Iceland's Wild West & Arctic North Road Trip - 16 Days

Highlights

• Visit the otherworldly waterfalls and volcanoes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Hike along rugged Westfjords sea cliffs to do some puffin-spotting
• Drive to glassy fjords like Ísafjörður and awe-inspiring waterfalls like Goðafoss
• Go on wildlife tours to spot seals, Arctic foxes, and humpback whales

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Welcome to Iceland! There's no better way to see the "land of fire and ice" than on an epic road trip. Lucky for you, the keys to your rental car will be waiting when you arrive at the airport in the town of Keflavík. Located on Iceland's southwest side, this will be your jumping-off point on a journey to discover the natural wonders of its western and northern regions.

On the first day of this scenic road adventure, head north from the airport past the capital of Reykjavík. On the drive up to western Iceland's famous Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you'll have ample time to stop and discover volcanic landscapes and hot springs. The first major destination on the drive is Borgarfjörður, a fjord and district in the country's southwest. All around here are famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path wonders. If you like, you can visit famous waterfalls like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. There's also Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.

For a bit of history, learn about Viking Saga heritage at the traditional village of Reykholt, then hike around lava fields near the Grabrok crater. Another famous trek in the region will take you up to Glymur Falls. Iceland's second-tallest waterfall cascades 650 feet (198 m) over cliffs, and all around it are great hiking trails. One can't-miss highlight is Krauma—natural geothermal baths where you can take the edge off the day's flight with a nice long soak. Afterward, continue on to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and check into your hotel.

Day 2: Tour Snæfellsnes, Visit Borgarnes Settlement Center

This morning, take a drive to hit the highlights of Snæfellsnes, often referred to as "Iceland in miniature" for its wealth of volcanic geological marvels. Upon arrival, you'll have the day to explore this 55-mile-long (90 km) peninsula, beginning with a stop at the black Búðakirkja church standing alone atop Budir Beach. Continue west through the Budahraun lava field to Arnarstapi, where the natural sea arch is among many fantastical coastal formations stretching west to Lóndrangar, with its clifftop basalt pinnacles.

Circling the snowcapped Snæfellsjökull volcano, you can explore inside Vantshellir lava cave and stroll Djúpalónssandur black-sand beach before heading east along the north shore to shark-tooth-shaped Kirkjufell mountain. This iconic, picture-perfect pinnacle and the little Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall at its base are must-sees, not least thanks to their fame as a featured setting in "Game of Thrones." 

You'll also stop in the town of Borgarnes to visit its Settlement Center. Located in two of the town's oldest buildings, the center recounts Icelandic history and recreates fascinating folklore. One highlight exhibit features the best-known heroes of the Icelandic Sagas, Egil Skalla-Grimsson. There's also a nice restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat. Afterward, you'll drive back to your hotel on the peninsula. 

Day 3: Puffin Boat Tour, Drive to Westfjords & Patreksfjörður

After breakfast, you'll get back on the road and start the drive up to Patreksfjörður. This colorful seaside village is located in the wild and beautiful Wesfjords region, the last stop before northern Iceland. Before leaving the peninsula, however, you'll stop at Grundarfjörður, another waterfront town, where you'll catch a ferry to nearby Melrakkaey Island. This rocky islet with its tall sea cliffs is home to a colony of hundreds of puffins, Iceland's most famous seabirds.

Once at Melrakkaey, you'll hop in a láki (traditional oak boat) and set off on an aquatic bird-watching tour. As you cruise alongside the cliffs, which constitute a nature reserve, you'll not only spot the iconic puffins; you'll see other birds like shags, cormorants, guillemots, and more. Afterward, you'll return to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula by ferry. Keep your camera ready because the ride back offers great views of the fjord and Mount Kirkjufell. From there, continue driving up into the Westfjords and Patreksfjörður, where you'll check into your accommodation.

