The Wild West

12-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour

Duration

12 Days

Season

Summer (May - Sept.)

Driving distance

Approx. 2700 KM

Accommodation

Private bathroom

Description

Exploring the Icelandic Westfjords! This the perfect vacation if you want to both see the main attractions in Iceland and the less touristic wilderness. Over 12 days you can see the three regions of the Westfjords, the West and the South of Iceland.

 

Even if an extended week might pass quickly, you will never forget your experiences over these days. You travel the scenic West and the famous South Coast, with plenty of time to take in the sights. The segments of this vacation are purposefully situated to save travel times, giving you more time for other activities.

 

Tired of planning? We’ll take care of everything in advance, so all you need to do is pick up your vehicle and your adventure will begin! In addition to the bookings, we will give you a travel itinerary to ensure you do not miss any highlights. Are you interested in introducing more activities? That’s not an issue; upon booking, you will receive appropriate options to choose from that will enhance your trip.

 

If this sounds intriguing, then check out the itinerary!

 

Included

Rental car for 12 days (different categories available, more info below)
Accommodation for 11 nights (private bathroom, breakfast included)  
SCDW insurance and Gravel Protection for the rental car
Ferry ride on Baldur, one car included
Detailed travel information (Roadbook)
Personal travel advisor
Icelandic taxes

Not Included

Flights to and from Iceland
Meals, drinks, and entrance costs, unless otherwise noted
Personal Travel Insurance
Any services not listed above as “included”

How to book with us

Step 1 – Select Participants, Travel Date, and Rental Car Type

Step 2 – Enter Main Traveler’s Details

Step 3 – Choose Additional Services

Step 4 – Finalize Your Booking Using a Credit Card

Cancellation Protection

Cancel/Rebook a tour within 72 hours before arrival and receive a full refund

Read our Terms and Conditions 

Itinerary
Day 1
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

hallgrimskirkja church in iceland

When you land in Iceland your rental car will be waiting for you. Reykjavík is only a short drive away, and after checking into your hotel you can explore the northern most capital city in the world. Whether you are looking for tasty food or thrilling entertainment, you will definitely find something to experience in this lively city.

Optional Activities
Day 2
Highlights

Arnarstapi

Lóndrangar

Djúpalónssandur

Kirkjufell

Stykkishólmur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 310 km

Accommodation: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Gatklettur arch in snaefellsnes iceland

Today you venture out of the city to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. During your trip you will encounter many special sights like the Gatklettur rock arch, the rocky peaks of Lóndrangar, the black sand beach Djúpalónssandur and the well known Mount Kirkjufell. If you want to take a break from driving on your way to the peninsula there is a hot spring called Landbrotalaug on the way. It is located in a rough environment but offers warm water to relax in and amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

 

Naturally, the majestic Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano will easily grab your attention during most of the day and in clear weather, you can even drive up to it in a snowcat. It is an option to go whale watching if you stop in Grundarfjörður, and if you do, you might be lucky and spot orcas! You will end the day in the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur where you will be staying over night.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier

Day 3
Highlights

Ferry Trip Across Breiðafjörður

Krosslaug & Hellulaug Hot Tubs

Rauðasandur Beach

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 240 km

Accommodation: Patreksfjörður

Raudisandur red sand beach in westfjords iceland

You will start your day with a boat ride from the picturesque village of Stykkishólmur over Breiðafjörður Fjord to Brjánslækur. The trip takes you between countless small islands and offers a great view of the surroudings. Of course, if you do not feel like taking a boat over Breiðafjörður or if the schedule does not suit you, you can drive around it instead.

 

When you arrive at Brjánslækur, you can take a short detour to Flókalundur for a meal if you are hungry and a bath in Hellulaug Hot Spring. Otherwise you can stop by and relax in Krosslaug Hot Spring on your way to Rauðasandur. This red and gold beach stretches 10 kilometers between mountain ranges and can feel like an otherworldly paradise. Close by, on the westernmost point in Iceland, are the 441 m high bird cliffs at Látrabjarg nature reserve. Here you will find the breeding grounds of a variety of different bird species, amount them puffins.

 

You will end your day at Patreksfjörður fishing village for a well earned sleep.

