Customizable 8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Westfjords & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Your car will be waiting for you at the airport in Keflavik, so you can begin your road trip in Iceland immediately!

You may want to start by checking out some of the scenic areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It has beautiful fishing villages, geothermal features, and a rugged coastline.

In the northern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula, you'll find the town of Keflavik, around 29 miles (47 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It is home to the Viking World Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Rock'n' Roll.

Also in the same area is Sandgerdi, a fishing village serving as a marine biology center for students and researchers.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon on your first day is also possible. It's a short drive from the airport on the way to Reykjavik. Taking a dip into the lagoon is very refreshing after a flight.

The Blue Lagoon's regenerative water features silica and sulfur, benefiting people with various skin ailments. With a temperature averaging 98 to 102 F (37 to 39 C), the Blue Lagoon offers a comfortable and relaxing feeling in both the swimming and bathing areas.

Alternatively, visit the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. With its infinity pool, ocean views, and traditional seven-step Skjol bathing ritual, there are few better ways to start your Iceland holiday. With the "Ser" premium entrance, you can use the private changing rooms.

After checking in at your hotel in Reykjavik, make the most of your central location in one of Europe's most exciting cities. Explore its museums, shopping streets, restaurants, and cafes.

If you wish to enjoy the city's best views, head to Perlan, up on Oskjuhlid Hill. Perlan, or "The Pearl," is a museum that features a unique design. It showcases a rotating glass dome, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavik.

You can also visit the great Hallgrimskirkja, an incredible towering structure measuring 245 feet (74.5 meters) tall. The church's design was inspired by Icelandic nature, such as mountains, glaciers, and the hexagonal basalt columns surrounding the Svartifoss waterfall.

You can also visit the famous Laugavegur main street and go shopping. If you get hungry, you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes in Laugavegur.

You can even join an activity from the capital, such as horse riding or whale-watching. You'll spend your first evening in one of the comfortable accommodations of Reykjavik.

On day three, you'll pass dramatic fjords on the way to the town of Isafjordur. Located on the Skutulsfjordur fjord in Northwest Iceland, Isafjordur is the largest settlement in the Westfjords region.

As the capital of the Westfjords, Isafjordur is the center for education, commerce, and services. As you explore the area, you'll see different mountains complementing the sea, creating an impressive landscape.

The town played a crucial role as a fishing and trading center during the 16th century. Though much has changed over the years, Isafjordur retained its identity as a marine-oriented area. In turn, it has become a home to some excellent seafood restaurants.

Consider making a stop at Tjoruhusid restaurant. It is said to have the best seafood in Iceland.

The town also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with galleries, museums, and cultural events all year round. Be sure to visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Located inside one of the oldest buildings in the region, the museum features exhibits about the history and cultural significance of the Westfjords.

You'll also find in Isafjordur the Culture House inside a building that used to be a hospital. Inside, you'll find a display of old hospital artifacts and the town's public library. Aside from the old buildings, you'll also see some of the oldest houses in the country, dating back to the mid-18th century.

If outdoor activities are your thing, Isafjordur has a lot of options to offer. You can go hiking on different trails or go kayaking in case you're visiting during summer. If you're traveling in winter, go up the mountains for some skiing or snowboarding.

Another option is to head to the tiny village of Djupavik. The village and herring station have been abandoned many times, especially since they're locked in the mountains. However, you'll currently find eight houses, a hotel, and an airport. 

If you drive for another 45 minutes, you'll hit the end of the road and find a hot pool by the seaside called Krossneslaug. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a tiring and adventurous day.

After refreshing your mind and body in Krossneslaug, you'll spend the night in the Westfjords.

On your fourth day, you'll continue to stay in the town of Isafjordur. From here, you can travel to several fascinating Icelandic villages rich in folklore and surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Bolungarvik, Sudureyri, and Flateyri are recommended stops. Bolungarvik is Westfjords' second-largest town and home to one of the oldest fishing stations in Iceland.

You'll find large coastal mountains and areas known for bird watching, hiking, and horse riding here. Be sure to check out the Bolafjall mountain when visiting during summer. You can also drop by the town's open-air fishing and national history museums.

Meanwhile, Sudureyri is a remote village sitting on the tip of Sugandafjordur fjord. Sudureyri used to be isolated by high mountains. However, a tunnel was opened in 1996, allowing guests to drive through the mountains.

In Sudureyri, you can see how the villagers combine tourism with their rich fishing traditions. You can check out Fishermen Kitchen, a restaurant serving local dishes featuring fresh catch from the sea.

In addition, Sudureyri also has a great swimming pool and a historic church worth visiting.

As for Flateyri, it has a fascinating history as a whaling and trading post. It's also the site of several dramatic avalanches and the largest settlement in the Onundarfjordur fjord. 

Visitors troop to Flateyri to see its tabletop mountains and unique museums. You can check out the hiking trails or drive to the white sand beach near the village and enjoy the sea.

Don't miss the Village Museum, fondly called "The Old Bookstore," to learn about the village's history. The museum also sells rare pre-owned books.

Isafjordur is also home to the Osvor Maritime Museum, which shows what life was like for Iceland's fishermen in years gone by.

If you're looking for more adventure, a kayaking tour will provide unmatched views of the magnificent fjords of the region. If you're eager to marvel at seabirds, or perhaps seals, whales, and dolphins, you shouldn't miss out on this excursion.

But if you're looking for something completely different, you may be able to arrange travel to Hornstrandir. It's an incredible nature reserve only accessible from Isafjordur.

After the eventful day, you'll spend another night in the Westfjords.

Depart to the Keflavik International Airport on your final day, having experienced many attractions Iceland offers. If your flight schedule allows, you may have time for a dip in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon spa.

The waters of the Blue Lagoon offer a comfortable and relaxing feeling as you reminisce about the incredible adventure you have just experienced in the land of fire and ice.

If you've already been there, explore Reykjavik and do some last-minute shopping or have a better look along the Reykjanes Peninsula.

We hope you enjoyed your stay and will come back soon!