Best of the West: Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Westfjords - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, Pick Up Rental Car & Tour West Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival at Keflavík Airport (KEF) in the morning, pick up your rental car. Feel free to stop in Reykjavík for breakfast, or continue north to get a head start on your first day. Spend the night in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is about a 2-2.5-hour drive north of Reykjavík.

On your drive north, you can take a detour for an optional hike to Glymur Falls, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The hike is 2-3 hours, depending on how far you go. You can also choose to embark on this hike toward the end of your trip (more details on that day). En route, stop in Borgarnes on the water, where you can learn more about the Settlement Age of Iceland at the Settlement Center, or walk along the path down by the shore. If you have extra time, make stops at historic towns like Reykholt and Hvanneyri.

Then, continue a bit farther north, and spend the night in the Hvammstangi / Laugarbakki area.

Day 2: Ferry to the Westfjords

Finish exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with a drive into the Berserkjahraun Lava Fields. Then, head to Stykkishólmur to enjoy some fresh mussels by the harbor and a tour of the Volcano Museum. Next, catch a three-hour ferry north to the Westfjords. Note that departure times vary and are limited in the winter season, but you can also drive about 3.25 hours instead.

Spend the night around Patreksfjörður. If you have some time, start exploring some of the nearby sights listed tomorrow.

Day 3: Hike the Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs, Visit Rauðasandur Beach

Drive to the southwest tip of the Westfjords, and start your day with a hike along the edge at the Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs, with incredible views over the waters below.  Note that the ride is very bumpy for the last leg, as you drive over gravel roads with many potholes. Take it slow and easy. It may take longer than your GPS app estimates, but most find the scenery and seclusion well worth it. The trail leading up from the parking lot follows the edge of the cliff for as long as you wish to hike.

Next, take a detour to Rauðasandur Red Sand Beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Much of this drive is on gravel roads. As you head north, stop at the Gardar BA 64 Shipwreck, beached on the side of the road. Park the car and walk around the ship. There are some informational signs nearby, as well.

Enjoy the rest of your day and evening in Patreksfjörður at your leisure.

Day 4: Drive to Ísafjörður via Picnic at Dynjandi Waterfall

You may want to pick up some picnic supplies today, as many stops won't be near much else until you arrive in Ísafjörður.

Take Route 62 to Route 60 and head to Dynjandi Waterfall. The drive up to the ridge has some switchbacks and is quite bumpy in places. As you reach the top, access incredible views in both directions and for the whole drive down to the fjord near the falls. Park the car and walk around the several waterfalls below the massive Dynjandi Waterfall. This is a great spot for a picnic in the beautiful fjord setting.

Finish your drive through Iceland’s longest tunnel, arriving in Ísafjörður to enjoy one the best fish meals in the country at the award-winning Tjoruhusid (well worth it after a long day). While in town, make sure to visit the Ísafjörður Maritime Museum and join a cultural and historical walking tour.

For breakfast, consider the following: 

• Bræðraborg Café
• Husid
• Gamla Bakaríið (bakery)

For lunch and dinner, in addition to Tjoruhusid, you can dine at the following:

• Restaurant Við Pollinn
• Café Edinborg
• Husid (café/bar/coffee shop; open late)

Day 5: Drive to Drangsnes via Hómavík & Eastern Westfjords

The drive from Ísafjörður is about three hours today to Drangsnes and is incredibly scenic as you curve around the fjords. Eight fjords make up the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system, which separates this area from Hornstrandir to the north. This section between Ísafjörður and Hómavík in the Westfjords can be a bit divisive for drivers—some love the scenic drive around the many fjords, while others find it frustrating to drive for a couple of hours to not travel too far from where they started. There are a few worthwhile stops along the drive to stretch the legs and get out of the car to better appreciate the landscapes.

Just 20 minutes from the Ísafjörður harbor, arrive in the nearby town of Súðavík, home of the Arctic Fox Center. This nonprofit research center and the exhibit will teach you all about the Arctic fox. Here, learn all you ever wanted to know about Iceland's first land mammal, as well as enjoy historically themed interactions with the local people of Iceland. Stop to see the orphaned foxes in the pen outside, and then grab a light meal of soup, bread, and cakes.

