Iceland Self Drive Tour Packages, Iceland Self Drive Tours, Car Rental In
Iceland, Iceland Self Drive Vacation
GJ-013 SNÆFELLSNES & WEST FJORDS, 8 days – 7 nights
Day 1: WELCOME TO ICELAND, 49 km/30 miles
Arrival and optional stop at Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavik. Explore
Iceland's capital and overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA, minimum 310 km/192 miles
Snæfellesnes Peninsula juts out from Iceland's west coast, like a long arm and
in many ways it is a microcosm of the whole island. Explore beaches, bird cliffs, fishing villages, fjords, mountains and drive around the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano. Overnight in Ólafsvík or Stykkishólmur.
Day 3: TRAVEL TO THE WEST FJORDS, minimum 370 km/230 miles
Travel along the north shore of the Snæfellsnes peninsula to Búðardalur passing Álftafjörður that is often inhabited by hundreds of white swans. Eiriksstaðir is one of most historic sites of Iceland. Step back to the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Erik the Red's farm which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America. Continues along the scenic fjord landscape and through a rather uninhabited stretch of land. Here you travel on the south coast of the West Fjords. The coastline is dominated by small bays separated by high bluffs, and wide areas of heavily vegetated flatland that gently slope down to the shores of Breiðafjörður fjord. This area is rich in bird life. Látrabjarg is a 14 km long cliff, Iceland's western-most point, one of the biggest bird cliffs in Iceland, where millions of puffins breed during the summer time. The drive to Látrabjarg is extremely scenic, partly dramatic and you will pass some of the most beautiful beaches and bays in Iceland.
Day 4: THE WOLRD OF FJORDS, minimum 240 km/150 miles
The coastal route north from Látrabjarg Peninsula passes through or near the villages of Patreksfjörður, Tálknafjörður, and Bíldudalur. All three are stunningly situated and you can visit the Pirates’ House of Patreksfjörður, bathe in one of the geothermal natural pools on the way and enjoy some hiking. We recommened a detour to Selárdalur, a remote settlement with one remaining farm, a church, and a museum devoted to the painter, sculptor, and former resident Samúel Jónsson. A real unusual place!
Dynjandi waterfall meaning “the thundering one” is the most impressive waterfall in the West Fjords. The name comes from the loud sound it makes. It plunges over a 100m high cliff top into the fjord forming a triangular cascade. Continue along the most beautiful fjords in Iceland and stay 2 nights in Ísafjörður
.
Day 5: ÍSAFJÖRÐUR - THE CAPITAL OF THE WEST FJORDS
Ísafjörður is conveniently located between five smaller villages, and being the capital of the area it is the centre of interest in the peninsula. On the gravel spit that stands out into the fjord, small corrugated houses line the streets and we recommend visiting the Folk & Heritage Museum. For the tourist, Ísafjörður has a range of services for all budgets and tastes. An array of day tours, both in the wilderness and closer to civilization, are available, for hikers, paddlers and other outdoorsy types of course, but also for those wanting a leisurely walk in a bird colony or at a museum.
We recommend taking a boat tour to the island of Vigur where the five friendly inhabitants welcome you with their relaxed easy manner and somehow, one feels that time stands still in Vigur. Puffins, eiders, guillemots and arctic terns are this island’s magnets, and they are all abundant. In Vigur you find the smallest post office in Iceland, as well as the only windmill and beautifully renewed houses.
Day 6: NORTH SHORE, minimum 420 km/260 miles
Today you drive from Ísafjörður to Borgarnes in West Iceland. This is a long journey, very scenic and we recommend making a few stops to stand and stare, enjoy the fascinating fjord landscapes, mountain panoramas, wild life and solitude. This region is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and least populated one. Seals can often be seen in this area. Geothermal heat may be found in many locations and there are warm pools in some of the small settlements along the shores. There you can take a break and relax in a natural hot tub. In Hólmavík you find also the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, located in the turf-roofed building behind the local shrimp plant. Overnight in Borgarnes, West Iceland.
Day 7: GOLDEN CIRLCE, minimum 290 km/180 miles
Today travel along the scenic shores of Hvalfjörður fjord to Thingvellir
National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Gullfoss waterfall,
widely known as the Golden Waterfall in the Hvitá river with a height of 34
meters. The spectacular sight attracts tourists and travellers in summer and
winter. Geysir geothermal fields contains a variety of hot springs and bubbling
pools including the original geyser and Strokkur that erupts at 5-10 minutes
intervals. Stay one night in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland.
Day 8: DEPARTURE HOME, 49 km/30 miles