Fjords, Secluded Villages & Nature Trails Road Trip in Iceland
Venture into Iceland's most remote and pristine region on this extraordinary 11-day self-drive adventure focusing on the spectacular Westfjords. Often called Iceland's best-kept secret, the Westfjords remain wonderfully untouched, offering endless ocean views, sheer cliff faces, cascading waterfalls, and unspoiled mountainscapes as far as the eye can see. This journey is perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences far from tourist crowds, where nature reigns supreme and traditional Icelandic life continues at its own unhurried pace.
Your Westfjords adventure begins with exploration of the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula before taking a scenic ferry ride across Breiðafjörður Bay. Once in the Westfjords, you'll wind along coast-hugging roads past dramatic fjords, each with its own unique character. Discover abandoned farms that tell stories of harsh winters and isolation, charming fishing villages where locals still make their living from the sea, and landscapes so remote you might drive for hours without seeing another car.
The wildlife encounters in the Westfjords are unforgettable. Visit Látrabjarg, one of Europe's largest bird cliffs and home to millions of seabirds including Iceland's largest puffin colony. Watch these adorable birds nest on the towering cliff faces during summer months. Keep your eyes open for Arctic foxes, Iceland's only native land mammal, which roam freely through these remote mountains. Spot seals basking on rocks along the coast and whales swimming in the fjords.
Natural wonders abound throughout your journey. Stand in awe before Dynjandi, a magnificent multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down the mountainside like a bridal veil. Soak in remote geothermal pools like Krossneslaug, surrounded by mountains with nothing but the open ocean before you. Explore the unique Strandir region, drive through the Vatnsnes peninsula to see seal colonies, and complete your adventure with visits to Þingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle.
This 11-day tour is perfect for adventurous souls seeking Iceland's most authentic and remote experiences.
Use SAVE_10 at checkout for 10% off
valid on all self-drive tours with arrival between April - October 2026. Offer ends soon.
On this tour you will...
See puffins nesting at the Látrabjarg sea cliffs
Spot whales and Arctic foxes roaming free
Admire beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls
Explore the diverse scenery of the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Cross the magnificent Breiðafjörður bay by ferry
Weave in and out of fjords, each with its own character
Top attractions
Dynjandi
Ísafjörður
Látrabjarg
Hólmavík
Rauðisandur
Bolungarvík
Breiðafjörður bay
Djúpalónssandur
Arnarstapi
Þingvellir National Park
Gullfoss
Geysir and Strokkur
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Downtown Reykjavík
Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard
Handpicked local accommodation options
Best Price Guarantee
Your 11-day self-drive itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After collecting your rental vehicle and getting familiar with your car, you'll set off on the scenic 50-kilometer drive to Reykjavík through dramatic lava fields that offer your first glimpse of Iceland's unique volcanic landscape. This initial journey is the perfect introduction to the otherworldly scenery that awaits over the next 11 days.
Once you arrive in Iceland's charming capital, check into your accommodation and take time to explore the city at your leisure. Reykjavík offers a wonderful blend of small-town warmth and cosmopolitan energy, with colorful streets lined with independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and excellent restaurants. Stroll through the downtown area, browse shops selling Icelandic wool products and Nordic design, or enjoy dinner at one of the city's many restaurants. Visit landmarks like the striking Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic city views, walk along the harbor where the Sun Voyager sculpture gleams against the sea, or simply relax and prepare for your journey into Iceland's remote northwest. Rest well tonight as your adventure toward the wild Westfjords begins tomorrow.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraPuffin Watching
ExtraClassic Whale Watching from Reykjavík
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
ExtraHorse Riding from Reykjavík
ExtraInside the Volcano tour from Bláfjöll
Today you'll head northwest toward the enchanting Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases such incredible landscape diversity. The region is dominated by the famous and majestic Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Along the way, you'll discover numerous fascinating sites. Visit the dramatic Eldborg volcanic crater, a perfectly formed cone rising from the lava fields. Marvel at the impressive Gerðuberg basalt columns, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall that seems almost too perfect to be real.
