Unforgettable 8-Day Self-Drive Road Trip around Wild Westfjords
Embark on an Unforgettable 8-Day Self-Drive Road Trip around the stunning Wild Westfjords of Iceland, starting from Reykjavik and making your way through the captivating landscapes of Snæfellsnes Peninsula before immersing yourself in the remote beauty of the Westfjords. This journey combines scenic drives, dramatic coastal cliffs, untouched nature, and charming villages, offering an authentic Icelandic experience far from the crowds.
Set out on an 8-day self-drive road trip through the Westfjords and western coast of Iceland, starting from Reykjavík and leading you into regions shaped by nature, tradition, and quiet roads. This route offers a deeper look at Iceland, far from the crowds, with time to take in the views, meet locals, and experience the land at your own pace.
From Reykjavík, begin your journey toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This area is renowned for its diverse landscape, featuring volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, lava fields, and historic fishing villages. As you drive, the glacier Snæfellsjökull rises in the distance, often visible even from across the bay. Take a moment to stop at places like Kirkjufell, Búðakirkja, and Arnarstapi. These locations are not just popular for photos—they’re part of the land’s rhythm, shaped by sea and stone.
Heading north, you’ll enter the Westfjords, one of the most remote and untouched parts of the country. The roads curve around deep fjords and cross narrow mountain passes. It’s a slower drive but with endless views—cliffs, quiet beaches, and valleys that open suddenly between the hills. Visit Dynjandi, a vast and powerful waterfall that spreads over the rocks like a fan, and walk the edge of Látrabjarg cliffs, where seabirds nest in summer. In the small villages along the way, like Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur, time moves a little differently. Life here follows the sea and the seasons.
In Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords, you’ll find a calm harbor, wooden houses, and reminders of Iceland’s strong ties to fishing. High mountains surround the town, and its quiet streets are home to cafés, shops, and small museums. It’s a good place to pause and take in the slower pace of life in the fjords.
Your route continues toward West Iceland, where history runs deep. In Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson, you can walk through places tied to Iceland’s medieval past. Not far from here are the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss—two very different sights just a short walk apart. One flows gently through lava rock, and the other rushes through a narrow canyon, both surrounded by rugged scenery.
This journey offers more than landmarks. It’s a chance to travel roads with fewer cars, hear the sound of birds and water, and spend time in places where people live close to nature. The Westfjords and western coast show a different side of Iceland—quiet, powerful, and deeply rooted in the land.
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Accommodation and car options
Begin your journey with the freedom and flexibility of a 4×4 vehicle suited for Iceland’s varied terrain. Both manual and automatic options are available, and we’ll take care of the booking to ensure you have the right vehicle for the road ahead.
At the end of each day, rest in welcoming 3-star hotels, where every room includes a private bathroom and breakfast is provided each morning. If you’re looking for added comfort, upgrades to both car and accommodation are available. Contact us to learn more about your options.
Day 1: Arrival & car pick up at the airport
After collecting your rental car directly at the airport, you’re ready to take the wheel and start your drive through Iceland. The first stretch brings you across the Reykjanes Peninsula—a region shaped by volcanic activity, with steam rising from the earth and lava fields stretching toward the sea.
Before reaching Reykjavík, consider taking a short detour to explore the peninsula. This area, often passed by in a rush, is full of quiet, powerful sights. Visit the Bridge Between Continents, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, or stop by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, set high above the waves. The coastline here is rugged, the cliffs steep, and the sense of space vast.
Once in Reykjavík, the rest of the day is yours. The city is easily explored on foot, featuring colorful streets, small shops, and stunning views of the mountains across the bay. Walk up to Hallgrímskirkja Church for a wide view of the capital, or take a stroll along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture facing out to sea. Reykjavík seamlessly blends old and new—traditional houses stand alongside modern design, and the downtown area is filled with galleries, cafés, and local spots that remain lively all year round.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s restaurants. Fresh seafood is a staple here, and many places serve fish caught on the same day. Whether you prefer something simple or more refined, you’ll find quality and care in Icelandic cooking. After your meal, settle in for the night in central Reykjavík.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 2: Reykjavík - Snæfellsnes
Day 2 takes you out of Reykjavík and into the quiet beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region often described by Icelanders as a microcosm of the country itself. Here, you’ll find a striking mix of landscapes—glaciers, lava fields, coastal cliffs, and fishing villages—woven together in a single stretch of land that feels far from the pace of city life.
