Explore Iceland's Magnificent Westfjörds & Otherworldly Highlands - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore Iceland's western highlights, from Snæfellsnes to the Westfjords
• Stroll the north coast's black-sand beaches, go whale watching, and visit waterfalls
• Embark on scenic drives through coastal villages and past dramatic scenery
• Soak in natural hot springs, including the famous Blue Lagoon

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Hólmavík, Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft Museum

Welcome to Iceland! You've got 10 whole days to explore the far-flung corners of this volcanic wonderland, enjoying ample natural beauty and geothermal wonders as you go. It starts right away with your arrival at Keflavík Airport, in the southwest corner of the island. Here, you'll pick up a rental car and set off beyond the capital of Reykjavík to Iceland's famous fjords in the northwest of the country.

The drive up to the Westfjords takes around 3.5 hours, but there will be plenty of sightseeing stops along the way. One fun detour is a drive to the northeast end of the famous Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Búðardalur. This village is situated on the Hvammsfjörður fjord and has a long history dating from the time of the first settlements in Iceland. In fact, a short distance from the village is Eiríksstaðir, the homestead of Erik the Red (950 to 1003 CE), who was the first European to discover Greenland. His son, Leif Erikson, was the first European to discover America.

Eventually, you'll arrive in the Westfjords and Hólmavík, a small fishing village on the Steingrímsfjördur fjord. Once you've checked into your hotel, you can enjoy the town's highlights. Fans of the occult will love the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. It recounts the history of the craft and its place in Icelandic folklore, plus the witch craze that swept Iceland in the 17th century. About 20 minutes north of town, you'll find the Sorcerer's Cottage, which makes up the second part of the museum.

Day 2: Day Trip to Djúpavík & Eastern Westfjords

After breakfast, you'll leave on a day trip to Djúpavík. It's a short drive north to reach this old fishing town, and once there, you can tour landmarks like its early 20th-century Old Herring Factory. Another great option nearby is Krossneslaug, one of the most popular hot springs in the Westfjords.

Later, you can stop at the Munaðarnesm farm, which looks out over the fjords and the Drangaskörð rocky peaks on the horizon. Then maybe go for a hike along Reykjaneshyrna, a mountain on the fjord whose trails also offer incredible views. At the end of the day, you'll return to Hólmavík.

Day 3: Drive to Ísafjörður via Dynjandi Waterfall, Museums & Kayaking

Rise and shine for another scenic drive around Iceland's north! Hit the road for the three-hour trip to the top of the Westfjords and the historic fishing village of Ísafjörður, where you'll overnight. On the way, you can stop at the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík to learn about the only terrestrial mammal native to Iceland and meet orphaned foxes. You can also visit Dynjandi. One of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, its cascades plunge 330 feet (100 m) down a rocky mountain and are up to 197 feet (60 m) wide at the bottom. 

Once you've checked into your hotel in Ísafjörður, you can explore on your own. Perhaps stroll around Ísafjörður's well-preserved town center, then visit the Maritime Museum to learn about the seafaring history. If you like, it's a short drive up the coast to the village of Bolungarvík, where you'll find Bolafjell, a coastal mountain offering great views over the fjords. If you like, grab a paddle and explore the fjords from the seat of a kayak. 

Day 4: Drive to Patreksfjörður, Látrabjarg Cliffs & Gardar Shipwreck

More Icelandic splendor is in store this morning as you make the drive south through the Westfjords down to the port town of Patreksfjörður. During this two-hour journey, you'll pass fjordside fishing villages and settlements like Suðureyri, Flateyri, and Þingeyri. You can also stop in the village of Bildudalur. Interestingly, this small town is a regional hub for fish farming, plus it has a vibrant music culture. Locals host a yearly folk festival and an Icelandic music memorabilia exhibition.

Continue to the southwest tip of the Westfjords and the soaring cliffs of Látrabjarg. Besides great ocean views, this part of Iceland is significant because it marks Europe's westernmost point. These cliffs are also the habitat for millions of seabirds like puffins, razorbills, fulmars, and guillemots. 

You can also take a scenic detour to the dazzling Rauðasandur red-sand beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Also nearby is the famous Gardar BA 64 Shipwreck. Iceland's oldest steel ship was purposely run aground in 1981 and now lies forever beached on the side of the road. Feel free to get out and stretch your legs on a walk around the ship. Eventually, you'll arrive in Patreksfjörður, where you'll check into your hotel.

Day 5: Ferry to Stykkisholmur: Beaches, Waterfalls & Coastal Cliffs, Drive to Húsafell

Head down to the harbor this morning and take a ferry across the Breiðafjörður fjord to Stykkisholmur, a beautiful town on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You'll have the morning to explore the peninsula's highlights. First, head over to the otherworldly lava rock formations and sea cliffs at Lóndrangar. Its most famous landmarks are two incredible rock pillars, which rise as high as 246 feet (75 m). The peninsula's visitor center is farther up the road, where you can learn more about this area's volcanic system.

A short drive up the coast is Djupalonsandur. This beach is also dotted with towering rock formations, but its volcanic black sands are the real star. It claims an interesting history in the form of a shipwreck from 1948, and back in the Middle Ages, the area was a prominent fishing village. Left on the beach from that era are four stones of various sizes that sea captains used to test the strength of potential sailors.