Stop at the tiny black church at Búðir, standing alone against a backdrop of lava fields and ocean, creating one of Iceland's most photographed scenes. Explore Djúpalónssandur, a striking black pebble beach where you can test your strength on ancient lifting stones once used to determine if fishermen were fit for sea duty. Scattered across the beach are rusted remnants of a British trawler that wrecked here in 1948, serving as a haunting reminder of the ocean's power. Continue to the charming fishing village of Stykkishólmur, beautifully situated overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay with its colorful houses and picturesque harbor. Settle in for the night, preparing for tomorrow's ferry journey to the Westfjords.
Today marks the beginning of your Westfjords adventure with a scenic ferry journey across Breiðafjörður Bay. Board the Baldur ferry in Stykkishólmur for the approximately three-hour crossing to the Westfjords. The journey itself is an experience, sailing past countless small islands that punctuate the seascape like jewels scattered across the water. Keep your eyes open for seabirds wheeling overhead, seals lounging on rocky outcrops, and occasionally even whales in the distance. The ferry offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, and as you sail toward the Westfjords, you'll feel yourself entering Iceland's most remote wilderness.
After disembarking, you'll immediately notice the change in atmosphere. The Westfjords feel different from the rest of Iceland, more isolated, more pristine, and more authentic. Begin your drive through this spectacular region, where narrow roads wind along fjords and the sense of remoteness is palpable. The landscapes here are characterized by dramatic coastal scenery, towering cliffs, and a profound sense of peace. Settle into your accommodation in the Westfjords, surrounded by mountains and fjords, ready to explore this remarkable region over the coming days.
Today you'll visit some of the most secluded and spectacular places in all of Iceland, where steep mountains, deep fjords, and dramatic coastlines dominate the landscape. Your main destination is Látrabjarg, one of Europe's largest bird cliffs and one of Iceland's most important seabird breeding grounds. These towering cliffs stretch for 14 kilometers and rise up to 440 meters above the crashing Atlantic waves. During summer months, millions of seabirds nest here, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and northern gannets. The puffins are particularly photogenic and often allow visitors to approach quite closely, making this one of the best places in Iceland to see and photograph these adorable birds.
The westernmost point of Iceland, Látrabjarg offers spectacular views across the ocean. On your way from Látrabjarg, make a stop at Rauðisandur, one of Iceland's most unique beaches. Unlike the typical black sand beaches found elsewhere in Iceland, Rauðisandur features stretches of golden and reddish sand that create a surreal and almost tropical feeling, though the Arctic waters quickly remind you where you are. The contrast between the colorful sand, blue ocean, and surrounding mountains creates an unforgettable scene. This remote beach sees few visitors, adding to its magical atmosphere.
Today you'll continue north through the Westfjords, one of the most remote and breathtaking regions in all of Iceland. The scenery is absolutely spectacular as you cross mountain passes, wind through valleys, and drive along the shores of dramatic fjords backed by steep cliffs. The narrow roads here demand attention, but every curve reveals new vistas of untouched natural beauty.
Your main destination is Dynjandi, often considered the most beautiful waterfall in the Westfjords and one of Iceland's most impressive cascades. This magnificent waterfall tumbles down the mountainside in seven distinct tiers, with the main falls measuring 100 meters high and widening as it descends, creating a stunning bridal veil effect. The name Dynjandi means 'the thunderous one,' and you'll understand why as you approach and hear the roar of falling water. Hike up the path alongside the waterfall, passing several smaller but equally beautiful cascades along the way, each with its own character. Continue your journey along the dramatic Arnarfjörður fjord, where towering mountains plunge straight into the deep blue water. Drive through remote areas where signs of human habitation are few and far between. Your accommodation for the night will be in the northern Westfjords region, positioned well for continuing your exploration tomorrow.
From Ísafjörður, continue your exploration of the Westfjords, driving along the numerous small fjords that branch off from Ísafjarðardjúp, the massive fjord that nearly cuts the peninsula in half. The route takes you past spectacular coastal scenery, with the road winding along the shoreline and offering stunning views across the water to mountains on the far side. You might spot Vigur Island in the distance, known for its puffin colonies and traditional eiderdown harvesting.
