8 Day Self Drive Magical Westfjords and the Highlights of South Iceland
You want it all? Combine both the popular highlights of South Iceland with the hidden gems in the Westfjords in one week. You start with the highlight attractions of South Iceland, such as the Geysir Strokkur, some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and black lava sand beaches. Then you turn away from the crowds travelling to the edge of the southern highlands – the colorful Landmannalaugar geothermal area. Next, you explore the remote Westfjords of Iceland where you stop at the westernmost point of Europe, at the Látrabjarg cliffs. Sailing across Breiðafjörður is an adventure in itself. The tour ends traveling around the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Highlights
- The South Shore of Iceland
- Landmannalaugar Highland Area
- Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland – Reykjavík (ca. 50 km)
Arrival in Iceland. Pick up the rental car at Keflavík international airport and drive to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
Day 2: Reykjavík – South Shore – Hvolsvöllur (ca. 300 km)
Drive east along the south coast of Iceland towards the towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss. Further along, the way stop at the inspiring waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – two of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The drive continues along the foot of the Eyjafjöll mountains where the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano rests under the glacier of the same name. Drive on to the village of Vík with a chance for a stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach with a view of Reynisdrangar cliffs in the sea and the Dyrhólaey promontory. Drive back west, ending the day in Selfoss/Hv0lsvöllur.
*Optional tours available: Glacier hike, snowmobile tours and more!
Day 3: Landmannalaugar (ca. 270 km)
Visit the colourful Landmannalaugar national park area. The drive north will bring you close to Mt Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, then continue by a narrow highland road through picturesque landscapes to Landmannalaugar. Once there you can hike around the fascinating, multi-coloured surroundings or take a dip in the geothermal river. From Landmannalaugar drive towards the Hrauneyjar highland post and continue west along Iceland’s longest river, Þjórsá. One of the attractions along the way is the reconstructed farm at the excavated Stöng farm from the settlement period. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall. Overnight in the area.
Day 4: Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Borgarfjörður (ca. 260 /330 km)
From Gullfoss waterfall, the road leads to the Geysir geothermal area, where the geyser Strokkur spouts a steaming column of water into the air every 5-10 minutes. Continuing past Lake Laugarvatn drive to Þingvellir national park, the site of the first parliament, founded in 930 and a place of great geological interest. Þingvellir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. From here continue towards Borgarfjörður and end the day either at Bifröst or Sælingsdalur valley in West Iceland.
Day 5: The southern Westfjords – Látrabjarg cliffs (ca. 350 /410 km)
The travel continues along the southern coastal road of the Westfjords which winds its way along the fjords and across some of the mountain plateaus. The route offers great views of Breiðafjörður bay and its islands as well as slopes with tiny waterfalls and lush vegetation. The drive takes you all the way to the westernmost point of Europe at Látrabjarg where you can take a short hike on top of the bird cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds, such as puffins and guillemots. Enjoy the serenity of the wild nature high above the ocean before starting to make your way back towards Patreksfjörður and the accommodation in the area.
Day 6: Breiðafjörður – Snæfellsnes (ca. 300 km)
In the morning we recommend visiting Dynjandi – the largest waterfall of the Westfjords which drops down from the hilltop like a wide curtain. Then drive back to the coastal road and to Brjánslækur harbour and board the ferry which will take you across the Breiðafjörður bay. While sailing to Stykkishólmur enjoy the scenery of the distant mountains of the Westfjords as well as Snæfellsnes peninsula. We pass the island of Flatey where you get a glimpse of the old houses near the harbour. Disembark in Stykkishólmur and continue along the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, driving through small fishing towns and villages and around the Snæfellsjokull glacier/volcano. Accommodation in the area of Hellnar.
Day 7: Snæfellsnes – Reykjavík (ca. 200 km)
Explore the sights along the southern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula. Snæfellsnes is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” since practically all natural phenomena that can be found around Iceland can be seen there – only on a slightly smaller scale! Snæfellsnes peninsula is also the only area in Iceland where mineral water springs can be found. Drive towards Borgarnes and further to Hvalfjörður, through the submarine tunnel and end the day in Reykjavík for the last night.
Day 8: Departure day (ca. 50 km)
Drive to Keflavík airport in time for check in for your international flight.
If your flight departs late afternoon, then you have the possibility to add an optional whale watching boat tour in the morning, drive around the Reykjanes peninsula or visit the Blue Lagoon before dropping off the rental car at Keflavík airport.
Possibility to extend your tour to explore Akureyri & the Highlights of North Iceland or Greenland.
Dates & prices
Available daily from end of June to late September*
Single room supplement: ISK 100.500
Included in the package price:
- 7 nights accommodation in a double/twin room with private facilities, including breakfast
- 7 days car rental: unlimited mileage, tax, CDW, TP, SCDW, pick up/drop off at Keflavík airport
- Ferry transport Brjánslækur – Stykkishólmur for passengers and rental car
- Detailed itinerary with multiple daily options based on pre-booked accommodation that allows you both structure and flow
- Service and VAT
Not included in the package price: optional tours, admission to museums and meals others than specified above.
Any questions? Contact us at nonni(at)nonnitravel.is
