Highlights
- Explore the grandeur of Mount Kirkjufell
- Discover the playful seals at Rauðasandur Beach
- Scout for humpback whales in Hólmavík
- Venture into the spectacular Víðgelmir Lava Cave
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Snæfellsnes via West Iceland & Borgarfjörður | Snæfellsnes |
| Day 2 | Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Puffin Tour, Ferry to Patreksfjörður | Patreksfjörður |
| Day 3 | Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur & Southern Westfjords, Seal Watching Tour | Patreksfjörður |
| Day 4 | Drive to Ísafjörður via Dynjandi Waterfall, Northern Westfjords & Vigur Island | Ísafjörður |
| Day 5 | Drive to Hólmavík via Ísafjörður Bay, Whale Watching Excursion | Hólmavík |
| Day 6 | Drive to Reykjavík, Víðgelmir Lava Cave Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 7 | Explore Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon Spa, Depart from Keflavík |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Snæfellsnes via West Iceland & Borgarfjörður
Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, pick up your 4WD and hit the road. Your adventure begins in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, sometimes called "Little Iceland," containing all of the country's diversity and natural wonders within 56 miles (96 km). From waterfalls, lava caves, and black sandy beaches to volcanic craters and tiny fishing villages, the West Coast boasts many attractions for outdoor-loving families.
Set out north on the Ring Road (Route 1) toward Reykjavík before taking a detour to the Borgarfjörður district—a rural area covering the land between the city's capital and the peninsula. Mark the first day of your holiday with a visit to the beautiful Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children's Falls)—both within a short distance and easily accessible from the road. Watch in awe as the water tumbles down the countless creeks and cascades into the bright turquoise waters below.
Make your way to your hotel on Snæfellsnes' southern coast, and introduce the kids en route to some classic Icelandic legends and folk stories with a visit to Glanni Waterfall, rumored to be the home of elves and trolls. Don't miss the nearby highlights of Grabrok Crater and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Stop for waffles with whipped cream and jam (an Icelandic favorite) in the nearby village of Reykholt, known for its famous resident Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century author renowned for his works on the Old Norse language and medieval Icelandic mythology.
Day 2: Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Puffin Tour, Ferry to Patreksfjörður
After a hearty breakfast, get ready to explore the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Dominated by the mystical 700,000-year-old Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano (as featured in Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth"), the peninsula is home to treasures often overlooked in favor of Iceland's better-known South Coast. Your first stop as you head west along the coastal road is the other-worldly terrain of the Búðahraun lava field—home to the startlingly atmospheric Búðakirkja black church and a must-see for budding photographers.
From here, continue in a clockwise loop to reach the stunning coastal rock formations between Hellnar and the fishing hamlet of Arnastapi. Stretch your legs and discover the photogenic Gatklettur sea arch before circling the majestic Snæfellsjökull. Then, head east along the north shore to the small fishing village of Grundarfjördur and discover the famous Mount Kirkjufell with its steeple-like peak and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall—both featured in "Game of Thrones."
Day 3: Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur & Southern Westfjords, Seal Watching Tour
Awake refreshed after yesterday's journey and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to get to know the Westfjords area. Your first stop 38 miles (61 km) west is the Látrabjarg Peninsula, Europe's most westerly point and home to one of the most prominent bird cliffs in Iceland. Millions of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, fulmars, and guillemots, nest here in the summer. Task the kids with spotting the various species as you take a gentle hike across the cliffs with gorgeous views of the rocky nesting grounds and out to sea.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Drive to Ísafjörður via Dynjandi Waterfall, Northern Westfjords & Vigur Island
This morning set out and explore one of the Westfjords' most iconic sights—the thunderous waterfalls of Dynjandi. A 90-minute drive north from Patreksfjörður will reward you with stunning views as you reach the top of one of Iceland's most dramatic cascades. If the weather's decent, this makes an excellent spot for a picnic and stroll among the sweeping fjord backdrop.
Hop back in the car, and you'll discover why the drive between the southern and northern Westfjords is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland. Eight fjords make up the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system, which separates this area from Hornstrandir to the north. Continue through charming fishing villages and steep mountain passes on the drive through Arnarfjörður (considered one of the country's most spectacular fjords), Dýrafjörður, and the historic fishing village of Þingeyri. Stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at Simbahöllin— a homely café specializing in Belgian waffles.
Continue through the glacier valley to Önundarfjörður, further enhanced by the sweeping golden beach that curls out into the fjord. Carry on and drive through the 6-mile-long (9 km) Vestfjarðagöng Tunnel and descend to Ísafjörðurh. Here you'll catch a 30-minute boat ride to Vigur Island— home to thousands of birds, including eider ducks, arctic terns, and, of course, puffins! Enjoy a guided walk around the island and unwind in the relaxing environment where there's a distinct feeling of time standing still.
Day 5: Drive to Hólmavík via Ísafjörður Bay, Whale Watching Excursion
Get back on the adventure trail this morning and journey 138 miles (223 km) southeast from Ísafjörður to Hólmavík, a small coastal town nestled by Steingrímsfjördur. Your scenic route takes you past Súðavík and Litlibær. Stop at Súðavík and make a trip to the village's Arctic Fox Center. The kids will be enthralled to learn about Iceland's very first mammal and see the adorable orphaned foxes in the pen outside. Enjoy a light lunch of soup, bread, and cakes before continuing to Hólmavík, where you'll embark on an exhilarating whale watching excursion.
Head to the harbor to board your boat and spend the next few hours adventuring across the waves in search of humpback whales. Create mini marine biologists in the making and watch the kids' excitement as they spot these giants of the ocean. Your captain will get you as close as possible without disturbing the whales.
Day 6: Drive to Reykjavík, Víðgelmir Lava Cave Tour
It's your last full day in Iceland, and this morning you'll journey to the country's capital of Reykjavík, 144 miles (232 km) due south. Pass back through the Borgarfjörður district you encountered on your first day, and break the three-hour journey at Borganes, a cute little town where you can explore and grab a bite to eat before continuing to your hotel.
After checking in at your accommodation, take a stroll through Reykjavík and discover some of the city's main sights, including the towering Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and the Sun Voyager Sculpture. Make your way to the main street of Laugavegur and the town square before heading to the charming old harbor for a coffee. Don't linger too long, as you won't want to miss this afternoon's tour in Reykholt, one of the highlights of your trip.
Day 7: Explore Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon Spa, Depart from Keflavík
It's your final day in Iceland. Depending on your flight time, you have several options. Spend the morning exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and discover geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík. Venture one last time across the peninsula's lunar-like lava landscape as you make your way to Kleifarvatn Lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and wander the lava fields of the Reykjanes National Park.
For a more leisurely end to your road trip, finish your family adventure in style with a trip to the world-famous and family-friendly Blue Lagoon Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal seawater and drift away in contemplation as the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Take a dip with the kids under the lagoon's waterfall and enjoy the in-water bar before seeking refreshments at the on-site café and restaurant.
With hearts full of adventure, it's time to say bless (goodbye). Make your way to Keflavík airport, drop off your rental car and board your flight home. See you soon!
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