Westfjords & Iceland Ring Road Road Trip - 14 Days

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.

The Westfjords are absolutely Iceland's most remote and pristine region making them totally worth the extra time on this Iceland 14 day tour! This spectacular region offers some of Iceland's most impressive and untouched landscapes with rugged coastlines and deep fjords and authentic fishing villages. You'll experience the remarkable Látrabjarg cliffs which are 450 meters high and 14 kilometers long providing home to millions of seabirds including puffins during summer months. The mighty Dynjandi waterfall is considered the jewel of the Westfjords with eight cascades flowing down steep cliffs. While the region can get busier during summer especially when cruise ships visit it still offers that authentic "edge of the world" feeling with landscapes so wild and pristine they'll create unforgettable memories. The Westfjords give you experiences and scenery you simply can't find anywhere else in Iceland!

This Iceland 14 day tour follows a perfectly planned clockwise route! You'll start by heading to the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula where you'll explore Kirkjufell mountain and the mystical landscapes before continuing to the Westfjords. The route takes you from Snæfellsnes to spectacular Látrabjarg cliffs then to charming Ísafjörður giving you the complete Westfjords experience. While the Westfjords include some gravel roads and more remote driving the incredible landscapes make it completely worthwhile and we recommend 4WD vehicles for maximum comfort. After exploring the wild beauty of places like Ísafjörður and Látrabjarg you'll continue your clockwise journey around the Ring Road through Akureyri and the Diamond Circle then the eastern fjords and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before finishing with the famous south coast attractions.

The ferry connection runs from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur and provides a scenic transition during your Iceland 14 day tour! This journey takes you across the stunning Breiðafjörður bay with countless small islands dotting the water and maybe you'll spot seals or seabirds along the way. The ferry timing varies by season with different departure schedules throughout the operating period. During the crossing you'll see incredible coastal scenery and might pass beautiful Flatey island. The ferry provides a relaxing break from driving while offering spectacular views of this unique Icelandic seascape before you continue your Westfjords adventure.

The Westfjords portion of your Iceland 14 day tour focuses primarily on incredible sightseeing and natural attractions! You'll experience some of Iceland's most spectacular landscapes including the dramatic Látrabjarg cliffs where millions of seabirds nest during summer and the stunning Dynjandi waterfall with its eight-tiered cascade. The region offers incredible photography opportunities with pristine fjords and authentic fishing villages like Ísafjörður. While we focus mainly on the outstanding natural sightseeing in our itinerary there are local tour operators in places like Ísafjörður that offer activities such as kayaking and hiking tours if you're interested in adding adventure elements. The Westfjords experience is primarily about connecting with Iceland's most remote and beautiful landscapes through incredible scenic drives and natural attractions.

The routing from Reykjavík to the Westfjords is perfectly planned for your Iceland 14 day tour! On day 2 you'll start in Reykjavík and drive around the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula staying overnight on the peninsula to experience this "Iceland in miniature" region. Day 3 takes you from Snæfellsnes to the Westfjords where you'll begin exploring this incredible remote region. This pacing allows you to properly experience the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before tackling the more remote Westfjords portion of your journey. The two-day transition gives you time to adjust to Iceland's landscapes and driving conditions while building up to the most spectacular and wild regions of your tour.

Ísafjörður is the charming "capital" of the Westfjords and offers a totally different experience from anywhere else in Iceland! This picturesque town sits beautifully at the tip of Skutulsfjörður fjord surrounded by towering mountains and connected to the outside world by winding mountain roads. The colorful wooden houses and narrow streets give it an authentic Nordic fishing village atmosphere. Ísafjörður has incredible cultural heritage with museums and local restaurants serving fresh seafood caught right from the surrounding fjords. While local operators offer activities like kayaking and hiking the town atmosphere can vary significantly depending on whether cruise ships are visiting that day. The town serves as your base for exploring the wider Westfjords region and provides authentic Icelandic small-town character.

This epic Iceland 14 day tour covers approximately 3,055 km (1,900 miles) of driving through some of Iceland's most spectacular terrain! Most days involve 2-4 hours of driving between destinations giving you ample time for sightseeing and photography. The longest driving day distance-wise is day 5 from Ísafjörður to Hrútafjörður which includes navigating some of the more remote Westfjords roads but rewards you with incredible scenery. The Westfjords portion includes more winding roads and some gravel sections but the landscapes make every kilometer worthwhile. After the Westfjords you'll continue clockwise through Akureyri and the Diamond Circle then the eastern fjords and Jökulsárlón before finishing with the south coast. Your Iceland 14 day tour means you're never rushed and can take detours or spend extra time at places that capture your imagination!

Accommodations throughout this Iceland 14 day tour are carefully selected and arranged when you book to guarantee availability even in remote regions! All accommodations include breakfast to start your days of exploration properly. In the Westfjords you'll stay in charming guesthouses and small hotels that provide comfortable rooms. Comfort and Quality category accommodations feature private bathrooms while Budget category accommodations have shared facilities. Due to the remote nature of the Westfjords accommodation options are more limited than other parts of Iceland but that's part of the authentic experience. Places like Ísafjörður offer hotels with local character while smaller villages provide cozy guesthouses run by local families. As you continue your clockwise Ring Road journey you'll stay in well-located accommodations near major attractions like Akureyri and along the south coast providing comfortable bases for each day's adventures.

This Iceland 14 day tour operates during the warmer months when Iceland's main roads are most accessible, especially in the remote Westfjords region. Summer months offer extended daylight hours perfect for exploring all the spectacular landscapes and taking stunning photos during the long bright days. During the operating season you'll have access to the recommended roads in our itinerary and the best chance to see puffins at Látrabjarg cliffs plus optimal weather conditions for the more remote Westfjords driving. The extended daylight means you can explore from early morning until late evening, maximizing your sightseeing opportunities. The summer season provides the most reliable conditions for accessing the Westfjords and completing the full clockwise Ring Road experience safely and comfortably.

This Iceland 14 day tour gives you the ultimate Iceland experience by combining every major region in perfect clockwise sequence! You'll start with the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula before spending 3 incredible days exploring the wild Westfjords including Dynjandi waterfall and Látrabjarg cliffs and authentic towns like Ísafjörður that most visitors never experience. Then you'll continue your clockwise Ring Road journey experiencing all the famous attractions starting with Akureyri and the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland followed by the eastern fjords and spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before finishing with the south coast waterfalls and black sand beaches. This timing allows for proper exploration of the remote Westfjords plus the complete Ring Road experience giving you a comprehensive picture of Iceland's diverse landscapes and cultures. It's the perfect balance of well-known highlights and authentic wilderness adventures!