One of the day's highlights is a visit to the three-tiered waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss, which is backed by the rounded peak of Mount Kirkjufell and was featured in "Game of Thrones." You'll also want to make a quick detour to the Saxholar crater, where you can stretch your legs with a walk up the stairs that take you right to the top of the crater and great views of the countryside. At the end of the afternoon, continue to your hotel in the town of Húsafell.

Day 6: Drive to Kerlingarfjöll via Þingvellir National Park, Hot Springs & Mountains

After an early breakfast, hit the road on a two-hour drive south from Húsafell to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route you'll follow is part of the Golden Circle, a 190-mile (300 km) circuit that includes some of Iceland's most stunning natural landmarks. The park itself is home to Iceland's largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn, which is an excellent stop for a picnic or brisk hike. And if you're feeling adventurous, try diving/snorkeling between the continental plates in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Fissure, where visibility is up to 400 feet (120 m).

After exploring the park, continue into the Icelandic highlands and the Kerlingarfjöll massif, the star mountain in the highland ranges of Iceland. The area surrounding it is full of small steaming hot springs, mud pools, and natural geysers, making it a hiker's paradise. After trekking around this massive geothermal area, you'll visit another regional highlight, Hveradalir. Known as the "Valley of the Hot Springs," it's one of the largest geothermal areas in the country and is a great place to relax in rejuvenating waters. At the end of the day, you'll check into your hotel near Kerlingarfjöll.

Day 7: Drive to Hella via Gullfoss, Geysir Geothermal Area & Secret Lagoon

See more of the highlands this morning on a 3-4-hour drive south toward the coast and the town of Hella. On the way, you'll stop at a few of Iceland's famous geological marvels. One highlight is the Geysir geothermal area. This is one of the country's most active geothermal sites, with bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and erupting geysers. The star here is the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts like clockwork every 5 to 10 minutes, reaching up to 130 feet (40 m) high.

Another massive geothermal area you'll discover is the Hveravellir Nature Reserve. This oasis sits between two glaciers and is filled with natural springs and scenic hiking trails. You'll also stop to marvel at Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that plunges 104 feet (32 m) into a river canyon. Then, drive south to nearby Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest geothermal swimming pool. After an al fresco soak, you'll continue to nearby Hella, where you'll overnight.

Day 8: Highland Excursion: Waterfalls & Hot Springs

After breakfast, you'll venture off the tourist trail and visit more incredible highland landmarks. One major site is Hjálparfoss, a beautiful waterfall in the Thjorsa Valley whose double cascades point toward each other and appear as mirror images.

Nearby is Gjáin, known as the "Oasis of the Highlands." This area is famous among locals for its stunning landscapes, which include green valleys, trickling streams, moss-covered rocks, wildflower-dotted fields, and romantic waterfalls. It's a great place to stop for a brisk hike, as is Háifoss, a dramatic waterfall in the area that plunges 400 feet (122 m) over a cliff. 

Another area you'll visit in the highlands is Landmannalaugar. This region is famous for its multicolored mountains, volcanic terrain, and geothermal landscapes, including hot springs, steam vents, and bubbling mud pools. End the day with a soak in one of the natural springs here, which are geothermally heated and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Afterward, you'll return to Hella and your hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Reykjavík via Lava Tunnel, Sky Lagoon & Whale Watching

Say goodbye to the highlands as you return to Reykjavík in the morning. The drive takes about an hour, but you'll stop near the village of Húsafell at the Víðgelmir lava tube. With a length of approximately 5,184 feet (1,580 m), this is the largest lava cave in Iceland. During a 1.5-hour guided tour, you'll enter the tube and witness the vivid colors and unusual rock formations within this geologic marvel, which was created by molten lava over 1,000 years ago.

Afterward, continue to Reykjavík and spend the day enjoying the nation's dynamic capital. On a walking tour of the colorful downtown area, you'll stop at famous landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture, the shimmering Harpa Concert Hall, and museums like the Northern Lights Center. You'll also visit the Sky Lagoon, a natural hot spring located on a harbor south of the city. While here, enjoy the Seven-Step Ritual, which involves alternating between soaks in relaxing hot springs—whose temps hover around 100-104°F (38-40°C)—and reinvigorating cold plunges.

Day 10: Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart

The fun isn't over yet. In the morning, you'll drive from Reykjavík to the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the airport, for a self-guided tour until it's time for your flight. Highlights include lava fields, fishing villages, and the UNESCO World Heritage Reykjanes Geopark. This hotbed of geological activity is the only place on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level.

The most famous destination on this peninsula is the Blue Lagoon. If there's time, stop for a soak in its milky blue waters, which hover around a luxurious 98-104°F (37-40°C). The experience is heightened by the sheer blanket of steam and mist perpetually hovering above the water. Speaking of that water, its rich mineral content, algae, and silica offer many health benefits. It's even a proven treatment for psoriasis.

Other locales you may want to visit include Reykjanesviti, the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, built in 1878. Nearby is a footbridge over a fissure separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A walk across it means you're taking a stroll between two continents. Afterward, drive to the airport, where you'll drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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