Iceland’s Wild West | Westfjords & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive
- Scandinavia
Durations
9 Days
Difficulty
Beginner
Enjoy the Adventure
Begin with city exploration, then drive the iconic Golden Circle to witness geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic rifts. Venture onto the southern Snæfellsnes Peninsula to see dramatic cliffs, basalt formations, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier, before taking a ferry to the remote Westfjords to explore bird-rich Látrabjarg cliffs and the stunning Dynjandi waterfall.
Continue to Ísafjörður to experience fjord life, Arctic wildlife, and isolated landscapes. The journey winds back through northern Snæfellsnes to admire the iconic Kirkjufell mountain before returning to Reykjavik. End the trip with a rejuvenating soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. This package offers a perfect blend of Icelandic nature, wildlife, fjord adventures, and iconic sightseeing for a compact yet immersive journey.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Focus: Arrival, car pickup, and city immersion.
- Arrive at Keflavik Airport (KEF), transfer to Reykjavik accommodation. Settle in and spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s iconic church for panoramic city views, walking along the waterfront, and discovering the lively downtown area.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: Full day of sightseeing.
- Drive the essential Golden Circle route, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the erupting hot springs at Geysir, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. End the day by driving towards the west to position for the next leg of your journey.
- Night Stay: Borgarnes area.
- Distance Covered: ~200 km
- Time Taken: 5-7 hours with stops.
- Drive onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Explore the southern coastline, with highlights including the dramatic basalt cliffs and rock arches of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and the stunning views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano.
- Night Stay: Stykkishólmur.
- Distance Covered: ~130 km (post-ferry)
- Terrain: Ferry crossing followed by gravel and paved roads.
- Take the morning car ferry from Stykkishólmur across Breiðafjörður bay to the Westfjords. From the ferry terminal, drive to the westernmost point of Iceland, the magnificent Látrabjarg cliffs, a massive bird colony. (Note: Puffins are typically seen from May to mid-August).
- Night Stay: Patreksfjörður area.
- Distance Covered: ~180 km
- Time Taken: 4-6 hours with stops.
- Drive north through stunning and remote fjord landscapes. The day’s main highlight is a stop at Dynjandi, a spectacular series of waterfalls resembling a bridal veil. Continue through scenic fjords and mountain passes to Ísafjörður, the main town of the region.
- Night Stay: Ísafjörður.
- Distance Covered: ~50-100 km
- Focus: Exploring the culture and nature of the northern Westfjords.
- Spend a day exploring the area around Ísafjörður. Options include visiting the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík, kayaking in the tranquil fjord, or taking a scenic drive into the surrounding empty fjords for a true sense of isolation and beauty.
- Night Stay: Ísafjörður.
- Distance Covered: ~300 km
- Time Taken: 5-7 hours.
- A long but spectacular driving day leaving the northern Westfjords behind. The route traces the coastline of numerous fjords before heading south. Your destination is a small fishing village on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Night Stay: Grundarfjörður area.
- Distance Covered: ~180 km
- Time Taken: 4-6 hours with stops.
- Your stay in Grundarfjörður places you at the foot of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, Iceland’s most photographed peak. After enjoying the morning views, complete the drive back to Reykjavik for the evening.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Time Taken: ~45 minutes
- Enjoy a relaxing morning at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (pre-booking is essential) before making the short drive to KEF airport for your departure.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