Day 4: Southern Westfjords Beaches & Cliffs Tour

Set out this morning on a full-day tour to discover the highlights of the southern Westfjords. The first stop on this driving tour is Raudasandur Beach, a remote stretch of sand made popular by its unusual color. The orange-pink sands come from pulverized scallop shells, and at low tide, you'll notice the contrast between the mountain cliffs and the blue ocean. The beach can be accessed via nearby Lambavatn Farm, which sits toward the western end of the beach, or from the community of Saurbaer. There's also a colony of seals here, which makes for great wildlife photography.

From Raudasandur, make the one-hour drive to Látrabjarg, home to some of the largest coastal cliffs in Iceland. In the summer months, several species of birds nest here, including puffins, Arctic terns, and white-tailed eagles. The cliffs stretch nearly 9 miles (14 km) and are more than 1,400 feet high (440 m). If you walk along the top of them, you can see the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano. There are other nice beaches in the area to visit, too, like Breiðavík and Örlygshöfn, which are known for their wide, golden sands. After spending time at the coast, you'll return to Patreksfjörður.

Day 5: Drive to Northern Westfjords & Ísafjörður

Leave Patreksfjörður after breakfast on a drive between the northern and southern Westfjords. The route passes some of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland, including Arnarfjordur and Dyrafjordur. Backed by soaring mountains known as the Westfjords Alps, Dyrafjordur is known for its prime hiking, and routes around Mount Sandafell, above the town of Thingeyri, offer breathtaking views. Thingeyri itself is interesting, as it's one of the oldest settlements in the Westfjords. Just outside it is the Haukadalur farmstead, which is the setting for Icelandic sagas from the 9th and 10th centuries.

If you're traveling during the summer months, you can drive from Thingeyri over the Hrafnseyrarheidi mountain pass. This section of road connects Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur and offers sweeping vistas over the latter. After coming down from the pass, you'll arrive at Dynjandifalls. The name translates to "thunderous," and this 330-foot (100 m) waterfall delivers on its promise. Standing near the 196-foot (60 m) base of the falls and hearing the water crash around you is a truly memorable experience. At the end of the day, you'll continue north to the town of Ísafjörður, where you'll overnight.

Day 6: Ísafjörður Day Tour, Arctic Fox Centre

Spend today on a tour of the town followed a scenic drive around the region. Go for a stroll through Ísafjörður's well-preserved center, then learn about its fishing history at the Maritime Museum. Located in a renovated 18th-century home, this museum features a salt house, drying shed, crew hut, and fishing boat. For more seafaring history, take a short drive to Bolungarvík village and visit the Ósvör Museum, a replica of a 19th-century fishing station.

There are many other towns and interesting landmarks just a short drive from Ísafjörður. These include the village of Flateyri, the scenic Önundarfjörður fjord, and the golden sands at Holt Beach. Later, you'll stop in at the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík to learn about the only terrestrial mammal native to Iceland and meet orphaned foxes. Other options for activities include day hikes in the Westfjords Alps or kayaking around the fjord. Later on, return to Ísafjörður and consider stopping for dinner at Tjöruhúsið, one of Iceland's best fish restaurants.

Day 7: Ísafjörður Mountain Biking, Drive to Hólmavík

If you feel like rising early today, fit in some more road-tripping around Ísafjörður, starting with some of the best waffles in Iceland at the Litlibær, a historic farmstead with a turf roof. Then, drive to the nearby cape at Hvítanes to get up close and personal with curious seals. You can also hike up to waterfalls in the Valagil gorge or stop at the Kaldalón fjord to hike around creeks, waterfalls, and Iceland's northernmost glacier, Drangajökull.

Later, you'll return to Ísafjörður. Here, leave the car and hop on a bicycle for a guided 2.5-hour ride down an easy rail with stunning views across the fjord and beyond. Ride along avalanche barriers through the forests and open trails above the town. Along the way, your guide will tell tales of life in Ísafjörður, the history of the area, and perhaps a bit of local gossip. Afterward, you'll get back on the road and drive southeast to the coastal village of Hólmavík, where you'll overnight.