Continue through increasingly remote landscapes, passing the small settlement of Drangsnes, where you can soak in seaside hot pots with ocean views if you wish. Arrive in Hólmavík, gateway to the remote Strandir region. This village is home to the fascinating Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, which documents Iceland's unique history of magic and witchcraft trials. The museum offers insight into the beliefs and practices that were once prevalent in this isolated region, where harsh conditions and long dark winters gave rise to supernatural folklore. The exhibits include replicas of magical staves, spell books, and artifacts related to Icelandic witchcraft traditions. Settle into your accommodation in the Hólmavík area for the night.
Today you'll explore the beautiful and remote Strandir region on the eastern part of the Westfjords, one of Iceland's least visited and most isolated areas. From Hólmavík, drive north along the coast toward Krossnesfjall. The landscape here is wild and windswept, with dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches, and mountains rising directly from the sea. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking an easy hike up Reykjarneshyrna mountain. The trail offers a moderate climb that rewards you with magnificent views right from the top, looking out over the remote coastline and endless ocean.
When you reach Krossnes, don't miss the opportunity to experience Krossneslaug, a remote geothermal pool that offers one of Iceland's most unique bathing experiences. This natural pool is surrounded by stunning mountains behind you while facing the open ocean in front, creating an absolute moment of connection with nature's raw elements. The contrast of warm water against the cool air, with nothing but wild landscapes around you, creates an unforgettable experience.
On your way back toward Hólmavík, make a stop in the tiny abandoned village of Djúpavík. Once a herring factory town, Djúpavík now stands as a ghost town with a beautifully restored hotel and the remains of the old herring factory, offering a haunting glimpse into the region's fishing heritage. Return to your accommodation in the Hólmavík area for a second night.
Your adventure continues as you leave the Westfjords behind and head toward Hvammstangi on the Vatnsnes peninsula. This area, located in Húnaflói bay, is renowned as one of Iceland's largest seal colonies and offers excellent opportunities to spot seals at close range.
The peninsula is home to both harbor seals and grey seals, which can often be seen lounging on rocks along the shore or swimming in the waters. Several seal-watching spots along the coast provide great vantage points for observing these charming marine mammals in their natural habitat. For hiking enthusiasts, Vatnsnes offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. One popular destination is Borgarvirki, a natural volcanic plug fortress that was used as a stronghold in medieval times. The climb to the top is relatively easy and offers panoramic views over the surrounding farmlands and coast. The distinctive Hvítserkur sea stack, rising dramatically from the ocean, is another highlight of the peninsula. This 15-meter-high basalt stack resembles a dragon or troll drinking from the sea and is home to numerous seabirds. Continue to your accommodation in the Hvammstangi or Hrútafjörður area for the night.
Today you'll drive south toward one of Iceland's most historically and geologically significant sites. Begin your journey by stopping at Grábrók crater, where you can take an easy walk up to the rim. From the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Borgarfjörður region on clear days, with farmlands, lava fields, and distant mountains creating a panoramic vista.
Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring in terms of water flow, where boiling water emerges from the ground at an incredible rate, creating clouds of steam. Visit Reykholt, the historic home of Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland's most famous medieval scholars and writers. Marvel at the splendid Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field directly into the river below, creating a series of beautiful cascades. The nearby Barnafoss waterfall is just a short walk away and equally impressive, with water rushing through a narrow rocky gorge. Your main destination is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the geological wonders of the world. Walk through the dramatic Almannagjá rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, creating deep fissures and towering rock walls. This is also where Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world. Spend the night near Þingvellir.
Today you'll explore the remaining highlights of the world-famous Golden Circle. Begin at the Geysir geothermal area, home to numerous hot springs, bubbling pools, and the famous Strokkur geyser. Watch as Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting a powerful column of boiling water high into the air. The anticipation before each eruption creates excitement that never gets old, and the surrounding geothermal field with its steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits creates an otherworldly landscape.
