Ultimate Westfjords Way Road Trip

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins at the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport! Once you pick up your rental vehicle, you head directly towards Reykjavík where you stay for the night.

If your flight arrives early enough, you might like to stop at the Blue Lagoon before driving to the capital for a relaxing moment in the spa blue, soothing geothermal waters. Be sure to pack your swimsuit!

You head north-ouest today towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula where sits the famous and majestic Snaefell volcano toured by the Snæfell glacier. You discover several sites along the way such as Eldborg´s volcanic crater, Gerduberg basalt columns, Búðir, Djúpalónssandur and its historical remain ship wrech right on the pebble beach among others before reaching the village of Stykkishólmur where you spend the night.

After crossing the Breiðafjörður Bay by ferry boat from Stykkishólmur, you reach the West Fjords. The trip takes approximately 3 hours between the two points where countless small islands punctuate the landscape.

You visit today the most secluded places in Iceland where steep mountains, fjords and bays are predominant. Your destination for today is Látrabjarg, one of the biggest bird cliffs in Iceland and one of the country’s largest puffin colonies. On Your way from Látrabjarg you can make a stop to Rauðisandur where stretches of reddish sand beaches can be found giving a surreal feeling of the landscape.

Today you continue up north of the West Fjords, one of the most remote regions of Iceland. The landscape is breathtaking as you cross mountains and heaths and drive along the dramatic fjords at the foot of steep cliffs. You will pass Dynjandi a beautiful waterfall that lies in the northern arm of the fjord Arnarfjörður. You will drive along the west fjords until you reach Ísafjörður.

From Ísafjörður you continue your journey of the West fjords driving along the numerous small fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp passing the Vigur Island on the way. You drive pass Drangsnes before reaching Hólmavík where you can visit an interesting museum dedicated to the ancient Icelandic magic.

You explore today the beautiful area of Strandir on the eastern part of the Westfjords. From Hólmavík you drive up north to Krossnesfjall. You might like to take an easy hike up the mountain Reykjarneshyrna and experience the magnificent view it offers right from the top! When you have reach Krossnes you might like to stop and enjoy a relaxing moment in the geothermal pool of Krossneslaug. This natural pool offers the unique experience being one with the raw elements of nature around as it is surrounded by stunning mountains behind you and facing the open ocean in front. This is an absolute moment not to miss out on. On the way back to Hólmavík you can make a stop in the small village Djúpavík for reaching your hotel for the night.

Your adventure in Iceland continues and today you will be heading towards Hvammstangi on Vatnsnes peninsula. Located in Húnaflói, Vatnsnes is known as one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland and is the perfect location to spot seals at close range. For hiking enthusiasts Vatnsnes is the perfect destination since the area offers a lot of different hiking paths such as the one leading to Borgarvirki. You countinue driving towards Hvammstangi/Hrútafjörður where you will stay for the night.

Today you drive south towards Þingvellir. You stop at Grábrók Crater and take a walk up to the very top from to admire in breathtaking view over the Borgarfjörður Region on clear days. You continue to Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, Reykholt and the splendid waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Next is Þingvellir National Park! The latter one is considered to be one of the geological wonders of the world where you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. It was here that the Icelandic Parliament was founded in the 10th century.

You start the day today by visiting the famous geothermal area of Geysir which shoots a hot column of water in the air every 10 minutes. Some 10 km further from the Geysir Area, you reach the “golden” waterfall Gullfoss which falls impressively into a deep ravine and is without no doubt the country´s one most beautiful waterfalls.

Drive back to Keflavík airport for your flight back home. Or book an extra night in Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland!

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Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site

If you have time before you leave Iceland, you can hike to the latest volcano eruption site at Meradalir on the Reykjanes peninsula. In August 2022, new fissures opened close to the site of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption. Why not take this rare chance to see a fresh caldera and newly solidified lava?

On this self-guided hike, you can see the lava fields produced by both eruptions. You might also be lucky enough to glimpse fountains of molten lava gushing from the ground. No matter how active the volcano is that day, you’ll be able to witness the incredible power of the natural forces that produced the lava.

A volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon and activity levels vary from day to day, so sightings of molten lava cannot be guaranteed. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the eruption site may be closed for your safety during periods of bad weather.

This hiking tour is only recommended for people with a good level of fitness, used to walking over rough terrain in poor weather. Marked paths are only available for part of the route.

For more information, check out this Volcano Eruption Update.

Tour: Hike to the Meradalir Eruption Site (no extra cost)
Duration: 9 hours, including driving time
Hiking duration: 4–5 hours (2–2.5 hours each way)
Total distance: 14 kilometers (8 miles)
Total elevation gain: 300 meters (990 feet)
Required equipment: Hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, packed lunch, drinking water
Parking: There’s a parking lot near the start of the trail. The entry cost is ISK 1,000. Parking along road 427 is prohibited
Minimum age: 12 years