cliff. Enormous cliff, length of which is more than fourteen kilometers, rises to a height of over 400 meters. The cliff is a great natural nesting area for many birds and especially the national bird of Iceland, the puffins, where thousands of them are nesting. Near the cliff you can visit one of the most enchanting beaches of Iceland – red sand beach in the southern part of the fjords, one of the most peaceful and magical places on the island. Estimated driving distance: 140 km.
Accommodation: Latrabjarg area
Day 4 – Ferry boat cruise to the Breidafjordur Bay – Cliff Látrabjarg
The West Fjords, one of the most fascinating areas of Iceland, offers its visitors a different experience. You will drive north towards the town Ísafjörður. Ísafjörður is the largest city in the West Fjords and is characterized by the amazing scenery that can be seen from the steep mountain that rises next to the town, and the deep and narrow fjord, where it is located.
On our way you will stop at the waterfall Dynjandi, considered by many the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. You will continue through the tunnel Flateyri to get to Ísafjörður. You’ll walk around the lovely town and its environs, and the neighboring towns Bolungarvík and Suðureyri.
In the summer you can go kayaking in the fjord Ísafjörður and the Natural History Museum of Bolungarvík is also an interesting place to visit. Estimated driving distance: 220 km.
Accommodation: Isafjordur
Day 5 – Hólmavík – Strandir Coast- the magic of the West Fjords
During the summer you can take a boat trip to the picturesque island Vigur every day from Ísafjörður – a great and recommended experience. While driving along the many beaches along the fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp, you will expereince the magic of the place.
You will stop at Sudavík, where you will find the Arctic Fox Center. Along the coast of the fjords the colonies of seals are hanging around and you will observe them. You will continue our way towards Reykjanes, where you can swim in the largest of its kind in Iceland open geothermal pool.
In the town Hólmavík you can visit the museum of sorcery and witchcraft and learn a little about “other” history of the place. You will continue to the isolated village Drangsnes, the small fishermen village at the fjord Steigrímsfjörður. There is an outdoor pool with naturally hot water – a good place to relax after a day of traveling through the fjords. Estimated driving distance: 240 km.
Accommodation: Holmavik
Day 6 – Seal colonies and the Troll Rock at the Vastnes Peninsula – Skagafjörður region
You will continue to the fertile valley of Skagafjörður renowned for horse breeding. On our way you will make a detour around the Vastnes Peninsula, famous mainly due to the large seal colonies located there, flocks of birds and the beautiful landscapes.
On the Peninsula is located one of Iceland’s most famous natural statues that looks like a giant troll standing on the shoreline of the sea. After you finish our trip in Vastnes, you will continue to the east. The town Blönduós, further on the Ring Road, is located on the banks of the river Blanda, where you can make a stop for refreshments.
You will continue and cross the Vatnsskað and enter the district Skagafjörður. As it is the region of horse-breeders, rides for beginners and experienced riders are possible in this area. In the highlands of Skagafjörður you can also join one of the best rafting cruises in Iceland.
In Skagafjörður region is located the Glaumbær grass houses museum, which recreates the life of Icelanders in the past. You can explore the unique houses with grass roofs and feel like a hobbit in the movie Lord of the Rings.
Near the town Varmahlíð you will visit the old and the tiny church Víðimýri with Vikings characteristics. Estimated driving distance: 280 km.
Accommodation: Varmahlid
Day 7 – Fjord Eyjafjörður – Troll Peninsula – northern capital Akureyri
You’ll travel around the peninsula Tröllaskagi. You will drive along the shore of the fjord Skagafjörður through Hofsós northward to the district Fljót. You visit the fishermen village Siglufjörður, a remotely located village that flourished during the “golden age” of herring at the beginning of the 20th century.
You will continue driving and pass the Lágheiði heath to get to Ólafsfjörður, a fishermen village on the banks of a fjord Eyjafjörður. Short ferry cruise (15 minutes) leaves several times a day during the summer from Árskógssandur to the pretty little island Hrísey. Hrísey Island gained its reputation as a birdwatching destination. The island has no natural predators, making it an ideal area for birds.
Continue your trip towards Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland. You will walk around the fascinating city located on the shores of the fjord Eyjafjörður. One of the most striking aspects about the city is its mild climate. Although Akureyri is located only about 60 km south of the Arctic Circle, it has the best weather in the country. It is recommended to visit the center of the beautiful city and to travel there by foot, to climb the impressive structure of the church and to watch the beautiful fjord from there and to visit the Botanical Garden and some of the many museums and art galleries in the city. Estimated driving distance: 130 km.
Accommodation: Akureyri
Optional Activities: Beer Spa
Day 8 – Goðafoss Waterfall – A trip around the Lake Myvatn
On our way from Akureyri, you will pass by the other side of the fjord Eyjafjörður and continue towards the waterfall of the Gods (Goðafoss) on our way to the Lake Myvatn, where you will spend most of the day. Waterfall Godafoss was a part of the historic event, when to its waters were thrown statues of the Gods from the Norse mythology, and this was the way of the people to express their loyalty to the new God and prevent further bloodshed by the Norse kings who ruled in Iceland.
From here the way to the lake is very short. When approaching the lake, the landscape changes dramatically. Steam rising visible from different parts around the lake indicates the high thermal activity. Many sites scattered around the lake have earned it the reputation of one of the Iceland’s “must see” sites. The walking trail to the line of craters in the south of the lake is a wonderful viewpoint over the landscape that will accompany us throughout the day. Lava sculptures city Dimmuborgir, Krafla Volcano and the power station nearby, geothermal baths of Myvatn, site of the geysers and bubbling mud pools Hverir and more … You will end up the day in the charming town of Husavik, where you can take in the evening the whale-watching cruise. Estimated driving distance: 150 km.