Continue approximately 10 kilometers to Gullfoss, the 'Golden Waterfall,' which is without doubt one of Iceland's most beautiful and impressive waterfalls. The Hvítá river plunges in two dramatic stages into a deep ravine, creating massive clouds of mist that often produce rainbows on sunny days. The sheer power of the water is awe-inspiring, with an average flow of 140 cubic meters per second thundering into the canyon below. Walk along the viewing platforms to experience different perspectives of this majestic waterfall. After experiencing these natural wonders, return to Reykjavík to spend your final night in Iceland's vibrant capital. You can explore more of the city's attractions, enjoy dinner at one of its excellent restaurants, or simply relax before your departure tomorrow.
Your unforgettable 11-day journey through Iceland's remote Westfjords and spectacular landscapes comes to an end today. Depending on your flight time and where you stayed last night, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning. If you're in Reykjavík, take a leisurely breakfast, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or take one more walk through the colorful streets of the capital. If time permits, visit any attractions you might have missed or simply relax at a cafe, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past 11 days.
For those with later flights, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to fully experience all the amazing things Iceland's vibrant capital city has to offer, from museums and galleries to restaurants and nightlife. Drive to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of dramatic Westfjords cliffs, remote villages, puffin colonies, seal watching, magnificent waterfalls, soaking in isolated hot pools, and the raw beauty of Iceland's most pristine and untouched region. You've experienced Iceland like few visitors ever do, and you're already planning your return.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Comfort or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 10 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Collision damage waiver
Tickets for Baldur ferry to Westfjords
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & parking charges
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
FAQs about our self-drive trips
On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.
We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.
That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!
You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.
It’s best to book your trip at least a few weeks before you travel. This gives us enough time to organize your preferred accommodation and itinerary. For this reason, we’re unable to accept bookings with less than 1 week’s notice.
In the summer, which is the most popular time of year, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. In certain parts of the countryside, accommodation options are more limited and can be booked up well ahead of your trip.
You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.
You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).
Find out more about car rental in Iceland.
Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.
Of course you can add extra adventures! We want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your trip to Iceland, so you can pick optional extra activities at checkout. You’ll be shown exactly what’s on offer for each day of your trip.
And if you feel like you just don’t have enough time to fit it all in, you can also add extra days.
The rules of the road in Iceland are similar to most other countries, although there are some local quirks that you might not be familiar with.
Iceland drives on the right and steering wheels are on the left side of the car. Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers only.
Roundabouts are very common in Iceland, especially in towns. If you’re not familiar with these, make sure you understand how to give way (yield) to other traffic.
In the countryside, you might encounter sheep on the road, or even reindeer in East Iceland. You may also come across gravel roads, single-lane bridges, and blind summits.
For all the info on how to handle these, see this guide to driving in Iceland.
One good thing to know is that some attractions in the Westfjords are only accessible via gravel roads. These are generally not a problem, but you should drive more slowly and look out for potholes.
You might find it easier to navigate the gravel roads in a larger car such as a jeep. That way you’ll be higher up off the road for a better view, and will have better suspension for a more comfortable ride.
- See what kind of rental cars are available in Iceland.
- Get the lowdown on driving with our ultimate guide to renting a car in Iceland.
Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email you, letting you know your travel documents are available in our portal.
We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.
You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.
Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.
If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.
You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
Yes, you can easily collect your rental car from Reykjavík instead of Keflavik Airport.
During the booking steps on our website, just let us know you'd prefer your pick-up/drop-off location to be in the city centre. We'll take care of it for you, no problem.
Just a quick heads-up: if you request different pick-up and drop-off locations (e.g. collect from the airport, drop off in the city, or vice versa) there's a one-way fee of around ISK 7.900 ISK (EUR 60). You'll pay this directly to the rental company when you pick up the car.
All of our self-drive tour packages include the following as standard:
- Rental car of your choice, with unlimited mileage
- Basic liability insurance coverage
- Collision damage waiver
- Authorization for second driver
- Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
- Accommodation level of your choice
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
- 24/7 helpline in Iceland, just in case you need it
When you book your vacation on our website, you’ll be able to choose your preferred rental car and accommodation level.
You can see what vehicles are available on this car rental page.
On a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and country hotels, with shared bathrooms
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
Feel like getting closer to nature? Check out these self-drive camping tours.
