Into the Westfjords
Ideal for travelers who have already seen Iceland's main highlights, or those who prefer a more gradual and less crowded experience
A journey into one of Iceland's most remote regions, where narrow coastal roads wind between deep fjords and small, isolated communities. The Westfjords are defined by distance, quiet landscapes, and a slower pace of travel. This itinerary is suited for travelers who have already seen Iceland's main highlights, or those who prefer a more gradual and less crowded experience. The route requires more time than other regions, but rewards with a stronger sense of place and fewer visitors along the way
8–10 Days
Self-Drive
Westfjords
The Details
The Route
From Reykjavík, travel north through Borgarfjörður and into the Westfjords. The route follows winding coastal roads, connecting small towns, remote valleys, and dramatic fjord landscapes.
Days are structured to allow for steady progress without rushing, with time to stop along the way. The route continues through the northern and southern parts of the Westfjords before returning to Reykjavík via Snæfellsnes or the inland route.
Highlights
– Borgarfjörður region with hot springs and waterfalls
– Remote coastal roads and fjord landscapes
– Dynjandi waterfall, one of the Westfjords' key landmarks
– Ísafjörður and surrounding fishing villages
– Látrabjarg cliffs and Rauðasandur beach
– Optional visits to local museums, hot pots, and coastal walks
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík
Your journey begins in Iceland's compact capital, where colourful streets, coastal views, and a relaxed atmosphere provide an easy introduction before heading into more remote regions.
After arriving at Keflavík Airport, collect your rental vehicle and drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula to Reykjavík. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Walk along the waterfront, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, browse local shops, or simply enjoy your first evening in Iceland. Reykjavík offers a comfortable starting point for the journey ahead, balancing modern Icelandic culture with easy access to nature and the open landscapes that await in the days to come.
Optional Activities
- Sky Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon
- Reykjavík Food Walk
- Whale Watching from Reykjavík
Day 2 – Through the Landscapes of Borgarfjörður
Today the journey leaves the city behind as you travel into West Iceland, a region known for its powerful hot springs, waterfalls, and deep connection to Icelandic history.
Heading north from Reykjavík, the landscape gradually opens into valleys, lava fields, and fertile farmland. Along the way, visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, where geothermal water emerges from deep beneath the earth. Continue to the beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where glacial water flows through ancient lava formations before rushing into a narrow canyon below. The pace slows as you move further from the capital, passing small communities and quiet countryside scenery on the way towards the gateway of the Westfjords. The transition from populated Iceland to a more remote landscape becomes increasingly noticeable throughout the day.
Optional Activities
- Krauma Geothermal Baths
- Into the Glacier
- Lava Cave Exploration
- Horseback Riding
Day 3 – Entering the Westfjords
The landscape becomes wilder and more remote today as the road winds into one of Iceland's least-visited and most dramatic regions.
Beyond the edge of West Iceland, the scenery begins to change rapidly. Mountains rise directly from the sea, roads follow the contours of deep fjords, and small settlements appear only occasionally along the coastline. The Westfjords are defined by their isolation, with fewer visitors and a stronger connection to traditional Icelandic life. Much of today's experience comes from the journey itself, as each bend in the road reveals new views across broad fjords, rugged mountainsides, and quiet coastal villages. The pace is slower here, encouraging travelers to stop often, take in the scenery, and appreciate the sense of space that makes the region so distinctive.
Day 4 – Dynjandi & the Heart of the Westfjords
Today's route takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Westfjords, where powerful waterfalls and remote fjords dominate the scenery.
Continue north through a landscape shaped by glaciers, mountains, and the sea. One of the day's highlights is Dynjandi, often considered Iceland's most beautiful waterfall. Cascading down a series of rocky steps, its broad shape has earned it the nickname "the jewel of the Westfjords." After exploring the waterfall and its surrounding trails, continue towards Ísafjörður, the region's largest town. Surrounded by mountains and set beside a deep fjord, Ísafjörður offers a fascinating glimpse into life in one of Iceland's most remote communities. Spend time exploring the harbour, historic buildings, and waterfront before settling in for the evening.
Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking in Ísafjörður
- Guided Walking Tour of Ísafjörður
- Local Food Experience
Day 5 – Exploring the Northern Westfjords
A full day in the northern Westfjords offers the freedom to explore one of Iceland's most untouched regions at a relaxed pace.