A bit south of the town, at the bottom of Álftafjörður, locate the start of a short hike to thundering Valagil Falls.

As you drive along Hestfjörður and Skötufjörður (about 1 hour from Sudavik), keep an eye out for the small fishing town of Hvítanes, where you can often find many harbor seals resting on the rocks near the shore. This is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs after an hour of driving the curvy fjord roads.

On the tip of the small peninsula between Reykjarfjörður and Seydisfjordur Fjord, spot the small Saltverk Salt Factory. The owners can offer you a brief tour of the factory and tell you about the history of the traditional method, which is created using geothermal steam. Take the unique opportunity to purchase some of the famous salt, either for yourself or as a gift.

This is also one of your last opportunities to look back at Ísafjarðardjúp before crossing to the eastern side of the region.  

After a 30-minute drive overland, you will arrive on the eastern side of the region near the town of Holmavik, home to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft. Take a tour of 17th-century Iceland and explore the world of witchcraft, sorcery, and the supernatural. The 30-minute audio guide will teach you about the traditions and history of the craft and its prominence in old tales and the sagas. About 20 minutes north along the coast, you will find the Sorcerer's Cottage, which makes up the second part of the museum.

Note: The museum is a bit south of where you are staying tonight, so you can stop tomorrow on your way south to Reykjavík if you prefer.

Day 6: Return to Reykjavík, Explore

If you did not do so on your way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, and then go for a hike at Glymur Falls, along with stops at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss if you skipped those, too.

Finish the day in Reykjavík. Walk through the compact downtown to check out the unique street art scene. Head to the water for the Sun Voyager Sculpture and the Harpa Concert Hall, with its unique glass architecture. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, a church on the hill, and take the elevator to the top of the tower for a great view of the city below and panoramic views of the area. You can also join a whale watching tour from Reykjavík Harbour and snack on a world-famous hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

For delicious lunch and dinner recommendations, consider the below:

• Messinn
• Sea Barron
• Kol Restaurant
• The Coocoo's Nest
• Kaffivagninn (lunch only)
• Café Loki

If you are interested in checking out Reykjavík’s nightlife scene, visit the following bars:

• Craft Cocktails
• Mikkeller & Friends
• Skúli Craft Bar
• KEX Hostel Bar (live music on weekends)

Day 7: Explore Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart Reykjavík

Spend your last day exploring more of Reykjavík. Stop by the Blue Lagoon on your drive to the airport, where you can enjoy one last geothermal soak before you fly home. If you have more time, visit some of the highlights around the Reykjanes Peninsula. The following places are often missed by travelers quickly traveling between Reykjavik and KEF airport for departure. With a bit more time, you can explore lava fields, geothermal areas, lighthouses, and small fishing towns.

These places are listed east to west as you drive from Reykjavík to KEF clockwise around the peninsula:

• Krýsuvík geothermal area: While you can walk around the area near the parking lot in as little as 5 minutes, take your time to see the steam vents and hot pools up close. Look up at the multicolored hills surrounding the area. There’s a short, steep trail up the hill, which offers great views on a clear day.
• Gunnuhver hot springs and geothermal area: Here, find a couple of bubbling and steaming mud pools. Gunnuhver is named after a female ghost who was said to be trapped in the hot springs more than 400 years ago. Temperatures are extremely hot, so stick to the walkways and viewing areas. While here, continue about five minutes to the cliffs to stop at Reykjanesviti lighthouse, which has beautiful views of Iceland from atop a hill.
• Bridge Between Continents (Europe Miðlína): This area is a great symbol of Icelandic geology. The Reykjanes Peninsula is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which pulls apart a few centimeters every year. You can cross the bridge between the continental plates while you're here and look down at the gap below.
• Garður Lighthouse: About 15 minutes north of KEF, you will arrive at two lighthouses—one on the coast (older and not as stable) and a second a bit farther inland. This scenic area can be a nice area to walk around and stretch your legs before boarding your return flight home.

This trip was included in the list of the best European itineraries. See the complete list

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