Tingling with the prospect of goosebump-inducing scenery, this two-week self-drive wastes no time taking you deep into Iceland’s wild west – and beyond to sublime Siglufjordur and Lake Myvatn in the north. Sandwiched in the middle of it all is an in-depth exploration of the West Fjords – that tantalising peninsula dangling off the northwest tip of Iceland and riddled with surprises around every one of its myriad corners.
Snaefellsnes and the West Fjords
Driving north from Keflavik you’ll pass Europe’s most powerful hot springs at Deildartunguhver and the delicate, almost lace-like Hraunfossar waterfall before reaching Hotel Husafell – a chic base from which to explore the ice cave of Langjokull. Two days on the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula are easily filled with coastal walks and whale watching before taking the ferry across Breidafjordur to the West Fjords.
From the seabird cliffs of Latrabjarg to fan-shaped Dynjandi waterfall and the towering crags of the Strandir Coast, this magnificent, largely deserted region forms a riveting climax to Iceland. But it’s not the end of the line for this holiday…
Akureyri and the North
Unravelling from the West Fjords, the road leads east, passing the dragon-shaped sea stack of Hvitserkur before reaching the peaceful fishing village of Siglufjordur. Whale watching is possible from Akureyri and Husavik, while birds and bubbling mud pools steal the show at Myvatn, which is part of the spectacular Diamond Circle touring route. Other highlights include the waterfalls Godafoss and Dettifoss as well as Asbyrgi canyon and Hverfjall crater.
Itinerary
Arrive at Keflavik Airport, collect your rental vehicle and drive to Hvalfjordur and on to Reykholt, visiting Iceland’s largest geothermal area at Deildartunguhver. Don’t miss the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfall, emerging from under moss-covered lava in a series of rivulets. At Reykholt, you can find out about medieval history and the Icelandic Sagas at the Snorrastofa cultural centre. Historian, writer and law-speaker Snorri Sturluson lived in the area from 1206-41. Continue to Husafell where you’ll spend the following two nights.
Rising to about 1,450m, Iceland’s second largest icecap is the setting for an extraordinary adventure exploring a manmade tunnel cut deep into the glacier’s blue ice. The optional ‘Into the Glacier’ tour begins with a journey in an 8WD supertruck across the surface of Langjokull before venturing on foot into the 500m-long ice tunnel. Led by an experienced guide, you will not only discover how icecaps are created, but you will also witness amazing natural and manmade features, from crevasses to a subterranean ice chapel. Back at Husafell, spend time relaxing in the outdoor complex of geothermal pools.
Optional Experiences
Into the Glacier - Ice Cave in Langjokull
Cave Explorer
Husafell Canyon Baths
The spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula beckons today. It’s a stunning drive from Husafell, tracing Iceland’s west coast before branching off onto the narrow, mountainous peninsula that points into the Atlantic like a bony finger. You can drive all the way around Snaefellsnes, admiring the 1,446m-tall, snow-capped volcano that rises from its tip. The dramatic coastline of sea arches, basalt cliffs, black-sand beaches and blowholes is best appreciated on the walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar where you’ll also find a couple of excellent cafés. The following two nights are spent on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, perhaps joining one of the optional whale watching trips from Olafsvik harbour. A boat trip not only offers opportunities for spotting sperm whales and orca, but it provides a superb vantage from which to admire the mountainous spine of the Snaefellsnes.
Optional Experiences
Whale Watching from Olafsvik
Take a ferry from the north coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula through the islands and skerries of Breidafjordur bay to the West Fjords – one of Iceland’s most spectacular and least visited regions. Highlights today include the incredible 400m-high sea cliffs at Latrabjarg (high-rise accommodation for millions of puffins, gannets, guillemots and other seabirds) and the unusual red-sand beach at Raudisandur. Drive to Patreksfjordur for an overnight stay.
Spend time enjoying the mesmerising scenery of the West Fjords. There are natural wonders almost around every corner. Don’t miss the seven-tiered, fan-shaped waterfall at Dynjandi before continuing to Isafjordur, the largest town in the region where you will spend the following two nights.
Explore Isafjordur and perhaps take a drive to the nearby town of Bolungarvík, scaling Bolafjall Mountain for stunning views.
Spend the day snaking around the fjords to Drangsnes and north along the spectacular Strandir coast. This remote and haunting stretch of coast notches the West fjords’ eastern spine north of Holmavik – Iceland’s greatest sorcerer is said to have once lived in the shadow of its towering crags. Overnight in Drangsnes.
From Hrutafjordur, drive along the northern shores to Siglufjordur. Take a detour to Hvitserkur, a 15m-high sea stack shaped like a dragon (or a rhino depending on your view). Two nights in Siglufjordur.
A day to relax, soaking up the atmosphere of Siglufjordur or delving into the interesting maritime museum.
Take a leisurely drive to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Explore the colourful town with its shops, restaurants and botanic garden or set off on an optional whale watching boat trip, venturing into Eyjafjordur in search of humpbacks. Overnight in Akureyri.
Optional Experiences
Classic Whale Watching, Akureyri
Hiking with Huskies in Akureyri
Drive to Myvatn, stopping at the impressive horseshoe-shaped Godafoss waterfall along the way. More natural wonders can be found around Lake Myvatn itself – from troll-shaped lava formations and pseudocraters to boiling mudpools and the Krafla volcano. In spring and early summer, the lake supports a wide range of nesting birds, including the red-throated diver and harlequin duck. Slightly further afield, the mighty Dettifoss waterfall roars through a wild canyon. Overnight in Myvatn.
Optional Experiences
Myvatn Nature Baths
Bird Watching at Lake Myvatn Nature reserve
Another day to explore the myriad wonders of Myvatn, perhaps including a detour north to Husavik. Departure point for whale watching trips in search of minke, humpback and blue whales in Skjalfandi bay, the town also has an excellent whale museum and several excellent restaurants.
Optional Experiences
Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip
Drive to Akureyri Airport and drop off your rental vehicle before flying back to Reykjavik for an overnight stay. If you have a 4WD vehicle, suitable for Highland driving, it is possible to return via the Kjolur route to Reykjavik – adding another highlight on this unforgettable trip! Overnight in Reykjavik.
Transfer to Keflavik for your flight back home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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No charge for additional driver
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Financial protection
From £2418 Excluding Flights
14 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
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We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
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Travel Specialist
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Lauren
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Travel Specialist
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Travel Specialist
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Travel Specialist
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