Day 8: Northern Strandir, Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft Museum

Today's day trip takes you through the remote Strandir region of Iceland's north. In this unspoiled area, you can see many of the country's most famous features: rugged coastline, fjords, mountains, fishing villages, puffins, whales, and wild Icelandic horses. It's also a great area to glimpse the northern lights.

You can stop to see historic landmarks, like the early 20th-century Old Herring Factory in the village of Djúpavík. Another great option is Krossneslaug, one of the most popular hot springs in the Westfjords. Continue down the road past panoramic inlets, scenic waterfalls, and driftwood beaches. At the end, you can stop at the Munaðarnesm farm, which looks out over the fjords and the Drangaskörð rocky peaks on the horizon. Afterward, maybe go for a hike along Reykjaneshyrna, a mountain on the fjord whose trails also offer incredible views.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft for a one-hour tour. Among other exhibits, the museum tells the story of Iceland's 17th-century witch craze, which was similar to the Salem Witch Trials in America. Over two floors, you'll see exhibits featuring witches, zombies, demons, magical staves, and the infamous "necropants"—leggings made from human skin that supposedly bring good luck.

Day 9: Tour the Vatnsnes Peninsula, Drive to Blönduós

Drive up to the Vatnsnes Peninsula today. This oft-overlooked region is off the beaten path yet boasts must-visit sites like the Hvítserkur sea stack. This 50-foot (15 m) rock formation rises out of the water off the coast and, according to legend, is actually a troll that was caught in the sun and turned into stone. This area is also home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland.

Another highlight is the Borgarvirki fortress, an ancient ridge of columnar basalt rocks that Vikings once used as a defensive structure. Today it offers excellent views of the valleys and fjords below. You can also stop at Kolugljufur, a deep gorge with a powerful waterfall, Kolufossar. At the end of the day, continue to the nearby town of Blönduós, where you'll overnight. 

Day 10: Drive to Lake Mývatn via Akureyri & Möðrudalur Farm

In the morning, continue driving east across northern Iceland. There's more dramatic scenery and landmarks along this route, particularly Goðafoss. Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," the cascades here drop 39 feet (12 m) into a river gorge. Eventually, you'll reach Akureyri, which is known as the "capital of the north." With a population of around 18,000, it's the largest metropolis on this side of Iceland. You can stop and tour the charming downtown area with its heritage buildings, museums, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden, the most northerly botanical garden in the world.

After Akureyri, continue east, deep into the Icelandic wilderness. Within this remoteness, you'll find Möðrudalur Farm. Sitting at 1,539 feet (469 m), this is the highest farm in the country and is known for its long history dating back over 1,000 years to Iceland's first settlements. A walk along the trails here will lead you to great viewpoints offering wide panoramas of the surrounding plains. There's also a storybook white chapel with a red roof that was built in 1949.

At the end of the day, continue to Lake Mývatn. This is one of the stops on the Diamond Circle, a 155-mile (250-km) circuit that passes the most incredible geothermal sites on this side of the country. In the town here, you'll check in to a hotel, where you'll spend the night. 

Day 11: Diamond Circle Highlights, Whale Watching in Húsavik

After a leisurely morning in Lake Mývatn, hit the road again on a day trip to see even more of the Diamond Circle. One interesting place is Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon that, as the story goes, was created when god Odin's eight-legged horse galloped across the land. Other places to visit include the turquoise Botnstjörn pond, the unique rock formations in Vesturdalur Valley, and Jökulsárgljúfur, a 15-mile (25 km) glacial river canyon. It's up to 393 feet (120 m) deep in places, making it one of the deepest in Iceland. Perhaps the most famous landmark here is Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.