Leaving Reykjavík, the drive north and west brings you through broad valleys and along the edge of the sea. The road curves past mountains and open farmland, offering long views toward the peninsula ahead. As you approach Snæfellsjökull National Park, the landscape transforms. The glacier-topped volcano of Snæfellsjökull comes into view, standing quietly above lava fields and moss-covered hills. For many Icelanders, this mountain holds a special presence—not just for its beauty but for the calm, almost timeless feeling it brings to the area.
Your route through the peninsula offers several chances to stop and explore. In Arnarstapi, sea cliffs rise sharply from the ocean. The walking path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar is short but memorable, offering a closer look at the rugged coast and birdlife. Not far from there, the black church at Búðir stands alone in the lava field, a simple wooden structure surrounded by silence and sky.
Further along, Kirkjufell appears near the village of Grundarfjörður. With its sharp, symmetrical shape, it has become one of the most recognizable peaks in Iceland. Whether you catch it under clouds or in soft evening light, it leaves a lasting impression.
On the northern coast, the fishing village of Stykkishólmur welcomes you with quiet streets, colorful houses, and views over Breiðafjörður Bay. It’s a good place to pause—walk along the harbor, visit the old Norwegian House, or simply take in the peaceful setting. The sea here is dotted with small islands, and if time allows, you might join a short boat trip to see the bay up close.
As the day comes to a close, you’ll settle in at one of the villages on the peninsula.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 3: Stykkishólmur – Baldur Ferry – Brjánslækur - Flókalundur - Patreksfjörður
Day 3 begins in Stykkishólmur with a drive to the ferry terminal, where you’ll board the Baldur Ferry for a crossing of Breiðafjörður Bay. This vast stretch of water is calm and dotted with low islands, with views across to the mountains of the Westfjords. The ferry moves steadily through the bay, and on clear days, you can see for miles across the sea. Birds follow the boat, and the quiet rhythm of the crossing sets the tone for the rest of the day.
After arriving in Brjánslækur, you continue into the southern Westfjords. The roads here follow the edge of the land—curving around fjords, rising over small passes, and running close to the water. It’s a place where the land feels close, and the sea is always in view.
One stop along the way is Flókalundur, a small cluster of buildings in a wide-open setting. The area is renowned for its serene atmosphere and stunning views across the fjord. This part of Iceland is also famous for the Látrabjarg cliffs, where seabirds nest in the summer months. If time allows, it’s worth the short drive to the edge of the cliffs, where the land drops steeply to the ocean.
By late afternoon, you reach Patreksfjörður, the largest town in the southern part of the Westfjords. The city is situated at the base of a long fjord, surrounded by tall ridges and open water. It’s a quiet place, shaped by fishing and the sea. You can walk along the harbor, visit the local museum, or sit down for a meal made from what was caught nearby that day.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 4: Látrabjarg
Day 4 takes you to one of the most striking places in the Westfjords—Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. The drive itself is part of the experience, following narrow coastal roads that curve along bays and rise into rolling hills. With the open Atlantic stretching out to the horizon, the landscape feels vast and untamed.
As you approach Látrabjarg, the cliffs come into view—massive walls of rock rising straight from the sea, reaching up to 440 meters at their highest point. This area is known not only for its dramatic scenery but also for the rich birdlife that gathers here in summer. Puffins nest by the thousands in the soft grassy edges of the cliff, along with razorbills, guillemots, and other seabirds. The birds are often calm around visitors, making it easy to see them up close and photograph them without disturbance. Watching the puffins at such close range, with waves crashing far below, is a quiet and unforgettable moment.
There’s no rush here. You can take time to walk along the cliff paths, sit in the grass, and listen to the wind and the sea. The views shift with the light and weather, and even on a cloudy day, the cliffs retain a stark beauty that lingers.
Látrabjarg’s remote location adds to its appeal. There should not be a lot of people there: only space, sky, and the sound of seabirds. It’s a place to slow down, to take in the scale of nature, and to feel the distance from the busy world.
After spending time at the cliffs, you’ll continue to your next stop in the Westfjords. The road rewinds along the coast, past open land and quiet inlets, with the memory of the cliffs and the sea birds carried with you as the day draws to a close.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 5: Patreksfjörður - Arnarfjörður - Dynjandi waterfall – Ísafjörður
Day 5 begins in Patreksfjörður, and from there, you make your way deeper into the Westfjords. This stretch of the journey leads toward Arnarfjörður, one of the region’s most striking fjords. The drive is slow and scenic, passing along quiet shorelines, beneath steep hillsides, and through small villages that seem untouched by time.
