Iceland Backroads

Fly to Keflavik and collect your vehicle. Take the short drive to Northern Lights Inn and if time allows drive around the rugged coastline of the western tip of the peninsula. Scenery here is dramatic with the crashing waves on to the black lava field. Visit Brimketill, a small, naturally carved pool by marine erosion. According to a legend, a giantess called Oddny used to frequently bathe here. Overnight at Northern Light Inn.

Following the coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula head north towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Passing Reykjavik and the mighty Mt Esja, arrive at the beautiful Hvalfjordur. Drive through the tunnel and head towards Borgarnes and Snaefellsnes. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side where you find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. The western tip is scattered with extinct volcanic craters, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves and fantastic walking opportunities. Keep a look out for orcas and dolphins patrolling the coastline. In clear weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.

Spend the morning at leisure or perhaps join a 3-hour whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik. In the afternoon make your way to Stykkisholmur for the ferry departure at 15:00. The Baldur ferry calls in at the beautiful island of Flatey before arriving in Brjanslaekur at 18:00. Spend the next two nights in the southern part of the West Fjords.

Enjoy the stunning fjord and mountain views as you drive to the bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a must-see for bird watchers. Take your time here to enjoy the most spectacular views and teaming birdlife. The nearby Raudasandur beach is a beautiful reddish colour and can be viewed from a distance or take the 1km hike down, which involves wading a shallow river.

Heading north along Road 2, the scenery becomes more dramatic and there is a new view around every corner. The highlight of today is the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall. This fan shaped collection of falls cascades 100 metres down blending with six smaller falls as it descends. Take a short hike up to the viewing area to fully enjoy this spectacular natural site.

Continue north making stops at the tiny fishing villages of Flateyri and Sudureyri before arriving in Isafjordur for a three night stay.

It is easy to explore the town on foot before getting in the car driving to the nearby town of Bolungarvik. Take the road up to the radio mast station for the most amazing views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Exploring the area by foot, bike or kayak, or perhaps take an optional day trip by boat to the isolated and uninhabited Hornstrandir. This remote area is now protected and thriving with flora and fauna, such as arctic foxes, birds, seals and plants. Hiking in the mountains and past abandoned settlements you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across Isafjardardjup bay and Jokulfirdir glacier fjords to Drangajokull glacier.

The snaking coastline guides you in and out of the narrow fjords finally reaching the mountain plateau leading to Holmavik and the beautiful Strandir coast. Take the panoramic drive along the coast to Djupavik and look out for the seals along the way. There are many scenic stops and the old herring factory in Djupavik is an interesting and dramatic building to photograph. Overnight in Laugarholl or Drangsnes.

Heading south to Husafell. At Reykholt visit the church and the cultural centre of Snorrastofa, named after Iceland’s best-known author Snorri Sturluson. Here you also find Snorralaug, a geothermally heated pool preserved from Iceland’s medieval period. Also visit Iceland’s largest geothermal area, Deildartunguhver and the nearby Krauma Spa for a relaxing bathe before heading to Hotel Husafell for a two-night stay.

Spend the day exploring the area on foot or by car. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Vidgelmir Caves or Into the Glacier. Enjoy the thermal baths at the hotel.

Today’s journey will take you to the stunning Hvalfjordur, and then on to the Thingvellir national park, which is part of the fissure zone running through Iceland in the boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Continue to the beautiful 2-tiered waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area where the famous Strokkur spouts every few minutes. Also visit the Faxi falls on your way to Hveragerdi for a two night stay.

Take a leisurely drive along the beautiful south coast, visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls and the more hidden, yet stunning falls of Gljufrafoss. Continue to 60-metre high Skogafoss and perhaps hike to the top of the waterfall for amazing views of the south coast and the sea. The Dyrholaey birdcliffs are teaming with seabirds and here you normally find a colony of puffins (until mid August). Drop in at The Lava Centre, a great place to learn more about the volcanoes in Iceland, many of which you can see on your drive along the south coast.

A leisurely day exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is on the drift zone between the North American and Eurasian plates. Visit the Krysuvik hot spings, the mudpools and steam vents at Gunnuhver, walk across the bridge between the continents, drive along the shores of the Kleifarvatn lake and perhaps end your day at the Blue Lagoon Spa. Overnight at Northern Lights Inn.

Return your vehicle to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight back to the UK.