Private 5-Day Guided Tour of West Iceland & Westfjords
Overview:
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Iceland’s raw and untouched landscapes on this private 5-day guided tour. Departing from Reykjavík, this journey takes you through some of Iceland’s most impressive landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and stunning cliffs. Discover charming villages, explore caves, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside. With minimal traffic and serene surroundings, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Iceland's natural wonders. Enjoy personalized service from experienced guides, with opportunities for additional activities such as boat trips, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling (at an extra cost). Ample time is provided each day to relax, take photographs, and fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Gateway to the West
- Departure: Your adventure begins at 8:30 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Reykjavík, or within 30 km of the capital. Leaving the city behind, we travel through Borgarfjörður towards the rugged landscapes of Snæfellsnes.
Highlights
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: One of three national parks in Iceland. Home to glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and coastal wonders.
- Arnarstapi: Stunning rock formations and sea arches.
- Djúpalónssandur: Black sand beach with rocky coastal lava formations.
- Kirkjufell: One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Optional Activities: Visit Vatnshellir which is a 8000 year old lava tunnel created during a volcanic eruption.
Day 2: Into the Wild - Westfjords & Breiðafjörður
- Route: Dalir, Búðardalur and Patreksfjörður. Today, we venture into the remote and stunning Westfjords, known for their beautiful fjords and landscapes.
Highlights
- Dalir and Búðardalur: Historic farming districts with Viking heritage
- Breiðafjörður: Large shallow bay that separate the region of the Western Iceland and West Iceland.
- Látrabjarg: Bird cliffs that mark the most western point of Iceland and Europe.
- Rauðasandur: Beautiful red sand beach.
- Accommodation: Settle into a cozy accommodation near Patreksfjörður around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 3: Waterfalls & Fishing Villages
Highlights
- Dynjandi Waterfall: The jewel and biggest waterfall in Westfjords.
- Hrafnseyri: Museum of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of Icelandic independence movement.
- Flateyri: Small historic town.
- Suðureyri: Fishing village that began to form in early 20th century.
- Ísafjörður: The capital of the Westfjords, offering scenic views and cultural experiences.
- Accommodation: Arrival at the hotel around 6:00-7:00 PM. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4: Ísafjarðardjúp and Hólmavík We continue our journey through the pristine wilderness of Ísafjarðardjúp.
Highlights
- Enjoy driving through this remote area.
- Vigur Island: Seal and birdwatching spot.
- Reykjanes pool: Possible to take a dip in this pool that is heated by self-running geothermal water.
- Accommodation: Relax at your accommodation near Hólmavík around 6:00-7:00 PM.
Day 5: Return to Reykjavík with Scenic Stops
Highlights
- Grábrók crater: Possible to take a short and relatively easy hike up to the volcanic crater where you have a view over the 2-3 thousand year old lava
- Glanni waterfall: Take a short visit to this picturesque waterfall.
- Deildartunguhver hot spring: Europe’s most powerful hot spring, supplying hot water to nearby towns.
- Reykholt: A historic site associated with Snorri Sturluson, Iceland’s most famous medieval writer.
- Hraunfossar: Take a look at these stunning waterfalls set against a backdrop of ancient lava fields.
Optional Activities: End the day in Krauma nature baths before arriving back to the city where the hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver.
- Arrival: Return to your Reykjavík hotel by 5:00-6:00 PM with time to relax and enjoy the city.
Tour Details
- Guide: Local and English-speaking guide.
- Distance: 300-400 km per day.
- Duration: 7-9 hours per day.
- Lunch: There will be a stop around noon where you can purchase lunch.