In Iceland, you can expect all weathers no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, it’s good to make sure you’ve got everything you need to stay cozy, warm, and dry.
Here’s a packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
- Tough, waterproof walking boots
- Thermal underlayers
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Waterproof raincoat
- Warm winter jacket
- Scarf, hat, and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (for pools and hot springs)
- Lip salve and moisturizer
For more tips on what to bring with you, see this Iceland packing list.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.
This comprehensive 11-day self-drive tour is specifically designed to showcase Iceland's most remote and pristine region - the Westfjords - along with other spectacular areas most visitors never experience. You'll cross the magnificent Breiðafjörður bay by ferry, explore dramatic sea cliffs at Látrabjarg with massive puffin colonies, and drive through landscapes so untouched they feel like stepping back in time.
The 11-day duration gives you ample time to truly appreciate the Westfjords' winding fjord roads, abandoned farms, and quaint fishing villages without feeling rushed. With Iceland Tours' expertly planned itinerary, you'll visit both the famous Snæfellsnes peninsula and venture deep into Strandir, the easternmost part of the Westfjords where few travelers ever go. This tour offers the perfect balance of Iceland's diverse landscapes - from volcanic craters to seal colonies to geothermal pools facing the open ocean.
Your 11-day Iceland adventure offers exceptional wildlife encounters in some of the country's most pristine habitats. The highlight is Látrabjarg, one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies and biggest bird cliffs, where hundreds of colorful puffins nest in rocky outcrops from May through August. You'll have incredible photo opportunities as these charismatic seabirds are remarkably unafraid of humans.
The tour also takes you to Vatnsnes peninsula, home to one of Iceland's largest seal colonies where you can spot seals basking on rocky shores and swimming in coastal waters. In the remote Westfjords, you'll have chances to see Arctic foxes roaming freely in their natural habitat. The Westfjords' isolation has made it a haven for Iceland's wildlife, offering experiences you simply can't find elsewhere in the country through Iceland Tours' carefully planned route.
While this 11-day Westfjords tour includes some of Iceland's most remote roads, Iceland Tours has designed the itinerary for manageable daily driving distances with stunning scenery throughout. The Westfjords feature winding coastal roads that hug dramatic fjords - these routes are incredibly scenic but require more time than straight highways, which is why the 11-day duration is perfect for comfortable exploration.
Some roads are gravel, particularly near remote attractions, but they're well-maintained during summer months and accessible with standard rental cars (though many travelers choose larger vehicles for better suspension and visibility). Your Iceland Tours package includes 24/7 emergency support, unlimited mileage, and collision damage waiver for peace of mind. The dramatic landscapes and complete isolation make every mile of driving a rewarding adventure rather than just transportation between destinations.
The Baldur ferry crossing from Stykkishólmur to the Westfjords is included in your Iceland Tours package and represents one of the most scenic water journeys in Iceland. This approximately 3-hour crossing through Breiðafjörður bay takes you past countless small islands, each with its own character and wildlife. The ferry ride itself becomes a memorable part of your adventure, offering spectacular views and a chance to relax while traveling.
This ferry crossing marks your transition from Iceland's more visited western regions to the truly remote Westfjords, creating a sense of anticipation and adventure. The journey provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife watching, with seabirds following the ferry and dramatic island landscapes surrounding you. It's also a practical necessity - the ferry allows you to access the Westfjords without the extremely long drive around the northern coast, making your 11-day itinerary much more efficient and enjoyable.
Your Westfjords and remote Iceland tour includes some of the country's most impressive yet lesser-visited waterfalls and natural wonders. The crown jewel is Dynjandi waterfall in the northern Westfjords, a multi-tiered cascade that lies in Arnarfjörður fjord - many consider it the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland due to its dramatic setting and powerful flow over terraced rock formations.
You'll also visit the magical Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, where crystal-clear water appears to flow directly from beneath a lava field. The tour includes Deildartunguhver, Iceland's most powerful hot spring in terms of water flow per second, plus the unique Krossneslaug geothermal pool surrounded by mountains and facing the open ocean. Your Iceland Tours itinerary also features the famous Gullfoss "Golden Falls" and Geysir geothermal area, ensuring you experience both Iceland's greatest hits and hidden gems.