 

Optional Activities
Day 4
Highlights

Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool

Dynjandi Waterfall

Skrúður Botanical Garden

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 240 km

Accommodation: Ísafjörður

dynjandi waterfall in Westfjords iceland

On day 4 you can start by stopping in Bíldudalur's Sea Monster Museum and if you drive further west along the coast you can find the very special Samúel Jónsson's Art Farm. Before visiting today’s highlight and one of the Westfjord's jewels, the mighty Dynjandi waterfall, it might be good idea to relax in the hot pool Reykjafjarðarlaug.

 

After Dynjandi you can make a quick detour to Jón Sigurðsson Museum and in Þingeyri village, you can order a waffle in the cozy café of Simbahöllin. Another nice detour would be Skrúður, likely one of the world's more secluded botanical gardens and a real contrast to the otherwise barren but beautiful landscape of the Westfjords. On your way to your accommodation at the Westfjords largest settlement, Ísafjörður, Önundarfjörður Pier makes for a nice and quick photo stop.

Optional Activities
Day 5
Highlights

Ísafjörður Village

Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík

Hot Springs at Heydalur

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 250 km

Accommodation: Hólmavík

An arctic fox in Iceland

Today, your trip takes you to Ósvör Maritime Museum and if the weather is nice a short detour to Bolafjall Viewing Platform gives you a staggering view of the surrounding landscape. Next you can visit the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík where you can learn all about the only native mammal to Iceland. Arctic foxes in the Westfjords are more used to people, so you might be lucky enough to see them out and about in the wild nature.

 

As you enjoy the unique nature and beautiful mountain ranges while driving the lonely roads of Ísafjarðardjúp, you can make a few more stops along the way. If you feel like going for a hike, Valagil Waterfall would be a nice destination. Another cool stop would be Heydalur valley which has a restaurant for hungry mouths and natural hot springs for its guests to stretch their legs in. You end the day in Hólmavík, home to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. 

Optional Activities
Day 6
Highlights

Drangsnes

Djúpavík

Krossneslaug

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 250 km

Accommodation: Hólmavík

Dragnes hot pot

Day 6 takes you further into no man's land than ever. After a breakfast in Hólmavík you head on to Drangsnes, a tiny fishing village that offers hot tubs by the ocean for those interested. If you are lucky you might see seals jumping out of the water! You continue your trip to The Sorcerer's Cottage to get a glimpse of the mindset of people during the times of witch hunting in Iceland.

 

Later you cross paths with another, even smaller village called Djúpavík, which was built for salting herring more than a 100 years ago. When you go further along your route you will find another abandoned herring factory in Ingólfsfjörður fjord. Before heading back to Hólmavík for the night, going for a swim in Krossneslaug pool is an absolute must. It is not often you see a swimming pool in the middle of nowhere with a perfect view over the ocean in front.

Optional Activities
Day 7
Highlights

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 270 km

Accommodation: Borgarnes area

Hraunfossar

This day brings you to the gorgeous Borgarfjörður region, where you can indulge in the sights and sounds of enchanting waterfalls, ancient grounds and steaming hot springs. On your way there are many nice stops to make such as at the Sheep Farming Museum and Hólar Farm animal shelter. Eiríkstaðir Viking Longhouse is another great place to visit to get insight into Iceland's history. This was the house of Erik the Red, father of Leifur Eiríksson the first European to find America.

 

Next you will visit Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall before experiencing to the intense heat of Deildartunguhver. At Reykholt you will see the home to the famous scholar Snorri Sturluson and his hot bath. If you want to bathe yourself there is one nearby at Krauma, a great place to relax tired legs.

 

Farther inland the lava waterfalls at Barnafoss and Hraunfossar await your discovery. Hraunfossar is very special as it streams out from underneath an extended lava field into a glacial river. When the day is over, you head to your accommodation in the Borgarfjörður region.

Optional Activities

Into the Glacier, Krauma Geothermal Bath

Day 8
Highlights

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir & Strokkur

Gullfoss Waterfall

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Hvolsvöllur area

If you don't mind a longer day you can start with a hike to Iceland's second tallest waterfall, Glymur. It is a beautiful hike where you see the waterfall on your way up before wading the ice cold river at the top. We recommend taking a snack, a towel and sandals for crossing the river. Afterwards you can experience one of the nicer geothermal baths in Iceland, Hvammsvík Hot Springs.

