Self-Drive Highland and Westfjords

Fly to Iceland and collect your rental car on arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Dive into the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon before heading south to your first accommodation. A visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa* could be a good start to your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty, and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater.On the roundtrip in Iceland, you will also find other geothermal pools to visit. First night in Reykjavik.

*Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked ahead, and entrance is not included in this offer.

Drive to the World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park. This is the location of Iceland‘s original parliament. Enjoy views across the clear waters of Lake Thingvallavatn. Visit the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Geysir geothermal area, where the geyser of Strokkur regularly erupts and numerous other hot springs bubble and steam. Nearby Geysir area, we recommend stopping at the farm Efstidalur (about 10 minutes’ drive from the Laugarvatn area, between Thingvellir and Geysir). Here you can enjoy a nice dinner or just have a taste of homemade ice cream. Nearby Geysir, you will also find the natural pool Secret Lagoon. Accommodation one night in the area.

From Geysir, we continue our journey to the highlands. The road begins near Haukadalur, just behind the Gullfoss waterfall, and stretches northward to Blonduos. This scenic route traverses the interior of Iceland between two glaciers, Langjokull and Hofsjokull. It is the second longest road through the Highlands of Iceland and takes approximately five hours to drive.

Along the way, you will pass Hveravellir, a bubbling geothermal area well worth a visit. Be sure to stop for a refreshing dip in the hot spring there. After traveling the highland road, you will arrive in the Skagafjordur region in the northwest of Iceland.

This area boasts a number of intriguing attractions. Skagafjordur is particularly famous for breeding world-renowned Icelandic horses. Nearby, you can explore Saudakrokur and the fascinating folk museum at Glaumbaer. The region also offers opportunities for horseback riding on Icelandic horses, hiking tours, and, for those seeking more excitement, river rafting.

In Vididalur, near Hvammstangi, you will find the beautiful Kolugljufur Canyon, home to the stunning waterfall Kolufossar. Additionally, the incredible cliff Hvitserkur on the Vatnsnes Peninsula is located in this area. Accommodations are available in the Skagafjordur area for those wanting to stay longer and explore.

You will now head towards the mountains and fjords of the West fjords. Visiting the West fjords is surely a different experience. It is Iceland, but yet a different Iceland altogether. The peninsula West Fjords only has about 7.000 inhabitants and is around 5437 acres in size, so even with growing numbers of visitors there is still plenty of space for everyone. The nature is beautiful, with high cliffs and red sandy beaches and you will have plenty of hiking options on the way.

At the small village of Drangsnes, there is an option for a boat tour to the island of Grimsey. Grimsey boasts a rich bird life of puffins, and fulmars and an interesting side story of fox farming. Take a dip into the small Hot Pots at the seashore while you are in Drangsnes. For an ultimate experience, take about a 2-hour drive to Nordurfjordur.

Nordurfjordur is a part of Arneshreppur and the least populous municipality in Iceland, with only 53 inhabitants. Make sure you visit the geothermal pool at Krossnes on Strandir, located a bit north of the fjord near the Arctic Circle. The pool is one of Iceland's most interesting and unique destinations. It is a very peaceful and relaxing area with a beautiful landscape.

Today, you will be driving through some of the eight fjords of Isafjardardjup, which truly puts the “fjords” in your Westfjords adventure. Each fjord offers its own unique beauty, with plenty to see and explore. Enjoy the stunning coastline rich in birdlife, and keep an eye out for seals by the seaside, as well as breathtaking views of Drangajokull Glacier. 

On your journey, you will encounter hot springs at Horgshlíd and Heydalur. In the afternoon, take some time to appreciate the vibrant capital of the Westfjords, known for its exciting cultural scene and welcoming people. Consider visiting museums such as the Westfjords Heritage Museum. 

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in the city. If the weather is nice, you might want to head to the charming village of Sudureyri for an easy hike in the midnight sun. Alternatively, check out Bolafjall, located above the town of Bolungarvík—you might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Greenland on a clear day.

Today, we will head south on the peninsula. A great reason to stop in Thingeyri village is the Viking ‘village’ and its working replica Viking ship. A little further up the road, you will come across Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the West Fjords. This waterfall is one of the most photogenic in Iceland, thanks to its unique triangular cascade.

