8 DAY WESTFJORDS TOUR

Pearl of Iceland – the Westfjords
The saying goes that if you have never been to West Iceland, then you have not really seen Iceland. Indeed, the Westfjords are a very special place that best reflects how Iceland was formed (it is here that the first mountains and fjords took shape). This is a true paradise for those who love birds and other wildlife and for those travelers who would like to visit a part of Iceland that is not on the typical tourist route, places where they could be spend time alone and commune with nature.

Day 1 / Keflavík-Reykjavík
Arrive at KEF Airport. Rental car pick-up. The journey to Reykjavik (45 km). Stay the night in Reykjavik.

Day 2 / Snæfellsness peninsula
Drive around the wonderfully beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The Snæfellsnes Glacier is especially worthy of attention. This glacier and its dormant volcano that was made famous in Jules Verne’s book A Journey to the Centre of the Earth can be seen in its lofty grandeur all the way from Reyjavik almost 150 km driving distance away. On the way, you will see many waterfalls, streams, lava fields covered in moss and a yellow beach, the only yellow sand beach in Iceland. Do not miss the opportunity to stop, for example, by the Langahold Hotel, and take a walk along the coast. Seals can often be seen here. A walk from the little village of Hellnar to the basalt cliffs of Arnastapi will leave a truly great impression.

Take road No. 574 to the village of Stykkishólmur, stopping by the Bjarnahöfn Farm to taste, if you‘re adventurous, the traditional “rotten shark” and find out more about shark fishing. Stay the night in Skykkishólmur or its environs.

Day 3 / Ferry trip to the Breiðafjörður peninsula
Take the 9:00 am or 3:45 pm ferry to the Breiðafjörður Peninsula and the beautiful Westfjords, stopping at Flatey Island . Arrive at Brjánslækur and the journey continues on to the town of Patreksfjörður. Stay the night in Patreksfjörður or in the vicinity.

Day 4 / Cliffs of Látrabjarg: bird paradise
The mountainous northwestern peninsula has several points of attraction for both ornithologists and anyone who loves nature. Three of Iceland’s largest bird cliffs can be found in this region. The largest is the 14 km long Látrabjarg Canyon which has an average height of 160 m.

More than two million pairs of Brunnich’s guillemots nest here along with one of the largest colonies (about 7000 pairs) of glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) and common eiders, as well as the tourists’ favorites—(countless) puffins (Fratercula arctica). If an entire day at Látrabjarg is too much, we recommend that you drive to the Keflavik Bay, which will surprise you with its red beach—named appropriately Rauðisandur. Stop by the Hnjótur Folk Museum on your way to Patreksfjörður or the area around Patreksfjörður where you will stay for the night.

Day 5 / Deeper into the Westfjords
Journey on further into the northern Westfjords, leaving behind Tálknafjördur and Bíldudalur. Route No. 619 will lead you to Selardalur Valley in the Arnarfjörður Fjord, to the museum of Samuel Jónsson, where very interesting exhibition reflecting the artist‘s innocence awaits you. The sculptures and buildings there were on the edge of disintegration, but in 1998, the decision was made to restore and preserve them. The next stop is the wonderfully beautiful Dynjandi Waterfall, another gem to admire on a visit to the West. Next, the road leads to the Dyrafjörður Fjord and the town of Þingeyri. Stay the night in Þingeyri or the surrounding area.

Day 6 / Capital of the Westfjords: Ísafjörður and its environs
Ísafjörður is known as the capital of the Westfjords and its largest town. We recommend a casual stroll through the town, a visit to the Marine Museum, a visit to the former hospital building which is now home to an art museum, and a view of the garden of Jon with the main feature, a gate made of whale bones. For those who are not in a hurry, a visit to the charming island of Vigur is also recommended especially for bird lovers.

Having spent the afternoon in Ísafjörður, continue your journey on Route No. 61 toward the town of Reykjanes where you can take a swim in 50×12.5 m pools of geothermic water. Fatigue and stress will be dissipated by the hot water and clean air. The journey continues onwards to Hólmavík or, if you like, to the small fishing village of Drangsnes. The Museum of Spells and Witchceaft in Hólmavík will transport you to the world of the mystical and supernatural. Here you will find out about the Icelandic witch hunts of the seventeenth

Day 7 / Strandir
The Strandir (literally “coast”) region has been one of the most remote areas in Iceland for hundreds of years. Its landscape is very varied. This is an ideal place for those looking for peace and quiet to better enjoy the incredible beauty of nature.There is a small village called Djúpavík in Reykjarfjörð where a large herring factory was built in the 1930s and operated until 1954. This village has many relics, such as the incredibly interesting and gigantic herring factory.

Trékyllisvík is home to two churches and the Kört, an historical-craft museum. Another village in the area is Gjögur and Norðurfjörð Airport is not far from there. Further on to the north and offering amazing views is the unique Krossnes Pool, situated at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. This is the last stop of the day. After a swim and a rest, return to the same place you stayed at on Day 6.

Day 8 / Hrútafjörður-Borgarnes
Today you will travel toward Reykjavik, stopping at Borgarnes on the way. Take Route No. 61 to Melar Bru, where the Bay of Hrútafjörður ends, and continue on Route No. 1 over the highland of Holtavörðuheiði to Borgarnes. Decide whether to rest for the remaining part of the day or investigate the environs, depending on your energy levels and the weather conditions. Not far from Borgarnes is the Reykhólt, where you can learn about Icelandic politician, poet, historian and writer Snorri Sturlusson, who wrote the famous Prose Edda. You will also see Hraunfossar Waterfalls and Barnafoss Waterfalls and learn about its mournful history. Renowned for the unique beauty of its flora and its breathtaking views, Húsafell is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Stay the night in or around Borgarnes.

Day 9 / Hvalfjörður-Reykjavík
Choose one of two possible routes to return to Reykjavik. The first is to drive around the Hvalfjörður Fjord and Glymur Falls, the highest waterfall in Iceland. The second route via a tunnel saves you about 45 minutes.
Afternoon in Reykjavik. Options: a walk through the city, a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, whale watching, museums, cafés, swimming pools; there‘s plenty to do. Stay the night in Reykjavik.

Day 10 / Keflavik airport
Plan your day with your departure time in mind. Journey to the KEF Airport. Car drop-off. The flight home.

Consider including one of our day trips:

• Ísafjörður Walk
• A day’s hike from Aðalvík to Hesteyri
• The abandoned village