The Westfjords Way 9 days

Self Drive Tour

The Westfjords Way 9 days

Self Drive Tour

This tour covers the best of the West including Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords in great detail.

BP43 Map

BP43 Map

AVAILABLE:
May 25 to September 30

DURATION:
9 days / 8 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
7 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP43

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival

Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport, you will be met by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You will be free for the rest of the day to explore Reykjavik, visit museums, landmarks etc. Downtown Reykjavík offers excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs. You might want to join an optional tour if you arrive early. You can visit one of the many Reykjavík’s excellent restaurants for dinner.

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
Reykjavik City Card
Reykjavik Food Tour

Day 2. The Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Pick up a car in the morning and leave Reykjavik at the eastern outskirts. Drive to the north and around the tranquil Hvalfjörður fjord as it is very scenic and is recommended rather than the tunnel under the fjord. Continue to Borgarnes, a small town at the Borgarfjörður fjord. Continue to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Enroute, pass the magnificent Eldborg crater as well as a number of other cone shapes craters, before exploring the numerous natural wonders the peninsula has to offer. Head along the south shore of the peninsula towards Arnarstapi, a small fishing hamlet with spectacular coast and sea cliffs with rich birdlife in summer. Continue a short distance to Hellnar with more sea cliffs and varied birdlife. Drive around the tip of the peninsula at the foot of the magnificent Snæfellsjökull icecap and stop at the rocky beaches of Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík.

Driving distance
280 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Borgarnes town
Stykkishólmur Town
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Hellnar hamlet
Arnarstapi
Lóndrangar rock formation

Overnight:
Snæfellsnes area

Day 3. Breiðafjörður Bay

Drive along the south coast of Breiðafjörður Bay to the Dalir region, with Búðardalur being the largest village. Continue to Laugar in Sælingsdalur where you can find the Guðrunarlaug hot spring. Continue driving north to the Westfjords and enjoy the scenic views over Breiðafjörður Bay that this route offers. There are approximately 3000 islands in the Breiðafjörður Bay which offers a rich wildlife. Head to the north coast of Breiðafjörður Bay towards Flókalundur. Close to Flókalundur is the natural hot spring Hellulaug, which is located close to the beach. Continue to Patreksfjörður for an overnight stay.

Driving distance
320 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Breiðaförður Bay
Látrabjarg Cliff

Overnight:
Patreksfjörður area.

Day 4. Látrabjarg Cliff and Rauðisandur Beach

Today you will explore the area around Patreksfjörður. Start by heading to most famous beach of Iceland – Rauðasandur. The unique sand and shell mix gives the beach spectacular yellow-read color. This is a wonderful place to enjoy an amazing bird- and wildlife. During the summer time you may spot seals relaxing at the beach. Next continue to Látrabjarg, one of the most crowded bird cliffs in the world. In summer the 444 m high sea cliffs are occupied by millions of Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills kindly note that the seabirds leave their nests in the cliffs in late summer. Enroute, stop at the interesting folk museum at Hnjótur. Continue to explore Kollsvík, which is surrounded by magnificent scenery.

Driving distance
180 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Látrabjarg Cliff

Overnight:
Patreksfjörður area.

Day 5. The Magnificent West Fjords

Drive to the north towards Ísafjörður town. Pass the small charming villages Patreksfjörður, Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur. Drive across Dynjandisheiði pass and stop at the beautiful waterfall Fjallfoss after crossing the pass. Drive along the shore of the Arnarfjörður Fjord and across the Hrafnseyrarheiði Pass to the fishing village Þingeyri. From Þingeyri across Gemlufallsheiði Pass to Flateyri and then take the tunnel to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Explore the town of Ísafjörður and its surroundings, the neighboring towns of Bolungarvík and Suðureyri. In summer Kayak tours are available on Ísafjörður Fjord and the Natural History Museum of Bolungarvík is an interesting place to visit.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Dynjandi Waterfall
Ísafjörður Town

Overnight:
Ísafjörður area

Day 6. The West Fjords & Witchcraft

In summer an interesting boat tour to the picturesque Vigur Island is available from Ísafjörður. This is a great experience. Drive along the shores of the numerous and some uninhabited, fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp with beautiful coastlines, teeming with seals and bird life and towards Hólmavík. Hólmavík town in the Standir area is known for its interesting history of witchcraft and sorcery. Visit the Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum for a closer look into witchcraft and witch hunting as it was practiced here in the 17th century. At Drangsnes, a small fishing village at Steigrímsfjörður fjord is a hot outdoor pool with natural hot water, - popular for bathing, where you can take a dip and relax after a day of driving through the Westfjords.

Driving distance
240 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Hólmavík town

Overnight:
Strandir area

Day 7. Norðurstrandir - Remote Iceland

Continue to explore the fjords of Strandir. Begin the day by exploring Bjarnarfjörður fjord, where you will find several farms, some of them no longer used. Visit the natural hot spring named Gvendarlaug and even take a bath. Continue to Reykjarfjörður fjord – this scenic road is usually closed during the winter time due to massive snow. Visit Djúpavík village at the end of the fjord. In the old days Djúpavík was busy fishing town - nowadays, however, the village is quiet as the fishing industry has left from there. Continue to Norðurfjörður fjord where you will find a unique geothermal pool just by the ocean. You can take a hike around this beautiful area, as the road further north ends, drive back to Hólmavík area where you will spend the night again. Please note because of the condition of this road you will drive slowly today and we recommend a 4x4 for this tour.

Driving distance
220 kilometers

Overnight:
Strandir area

Day 8. West Iceland

Drive along the shoreline to the bottom of Hrútafjörður Fjord and across Holtavörðuheiði plateau to the Borgarfjörður district. Stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe. Continue a short distance further to the historic site Reykholt. Visit the interesting museum at Reykholt and see the hot pool Snorralaug. Further inland visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Waterfalls. Make the waterfalls a turnaround point and head to Borgarnes town. A visit to the Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is interesting. The prime objective of the Icelandic Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is to recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience firsthand the trepidation and excitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Drive along the shores of Hvalfjörður Fjord towards Reykjavik and drop off the car.

Driving distance
340 kilometers

Highlights of the day:
Deildartunguhver
Reykholt
Hraunfossar
Borgarnes town

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Day 9. Departure

Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport

ACCOMMODATION

CARS

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual - manual

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual -  manual

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 4

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 3

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Why book your Self Drive Tour with Tour.is?
  • Highly competitive prices
  • We include more
  • Outstanding response time and customer care
  • Knowledgeable and motivated team of travel agents
  • Great reviews from visitors
  • We offer cancellation insurance


  • Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 8.

    An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.

    Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
    Types of car recommended: Any. During winter, usually September through May, snow and ice can be expected. Although the route of this tour is usually passable by any car type, driving conditions can occasionally become difficult and we strongly recommend 4x4 during winter.

     

    Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category but not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.


    Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
    A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car.

    Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the client’s wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

    Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

    During winter, road conditions can quickly change. Information on weather and road conditions are available at http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/
    Map displayed is only for quick reference and is not to scale.

    Travel Insurance: To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

    Price Calculator: There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

    1. Time of the year.

    2. Number of people traveling together

    3. Type of car (we offer more than 15 different types of cars)

    4. Type of accommodation (we offer 3 different categories of accommodation)

    There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

    Note: Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don´t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.

    This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
    Find out more how we use cookies