Next, we’ll explore the uninhabited Geirthjofsfjordur, a beautiful and secluded spot for hikers of all types. It also holds significance as a pilgrimage site for those familiar with the Icelandic saga of Gisli Sursson. In Bíldudalur, we recommend visiting the Monster Museum, where you can listen to tales of sea monsters that have woven themselves into Icelandic folk culture for centuries.

Not far from Bildudalur in Arnarfjordur, you can drive towards Selárdalur, where the artist Samuel Jonsson has created a small sculpture park. Additionally, the hot spring pool, Pollurinn, is located on the hillside just outside Talknafjordur village. While bathing there, you can enjoy the extraordinary view over the fjord.

From Patreksfjordur, you will have options for guided excursions. You will be staying in this area for two nights.

Spend the entire day exploring the areas of Latrabjarg and Raudisandur. Be sure to visit the Heritage Museum at Hnjotur farm, where you can learn about how local people lived in the past. 

Latrabjarg is the westernmost point in Europe, rising up to 1444 feet in height and stretching 8.7 miles long. On a clear day, you can see the Snaefellsjokull glacier to the south and even Greenland to the north. Latrabjarg is renowned as one of the best places in the world to photograph puffins. Additionally, it was the site of a notable rescue operation in 1947 when Icelandic farmers saved 12 surviving members of the British trawler, Dhoon.

After visiting Latrabjarg, make your way to one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets—the red beach of Raudisandur. The beach, with its stunning beauty and tranquility, is framed by black cliffs and the blue ocean, creating a breathtaking scene. You might also spot seals sunbathing with their pups on the beach. During the summer, an open café is available at Raudisandur.

Please be aware that the roads along this route are primarily gravel.

Drive towards Brjanslaekur harbor where you take the car ferry across Breidafjordur Bay to Stykkisholmur town in the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The ferry ride is about 2,5 hours and will depart mid-day.

On this route, you will find options for bathing in hot springs at Krossholt by Birkimelur and Hellulaug by Flokalundur. Take a quiet evening in the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur with its well-preserved old houses in the town center.

Today you will experience the wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snaefellsnes peninsula has some of the country's most famous natural and historical landmarks. You will drive past one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Kirkjufell by the town of Grundarfjordur. In the westernmost part of the peninsula is the crown jewel Snaefellsjokull glacier, as in Jules Verne’s 'Journey to the Interior of the Earth' is the starting point for a journey into the unknown.

Some of the highlights of the peninsula are the underground cave Vatnshellir, the landmarks of Hellnar, Arnarstapi, and black pebble beach in Dritvik. The beautiful yellow sandy beaches below the glacier will not pass you by. Make sure to stop at Budir where you find a lovely little church. From Snaefellsnes we head towards the Borgarfjordur area for a night stay.

Start your day by driving to Reykholt, the home of Snorri Sturluson, the renowned Icelandic author and poet who lived there in the 1200s. He is most famous for writing "Heimskringla," a collection of Norse Kings' sagas. 

Near Reykholt, you will find Husafell, where you can join a tour of the Langjokull glacier, including a visit to a manmade cave on the glacier. Close to Husafell, you will also discover the stunning waterfalls Barnafossar and Hraunfossar. 

Additionally, you can stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s largest hot spring, which produces an impressive 40 gallons of boiling water per second! The steaming water here showcases the earth's inner forces. Nearby, you’ll find the Krauma Spa, perfect for relaxing.

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Reykjavik, where your journey concludes. Take a stroll through the old city, characterized by its charming colorful houses, shops, galleries, and cafes. There are various options for city sightseeing excursions and boat tours from the harbor, as well as guided walking tours that include food and beer tasting. 

Don't miss visiting the beautiful concert hall, Harpa, located by the harbor. Reykjavik also has many outdoor swimming pools that are open from early morning until late evening - a wonderful way to unwind after a long drive. Be sure to explore Laugavegur shopping street, and consider stopping by the large shopping center, Kringlan, near the city center. 

Enjoy your last evening in this vibrant city!

Spend the day as you wish, depending on your return flight. Drop off your rental car at Keflavik Airport.