Continue north to Húsavík, a lovely harbor town and the whale watching capital of Iceland. The reason it's so popular is that you don't need to venture far out to sea to view these animals—you can see them right in the harbor. You'll have the option to take a two-to-three-hour boat cruise to spot humpback whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Afterward, you can visit the Whale Museum and then have a bite to eat at a restaurant on the harbor before returning to your hotel at Lake Mývatn.

Day 12: Northern Iceland Food Tour & Beer Spa, Drive to Laugarbakki 

Today you'll embark on a foodie tour to sample northern Iceland's exciting gastronomy. That's right, besides its gorgeous scenery and quaint villages, northern Iceland has a burgeoning food and drink scene. Most of the beverages and dishes you'll find here are representative of this part of the country. The climate, soil, water, and environment have all shaped the culinary culture here over the centuries.

During the tour, you'll taste a wide array of local delicacies, whether it's fish caught straight from the ocean that day or free-range lamb raised on a nearby farm. You'll also try items recently foraged from nearby mountains and valleys, like fresh herbs, berries, mushrooms—even Arctic moss. A real treat is sampling bread that's been baked underground using geothermal heat.

After the food portion of the tour, you'll learn about northern Iceland's colorful beer history, one sip at a time. You'll visit several breweries, from Skagafjörður to Húsavík, all of which are famed for their excellent beer made from pure Icelandic water. And if drinking it isn't enough, later you'll bathe in it when you stop in the village of Árskógssandur, home to the Bjórböðin Beer Spa. During a one-hour visit, you'll soak in an actual beer bath followed by some time in the on-site relaxation room. At the end of the day, you'll drive west to the tiny town of Laugarbakki (pop. 57), where you'll overnight. 

Day 13: East Glacial River Whitewater Rafting

After breakfast, you'll transfer outside of town to the East Glacial River. As its name suggests, this waterway is born from a glacier and runs from the highlands down to the coast. It's one of the few waterfall-free rivers in Iceland, which makes it ideal for rafting. But don't mistake the lack of falls for tranquility—the East Glacial River offers thrilling whitewater fun amid Class IV+ rapids. Over four hours, you'll travel a wild 11-mile (17 km) route through remote gorges and canyons. Afterward, you'll return to Laugarbakki and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 14: Drive to Reykjavík via the Secret Lagoon

Leave early for the 3.5-hour drive back to the southern end of the island. Your destination is the Secret Lagoon, which is located in Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near the village of Flúðir. Known locally as Gamla Laugin, it was constructed in 1891, making it the oldest public pool in the country.

What makes it special is the constant flow of warm water coming from various nearby hot springs, including Vaðmálahver and Litli Geysir. The latter is actually a spouting geyser that erupts every few minutes, putting on quite the aquatic spectacle. You'll get to unwind after the long drive on a three-hour visit to soak in these waters, which remain at 100°F (38°C)-104°F (40°C) year-round. Afterward, you'll drive to Reykjavík and check into your hotel. 

Day 15: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour

It's the penultimate day of your trip, and believe it or not, you'll spend it on a snorkeling adventure in Iceland's Arctic waters. In the morning, drive about an hour east of Reykjavík to the famous Silfra fissure. Located within Þingvellir National Park, Silfra is a rift formed between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is filled with crystalline spring water. A dive here means you're effectively swimming between two continents.

On this 2.5-hour tour, you'll strap on a snorkel and wetsuit and hop in the water. Led by a guide, you'll float along the fissure through narrow sections where the continental plates are so close you can almost touch them. You'll also enter deep lagoons and glide over boulders far below. You'll be able to see far and wide, too, as the naturally filtered glacier waters here afford up to 393 feet (120 m) of visibility. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel in Reykjavík to spend your final night in the capital, however you choose.

Day 16: Depart Iceland

Alas, you've reached the end of this grand Icelandic road trip—almost. After breakfast, you'll take one last scenic drive, this time from Reykjavík to the airport, admiring the dried lava fields and steam vents as you go. At the terminal, you'll drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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