Authentic West Iceland

Arnarstapi

An authentic tour of West Iceland with glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, a tour to a lava cave and historic sites. See how shark is processed at the unique museum in Bjarnarhöfn. Last but not least – we‘ll be on the look-out for the NORTHERN LIGHTS in the evening.

Included: 

  • 4 nights incl. breakfast in rooms with private facilities.
  • 2 x Dinner. In Reykjavík breakfast only.
  • 1 Lunch.
  • 2 x Picnic lunches.
  • Ice cream at a farm ice café.
  • Professional English speaking driver guide (German available upon request)
  • Private vehicle during the tour.
  • Return airport transfers.
  • Activities and entrance fees:
  •   - Bjarteyjarsandur Farm.
  •   - Reykholt Saga Centre.
  •   - Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum.
  •   - Vatnshellir Caving Tour.
  •   - Settlement Centre in Borgarnes.
  •   - Gljúfrasteinn Museum.
  •   - Fontana Spa incl. towel rental.
  • Emergency phone line available 24/7 while traveling in Iceland.
  • VAT and lodging tax.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at Keflavík airport, where you board an airport shuttle taking you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Activity suggestions available upon request if you arrive early in the day.

Day 2: The Whale Fjord, Waterfalls, Hot Spring and a Crater

Meet your guide at your accommodation after breakfast. On the way out of town we do a short introduction tour of Reykjavík. We drive along the scenic coast of the “Whale Fjord” Hvalfjörður, where we have the opportunity to stop at a local sheep farm and get acquainted with Icelandic farm life.

Arriving in the Borgarfjörður area we stop by the extraordinary waterfalls Hraunfossar. Hraunfossar waterfalls pour from a massive lava field into the Hvítá River.

In Reykholt we visit the Saga centre to learn about the life of the historian Snorri Sturluson, the author of Snorra Edda, an extensive collection of Nordic Mythology and one of the most important Old Norse literature work, written in the early 13th century.

We stop by the hot water spring Deildartunguhver and go on an easy hike to Grábrók crater before checking in at our accommodation, a small country hotel that offers it‘s guests access to a hot pool, perfect for soaking in and if we‘re lucky, the perfect spot for northern lights hunt.

Day 3: Shark Museum & the Mystical Snæfellsjökull Glacier

In the small town of Borgarnes we visit the Exhibition at the Settlement Centre and learn a thing or two about the history of Iceland, how settlement began and who the settlers were as well as getting acquainted with the Saga of Egill, one of the best known Icelandic Sagas.

We‘ll spend the day exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. We drive to the north coast and visit a small private Shark Museum in Bjarnarhöfn.

Afterwards we drive around the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which is according to the author Jules Verne’s, the entrance to the centre of the earth. On the way we make several stops on the way: the old embarkation point Djúpalónssandur, the Lóndrangar bird cliffs and the fishing villages Rif, Hellnar and Arnarstapi.

In the afternoon we stop for a short tour to the 8000 year old lava tube, Vatnshellir, created by a volcanic eruption from a nearby crater.

Our accommodation is located on the south coast of Snæfellsnes and has a gorgeous view of the mystic Snæfellsjökull, which is said to be one of the seven great energy centres of the earth. Locals insist that it has various mysterious powers.

Day 4: History, Hot Springs & Spa

We leave our accommodation but after only a short drive we take a detour to the coast where seals are known to dwell on the lava rocks by the Atlantic.

On the way to the Golden Circle we stop by at the small museum in Gljúfrasteinn, dedicated to the life of the Icelandic Nobel Prize Winner, the author Halldór Laxness.

The next stop is one of Iceland’s most important sites, the National Park and UNESCO World heritage site Þingvellir, which is the best place to get an introduction Icelandic history and geology. The lovely lava landscapes, remains of the ancient parliament site and Lake Þingvallavatn will not spoil the experience.

From Þingvellir it‘s not too far to the next stop, Fontana Spa at Lake Laugarvatn. The locals have been visiting natural steam baths here since 1929 for its healing powers. The steam bath houses are built on a natural hot spring, so you‘ll hear the water boiling as you relax. The lovely facility also offers warm cosy pools and the brave ones can cool down in the lake.

After enjoying ice cream at a local farm ice cream shop in the vicinity we continue to the Geysir area to experience the very active hot spring Strokkur and a short drive further we see the majestic waterfall Gullfoss. Afterwards we head back to Reykjavík and say goodbye to your guide.

Day 5: Departure or prolong your stay

Airport Transfer and return flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you’ll get tips for activities and worthwhile sights in Reykjavík we can also recommend you prolong your stay in Reykjavík. Further information available on request from your Esja Travel specialist.

Please note that the program may change due to weather conditions.

Consider prolonging your stay with an extra night in Reykjavík. You'll get tips for activities and worthwile sights in the vicinity of Reykjavík from your GoNorth specialist.

For further information please send us an email to groups@gonorth.is