The highlight of the day is Dynjandi, a towering waterfall that pours down a mountainside in wide, layered steps. Unlike many other waterfalls in Iceland, Dynjandi feels set apart, both in scale and setting. It stands at 100 meters high and spreads outward like a fan, with smaller waterfalls continuing below it. A short trail leads you from the parking area to the base of the falls, passing several smaller cascades along the way. The sound of the water grows louder as you walk, and by the time you reach the top, you’re surrounded by the movement and spray of falling water. It’s a place that holds your attention and stays with you long after you’ve left.
After visiting Dynjandi, the road continues north, hugging the edge of the fjords as you make your way toward Ísafjörður. The route takes time, but the views never repeat themselves. Sharp turns reveal quiet inlets, vast stretches of water, and cliffs that drop straight into the sea. This part of Iceland invites you to drive slowly, stop often, and take in the space around you.
By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. It’s a working town, with fishing boats in the harbor and old wooden buildings in the center. You’ll find a few small museums, local cafés, and walking paths along the shoreline. The town sits at the base of steep mountains and opens out into the fjord, giving it a feeling of both shelter and openness.
As the day comes to an end, you can settle in, take a walk through town, or simply sit by the water. The road here may be quiet, but the landscape is full of presence.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 6: Westfjords – Reykholt
Day 6 begins as you leave the quiet fjords behind and set your course south toward the greener lowlands of West Iceland. The road out of Ísafjörður winds through mountains and follows the shoreline for part of the way, offering final views of the vast Westfjords before the landscape begins to shift.
The scenery changes gradually—cliffs give way to open valleys, and narrow coastal roads lead into softer, more fertile countryside. The drive brings a sense of calm after the dramatic heights and deep fjords of the past few days. Along the way, you’ll pass farms, streams, and hills that seem to roll endlessly into the distance.
Your destination is Reykholt, a small village with a rich history. This was once the home of Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most important medieval writers and historians. His works, written in the 13th century, helped preserve the Old Norse myths and sagas that are now known worldwide. In Reykholt, you can visit Snorrastofa, a cultural and research center that shares his story and the influence his work still holds today.
Just outside the village are two nearby waterfalls worth visiting.
Hraunfossar spans a lava field, where clear spring water seeps from beneath the rock and flows gently into the river below. A short walk away is Barnafoss, a much narrower and more forceful stream that cuts through a tight gorge. The two falls, side by side yet so different, demonstrate the remarkable variety of Iceland’s natural features even within a small area.
As evening approaches, Reykholt offers a serene setting to unwind. The village is small, the pace is leisurely, and the surroundings are peaceful.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 7: Reykholt – Reykjavik
Day 7 begins as you leave Reykholt and make your way back to Reykjavík. The drive south takes you through the changing landscape of West Iceland, where broad valleys and quiet roads gradually lead toward the city. If you choose to take the scenic route, the road through Hvalfjörður offers a peaceful drive along the fjord’s edge. The shoreline is calm, the water is often still, and the surrounding hills lend the area a serene atmosphere. A few small farms and villages sit along the way, and the road winds slowly around the bay.
As you reach Reykjavík, the pace shifts. The city is lively, with a mix of old and new and plenty of places to walk, eat, or spend a few hours. You might visit one of the museums or galleries, stop by the harbor, or take in the view from Hallgrímskirkja. The streets are easy to explore, and the city has a relaxed rhythm, even in the center.
If you prefer to end the day in a more peaceful setting, the Blue Lagoon is within reach. Located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the lagoon is known for its warm, mineral-rich water. A soak here offers a quiet end to the day, especially after a week of travel. It’s also a practical stop if you’re flying out the next day, as it brings you closer to the airport.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 8: Reykjavík – Keflavik
Day 8 marks the end of your journey through Iceland. After breakfast in Reykjavík, you’ll begin the short drive to Keflavík International Airport. Though the road is familiar, the landscape still holds its quiet beauty—open skies, lava fields, distant ridges, and the wide, windswept terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Upon arrival at Keflavík, you’ll return your rental car and prepare for your flight. The past days—marked by fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, quiet villages, and long stretches of open road—leave you with more than photographs. Iceland’s pace, its stillness, and the way it holds space between places stay with you.
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