 

As you get closer to the South Coast of Iceland, you will visit Þingvellir National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant place in Iceland, historically, geologically and politically as this is where the oldest surviving parliament was founded. Next you will reach Strokkur geyser, that shoots up extremely hot water up to 40 meters into the air. You will discover Gullfoss waterfall close by, which is the most famous waterfall in Iceland.

 

When you feel hungry in the Golden Circle area we recommend eating inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar Tomato Farm. And if you did not try Hvammsvík and wish to relax in warm water, Laugarvatn Fontana is also in the area.

Optional Activities

Laugarvatn Fontana

Day 9
Highlights

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skógafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 260 km

Accommodation: Vatnajökull area

Reynisfjara

On the ninth day you will drive along the beautiful South Coast. There you will find the gorgeous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which are a must see, but there are also other stunning waterfalls on your route that are not as well known.

 

Before reaching the waterfalls you have the option of checking out Kerið Crater and The Caves of Hella. Later in the day, close to Vík village, you will witness one of todays highlights, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. In Vík you can experience the Lava Show where you can see real, hot lava up close, before driving to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for your overnight stay.

Optional Activities

Snowmobiling, Lava Show, ATV Tour

Day 10
Highlights

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafell National Park

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canion

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 330 km

Accommodation: Vík area

The first stop of the day is at Jökulsárlón, the most famous location on the South Coast. This display of frozen icebergs floating down to the ocean where they break down into smaller ice clumps are a true marvel. The neighbouring Diamond Beach offers the sight of those ice clumps lying scattered along the contrasting black sand beach, a perfect spot for photography.

 

Today you could go on an amazing glacier hike on Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and, if interested, combine it with a trip into an ice cave! These caves are transformed annually and features beautiful, blue and white, natural design. At Skaftafell National Park you can choose from many different types of hikes, arguably the nicest one takes you to Svartifoss Waterfall which is surrounded by beautiful lava columns. On your way back to Vík, a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a must. This canyon offers a otherworldly view that you should not miss.

Optional Activities

Glacier Hiking, Ice Caving

Day 11
Highlights

South Coast & Reykjanes Peninsula

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 230 km

Accommodation: Reykjavík

Fagradalsfjall volcano craters blowing hot lava

It is time for you to travel back to the Capital City of Reykjavík. You will take a different route along the South Coast than before, visiting small villages, geothermal area and, perhaps, a lava cave. This day also offers a great opportunity to go for a horseback ride or a hike to the hot springs in Reykjadalur Valley.

 

The home to five volcanic systems, Reykjanes Peninsula is a very interesting place. Other than spewing up hot lava regularly these days, it also has hot geothermal areas and a rugged coastline. If you haven't been there already, you can relax in the famous Blue Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavík City.

Optional Activities

Blue Lagoon, Horseback Riding

Day 12
Highlights

Capital Reykjavík

Good to Know

Driving Distance: approx. 50 km

The iconic building and concert hall HARPA in Reykjavik, Iceland.

It is your last day in Iceland and, if you have time, make sure to make the most of it. You shop some gifts before travelling back home, visit museums or galleries or do some activities. Whatever you choose to do, you will definitely have had the time of your life and many stories that lasts you a lifetime!

Optional Activities
Hotel selection in the comfort category

Comfort (Private Bathroom)

In our comfort category, we book rooms with private bathroom in hotels and boutique guesthouses. Breakfast is included.

The hotels are of a good standard and offer towels, hairdryers, and free WiFi. Examples include Storm Hotel, Stracta Hotel, and Hali Country Hotel.

If you book with an odd number of travelers, we provide an extra room. E.g. 3 travelers get 2 rooms.

Toyota Aygo rental car in Iceland

Economy 2WD

Toyota Yaris (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 3 adult travelers.

Standard 4WD

Dacia Duster (manual) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.

Toyota RAV4 Mietwagen in Island

Comfort 4WD

Toyota RAV4 (automatic) or similar, SCDW insurance and gravel protection are included.Recommended for up to 4 adult travelers.

Price from p.p.
377,812 ISK

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