Accommodation: Myvatn Area
Optional Activities: Myvatn Bath
Day 9 – Jokulsargljufur National Park– Canyon Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss waterfall
You will leave the beautiful Husavik behind and continue driving north toward the Gulf of Öxarfjörður. Those driving the 4×4 vehicles, can make a detour to see the Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar, Echo rocks – beautiful area, which was notched by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
This area offers many walking trails. The beauty of the National Park Jokulsargljufur area is captivating. The park is located at the entrance to the canyon Ásbyrgi. This strange and spectacular horseshoe-shaped canyon is the embodiment of nature in its full power.
You will continue south by a dirt road along the river Jökulsá through the wild landscapes to Dettifoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe – where the sound of the falling water with tremendous force is heard from afar… Waterfall Dettifoss!
Continues to Egilsstaðir, the largest city in Eastern Iceland. Near Egilsstaðir is located the Hallormsstaðarskógur Forest, the largest forest in Iceland and the legendary Lagarfljót River. Estimated driving distance: 310 km.
Accommodation: Egilsstadir
Optional Activities: Whales Watching Husavik, Vok Bath
Day 10 – The East Fjords – Höfn
Only a short drive away from Egilsstaðir through the mountainous region Fjarðarheiði is located the fishermen village Seyðisfjörður, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland.
The road leading to the village enters a beautiful fjord with numerous waterfalls, which will accompany us all the way down to the bottom of the fjord.
This picturesque road continues south along the East Fjords. Each fjord tells its own story, like a world of its own, some of the fjords are totally wild and in some grew small fishermen villages.
Stöðvarfjörður village is famous due to the large stones and minerals collection picked up throughout the years in the area by the lady, whose name is Petra. During the summer you can take a boat trip from the village Djúpivogur to the puffins island Papey.
On this small uninhabited island are nesting thousands of puffins and other seabirds. The road continues south crossing Almannaskard, where you will find a panoramic viewpoint. You will continue to Höfn – flourishing fishermen town located on the edge of the glacier Vatnajökull.
The town Höfn is considered the capital of lobsters in Iceland and is the gateway to the National Park Vatnajökull. The edges of the glacier can be viewed even from the village itself. Estimated driving distance: 270 km.
Accommodation: Hofn
Optional Activities: Petra’s stone and mineral museum
Day 11 – Glacial Lagoon – National Park Skaftafell – Vik
You will continue west towards the Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Huge glaciers, real sculptures of nature are drifting in the clear waters of the lagoon at the foot of the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. A boat cruise among the floating icebergs is a very popular attraction during the summer.
You will continue along the south coast of the national park Skaftafell, located at the foot of the glacier. The park includes many options for the walking tours. The natural beauty of Skaftafell is the result of favorable weather conditions and a wonderful combination of fire and ice. Interesting walking path will lead us to the “Black Waterfall” Svartifoss, called so because of the hexagonal basalt columns surrounding it from each side, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls.
From Skaftafell you will continue through the outwash plain Skeiðarársandur to the village with the impossible name – Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
You will visit Kirkjugólfið called also a “church floor”- it is a place with a natural floor made of hexagonal basalt.
You will visit Fjadrargljufur – a beautiful and narrow canyon just a few kilometers west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You will continue our way through the glacial outwash plain until you reach the village Vik, where you will end the day.
Estimated driving distance: 280 km.
Accommodation: Vik
Optional Activities: Zodiac in the Glacier Lagoons, Glacier Walking tour
Day 12 – Southern Iceland – Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
The road continues through the black lava shores Reynishverfi. Perhaps the place will look familiar to you, as the impressive lava formations decorating the beach served as the natural backdrop in many movies lately.
You will climb up to the lighthouse used as a viewpoint over the nearby cliff Dyrhólaey. The cliff is well-known as a nesting site for many species of birds, among them puffins.
South Iceland coast is dominated by a glacier Mýrdalsjökull, under which is located Katla, one of the largest volcanoes in Iceland.
On the western side next to it, you will find another, even more famous glacier Eyjafjallajokull that erupted in 2010 and the huge ash cloud that rose into the sky caused a severe flight disruption in Europe.
The green and pastoral valleys on the glaciers’ edges are the perfect contrast. The green farms with horses and sheep reveal themselves along the way and from the mountains above are falling some impressive waterfalls, the largest among them is Skógafoss.
This enormous waterfall is particularly broad and is falling from a height of 60 meters. Not far from there, you will find Waterfall Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall, where you can walk around the waterfall on the circle walking path.
Accommodation: Hella
Optional Activities: Ice Cave, Horse Riding
Day 13 – Gullfoss Waterfall – Geysir
Continue to the Golden Circle road and visit three more landmarks: the Gullfoss waterfall – “Golden waterfall”, Thingvellir Park and the Park of Geysers, where you can watch the erupting geyser Strokkur. Estimated driving distance: 180 km
Accommodation: Reykjavik
Optional Activities: Secret Lagoon, Silfra Diving
Day 14 – Reykjavik – Keflavik (flight)
If the time allows, according to the flight schedule, you can spend the rest of the day in Reykjavik before your flight. The rented car return is at the airport.
Among our collection of 50+ itineraries, the ‘Around Iceland & The Westfjords – 14 Days’ itinerary stands out as a perennial favorite, securing its place on the ‘Top Itineraries’ list of ‘Take Me There Iceland’. Explore the beauty of Iceland at your own pace, guided by our app for an unforgettable road trip experience.