Látrabjarg represents one of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions and is perfectly positioned in your 11-day itinerary for optimal puffin viewing. These dramatic sea cliffs stretch over 14 kilometers (9 miles) and rise up to 440 meters (1,440 feet) above the North Atlantic, creating one of Europe's largest seabird colonies. During summer months (May-August), hundreds of thousands of puffins nest in the cliff's rocky ledges.
What makes Látrabjarg truly special is the puffins' remarkable tameness - you can often get within arm's reach for incredible photographs and observations. The cliffs also host dozens of other seabird species including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. This westernmost point of Europe offers breathtaking ocean views and a sense of standing at the edge of the world. Your Iceland Tours itinerary positions this visit perfectly, allowing time to explore both the cliffs and nearby Rauðisandur's unique reddish sand beaches.
This comprehensive 11-day Westfjords adventure covers significantly more remote territory than shorter Iceland Tours packages, giving you exclusive access to regions most visitors never experience. While 7-8 day tours typically focus on the Ring Road and southern Iceland, this extended itinerary ventures deep into the Westfjords - Iceland's most isolated and pristine region that requires dedicated time to explore properly.
The 11-day duration allows for a more relaxed pace through winding fjord roads, longer stops at remote attractions like Látrabjarg puffin cliffs and Krossneslaug geothermal pool, and opportunities to truly disconnect from modern life. You'll experience both Iceland's famous attractions (Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes peninsula) and hidden gems that even many Icelanders rarely visit. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking authentic wilderness experiences, incredible wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of exploring one of Europe's last truly remote regions through Iceland Tours' expert local planning.
Your 11-day Iceland Tours package includes carefully selected accommodations that enhance the remote wilderness experience while providing comfort after long days of exploration. You'll stay in charming countryside hotels and guesthouses that reflect authentic Icelandic hospitality, often in small fishing villages where you'll feel like a local rather than a tourist.
Accommodations range from historic hotels in remote Westfjords towns to comfortable properties near major attractions, all chosen for their character and strategic locations. Some nights you'll stay in villages so remote that you'll see more seals than people, while others place you perfectly for Northern Lights viewing (if traveling during aurora season). Each location offers continental breakfast and represents the best available options in these remote areas - remember, the Westfjords prioritize authenticity and connection with nature over luxury amenities, making every stay a genuine Icelandic experience.
Absolutely! The self-drive format of this 11-day Iceland tour provides excellent flexibility to enhance your Westfjords adventure with optional activities that complement the remote wilderness theme. Popular additions include hiking excursions to viewpoints like Reykjarneshyrna mountain, extended seal watching at Vatnsnes peninsula, or additional time at unique geothermal pools like Krossneslaug.
Your Iceland Tours itinerary includes built-in flexibility for spontaneous discoveries - you might choose to spend extra time photographing puffins at Látrabjarg, explore abandoned farms and fishing stations, or take detours to even more remote locations if road conditions permit. The tour's focus on remote regions means many "activities" are simply taking time to soak in pristine wilderness that few humans ever experience. Iceland Tours' 24/7 support helps coordinate any changes while ensuring you don't miss ferry connections or pre-booked accommodations in these remote areas.
This 11-day Westfjords tour operates during summer months (typically May through September) when remote roads are accessible and wildlife is most active. Peak season for this Iceland Tours adventure is June through August, when puffins are nesting at Látrabjarg cliffs, lupine flowers paint landscapes purple, and you'll enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight for extended exploration time.
Early summer (May-June) offers excellent wildlife viewing with active puffin colonies and seal pupping season, plus fewer crowds in these remote areas. Late summer (August-September) provides more stable weather conditions and the possibility of seeing Northern Lights on clear nights as darkness returns. The Westfjords' extreme remoteness means weather can change rapidly, so Iceland Tours recommends booking well in advance and being prepared for various conditions. The reward is experiencing Iceland's most pristine wilderness during the optimal season when these remote regions truly come alive with natural activity and midnight sun magic.
