Arctic North & Wild West

Starting from: Keflavik or Akureyri

Season: 1st May-31st October

Duration: 10+ days

Driving distance: 2400-2600 kms

Highlights: Snaefellsnes - Latrabjarg - Raudasandur - Dynjandi - Isafjordur - Akureyri - Lake Myvatn area - Dettifoss - Asbyrgi

Available as a self drive or private guided tour

One of our most popular offbeat holidays to North Iceland, the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes!

Fly to North Iceland's where you can explore the wonders of Lake Myvatn and its picturesque natural surroundings - geothermal activity and unique birdlife; the lava formations and canyons of Dimmuborgir and Asbyrgi; and the spectacular waterfalls of Dettifoss and Godafoss.

The remote Westfjords, also known as Iceland's best-kept secret offer some of the most spectacular and isolated landscapes of Iceland - the monumental cliffs of Latrabjarg abundant with bird life; the picturesque Dynjandi waterfall; an endless variety of deep blue fjords, silent white glaciers, unspoiled beaches and rejuvenating hot springs; await you, all glittering in the magical summer light.

Known as a mini Iceland Snaefellsnes has a bit of everything that Iceland is famous for - the Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano dominating the peninsula, the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, lesser-known lava fields, black sand beaches with fascinating rock formations and charming fishing villages.

A road trip is a personal experience and our goal is to design an itinerary that matches your dream trip.
Below is a 10 day / 9 night sample itinerary to give you a general idea of our Arctic North & Wild West trip starting from Keflavik:

Day 1 – Arrival & Akureyri

Arrival at KEF airport where you transfer to your domestic flight to Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland. A free afternoon to relax and enjoy Akureyri on your own.

Optional add-ons:
Whale watching
Akureyri Food Walk

Day 2 – Myvatn, Godafoss & Dettifoss

After a stop at Godafoss "the waterfall of the gods", drive around the amazing Lake Myvatn area stopping at the various sights of your interest. Options include the Grotagja cave, Hverir geothermal area and Dimmuborgir.
Take a detour to visit the stunning Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.

Optional add-ons:
Myvatn Nature Baths

Day 3 – Asbyrgi, Husavik & Siglufjordur

Walk around the impressive Asbyrgi canyon and traverse between the charming fishing villages of Husavik and Siglufjordur.

Optional add-ons:
Horse riding
Whale watching

Day 4 – Skagafjordur & North West Iceland

Admire the islands of Skagafjordur, the Hvitserkur basalt stack and overnight in the Dalir valleys region.

Optional add-ons:
River rafting

Day 5 – Remote Strandir

Venture all the way north to "the end of the road" in the remote Strandir coastal region, where steep mountains and driftwood filled beaches characterise the landscape.

Optional add-ons:
Wild Waterfalls Hiking

Day 6 – Isafjordur Bay & Isafjordur

A day of dreamy landscapes as you make your way through the winding fjords of Isafjardardjup, with a detour to the silent Kaldalon glacial creek. Overnight in the picturesque town of Isafjordur.

Optional add-ons:
Sea kayaking
Horse riding
Isafjordur Culture Walk

Day 7 – The Westfjords & Dynjandi

An epic road trip through some of Iceland's most stunning fjords, including the great Arnarfjordur and a short hike up to the majestic Dynjandi waterfall.

Optional add-ons:
Svalvogar Super jeep tour
Horse riding

Day 8 – Latrabjarg & Raudasandur

Explore the dramatic Latrabjarg cliffs and many colourful beaches including the orange-hued Raudasandur. Evening ferry over to Snaefellsnes.

Optional add-ons:
Seal watching

Day 9 – Snaefellsnes

Cap off your trip with the wonderful Snaefellsnes peninsula, where the Snaefellsjokull glacier-volcano dominates the landscape. Surrounding the glacier are some fascinating lava fields and rock formations; unique beaches including Arnarstapi and Hellnar; the Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall; and charming fishing villages.

Optional add-ons:
Whale watching
Lava caving

Day 10 – Departure

Drop off rental car and departure from KEF airport.

Optional add-ons:
Blue Lagoon admission
ATV tour
Snorkelling in Lake Kleifarvatn

Notes:
The locations specified above are indicative. Since your exact itinerary is customised for your arrival and departure times, activities and tours you choose, and the pace of your trip; these might change.
We can of course also accommodate any preferences you have.

Here are some of the ways in which we can customise this trip:
- Add extra days to slow down the pace or enrich your itinerary with more time for activities or de-tours; there is enough to do for 2 weeks
- Cut a day from the itinerary to allow for reduced time or budget
- Create a themed itinerary with an emphasis on your favourite activity or interest f.e. adventure, geology, hiking, geothermal pools, birds & wildlife, cuisine, history & culture etc.
- If you want to explore more sights off the beaten path then we have a ton of great ideas!

Price for self-drive: 315,000 ISK per person on a twin-sharing basis in summer

Inclusions:
- 9-day station car rental (including CDW insurance, GPS, Akureyri airport pick up and KEF airport drop off, unlimited kilometres and emergency service)
- Digital map for each day
- 9-night two-star hotel accommodation (double or twin room with private bath and breakfast)
- Detailed day wise sightseeing itinerary
- One way airport transfer from KEF airport to Reykjavik domestic airport
- One way domestic flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri
- One way ferry between the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes
- Contact person in Iceland

Price for private guided tour: Contact us with details of group size, language and requirements.

Notes:
During winter (November-April) we do not offer this trip as some key mountain passes in the Westfjords close due to snow.

For self-drive, a station car is sufficient for this holiday, except as follows:
- During summer (June-September) a 4x4 jeep is not required unless you wish to drive on mountain trails (F-roads) or prefer it for the comfort as there are some gravel roads along the way.
- During spring & autumn (May & October) a 4x4 jeep is not mandatory but highly recommended since it can easily snow on the mountain passes.
For private tours, we offer a variety of comfortable vehicles for different group sizes with a local guide.

We offer a wide variety of handpicked quality accommodations from star category hotels to guesthouses and apartments, all well rated and located so as to balance your daily driving time.

Our detailed itinerary is completely tailored to your specific interests. It will include comprehensive information on the must-see attractions and offbeat sights you will visit, a day-wise outline and directions on Google maps.

We can also include tours and activities of your choice, self-guided walks and hikes, and restaurant recommendations. Typically this requires adding extra time to the trip.

And of course, we are always available for questions or assistance during your trip.

Additional information for your Iceland trip will be sent to you after the booking. This will include details about weather and clothing, currencies and payments, electricity system, food and water, safety, contact info, and other useful tips.

Self-drive:
The minimum driver age for is 20 years for smaller cars and 25 years for jeeps. Drivers must bring an international driving licence or a local driving licence written in a Roman script.