From Ísafjörður, several scenic fjords and coastal routes are within easy reach. The surrounding region is known for dramatic mountain scenery, quiet fishing villages, and abundant birdlife. Depending on your interests and the weather conditions, the day may include drives through neighbouring fjords, visits to isolated communities, coastal walks, or simply time spent enjoying the ever-changing light over the landscape. Unlike other parts of Iceland, the northern Westfjords reward curiosity and flexibility. The region is less about ticking off famous attractions and more about experiencing the sense of tranquillity and remoteness that makes the area so memorable.
Optional Activities
- Wildlife Boat Tour
- Sea Kayaking
- Guided Hiking Excursions
Day 6 – Sea Cliffs & Red Sand Beaches
Today showcases two of the Westfjords' most remarkable landscapes, where soaring bird cliffs meet one of Iceland's most unusual coastlines.
Travel south towards Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland and one of Europe's largest bird cliffs. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs stretch for kilometres and offer spectacular views across the coastline. During the summer months, the area is famous for its seabird colonies, including puffins. Later in the day, continue to Rauðasandur, a striking beach known for its golden and red-toned sands, a rare sight in a country largely defined by black volcanic beaches. The contrast between the open coastline, colourful shoreline, and surrounding mountains creates an entirely different atmosphere from the fjords explored earlier in the journey.
Day 7 – Across Breiðafjörður Bay
Leaving the Westfjords behind, today's journey transitions towards the landscapes of West Iceland and Snæfellsnes.
The route south offers several possibilities depending on season, schedule, and travel style. Travelers may cross Breiðafjörður Bay by ferry, enjoying views of countless islands scattered across the bay, or continue via inland routes through valleys and coastal landscapes. Either option provides a different perspective on western Iceland while connecting the remote Westfjords with the next stage of the journey. The scenery gradually becomes softer and more accessible, yet remains defined by dramatic coastlines and wide-open views.
Day 8 – Discovering Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often described as "Iceland in Miniature," Snæfellsnes brings together many of the country's most iconic landscapes within a single peninsula.
Spend the day exploring Snæfellsnes and its remarkable variety of scenery. Volcanic peaks, lava fields, black beaches, fishing villages, and dramatic coastal cliffs all appear within a relatively compact area. Highlights may include Kirkjufell mountain, the rugged coastline around Arnarstapi, and sweeping views towards Snæfellsjökull glacier. Alternatively, depending on routing and overnight plans, more time can be spent exploring Borgarfjörður and the natural attractions of West Iceland before returning to Reykjavík. The day offers a fitting conclusion to a journey that has showcased some of Iceland's most remote and diverse landscapes.
Optional Activities
- Vatnshellir Lava Cave
- Whale Watching from Ólafsvík
Day 9 – Departure
The final morning offers one last opportunity to enjoy Iceland's landscapes before returning home.
Drive to Keflavík Airport and return your rental vehicle before departure. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a final stop on the Reykjanes Peninsula or a relaxed breakfast before your journey home. Having travelled through the remote fjords, coastal communities, and dramatic wilderness of the Westfjords, you'll leave with an understanding of a side of Iceland that many visitors never experience.
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon
- Sky Lagoon
Additional nights can be added to allow a slower pace in the Westfjords or more time in Snæfellsnes.
Flexibility
Travel in the Westfjords depends more on pace, road conditions, and weather than other regions. This itinerary can be adjusted to allow shorter driving days, additional overnight stops, or alternative routing. Our team will tailor the journey based on your timeframe, travel style, and the season.


Tour Highlights
List of services
-
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
-
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
-
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
-
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
-
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
-
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
-
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Tour Highlights
List of services
-
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
-
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
-
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
-
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
-
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
-
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
-
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Questions, custom trip ideas?
We’re here to help.
We’re a small Icelandic team that loves planning unforgettable journeys. Whether you're ready to book, have questions about a tour, or want to build something custom — just reach out. We’ll get back to you quickly with honest answers and expert advice.
- Email: info@valaadventure.is
- Phone: +354 515 1520
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 GMT
Outside those hours? Leave us a message,
we always respond within one business day.




















