A 14-day small group tour that goes beyond the Ring Road to the remote Westfjords, with the Golden Circle, South Coast, Lake Mývatn and Snæfellsnes along the way. Groups of up to 16 guests, with expert local guides and the main experiences included.
Price from 8248 EUR per person
This tour can be customized for following traveler types:
Want something different? Ask your Travel Consultant about a private option.
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, a driver will welcome you to your first Icelandic adventure. Your journey begins with a scenic transfer to Reykjavík, Iceland's vibrant capital city. Settle into your accommodation, then explore the iconic Laugavegur shopping street with its boutiques, galleries, and local cafés. For an immersive introduction to Iceland's geology and volcanic origins, visit Perlan with its "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition—featuring an ice cave experience, interactive geological displays, and sweeping panoramic views of Reykjavík from the observation deck. End your first evening sampling authentic Icelandic cuisine at one of the city's celebrated restaurants.
Suggested hotels, or similar
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Tier
Classic
Region
Reykjavik city centre
A short walk from the centre of Reykjavik. Our Classic option in the city: simpler rooms than Saga, same easy access on foot.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Laugavegur is the main street of central Reykjavik and the busiest in Iceland, running through the historic heart of the city from Hlemmur square to Lækjartorg. It is lined with Icelandic design shops, wool boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and bars, and forms the spine of Reykjavik's nightlife. The lower section is pedestrianized. The name translates as Wash Road, a reference to the route women once walked to reach the hot springs of Laugardalur with their laundry.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Perlan, meaning The Pearl, is a landmark building on Öskjuhlíð, the highest hill in Reykjavik. It consists of six large hot-water storage tanks, four of which still supply geothermal hot water to the city, topped by a glass dome that floods the interior with light. Inside is the Wonders of Iceland museum, home to a real indoor ice cave, an 8K planetarium northern lights show called Áróra, interactive glacier and volcano exhibitions, and a wraparound observation deck with a 360-degree panorama of the capital. An indoor geyser in the atrium shoots water 25 meters into the air.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík's most recognizable building and Iceland's tallest church at 74 meters, dominating the city skyline from its hilltop position above Skólavörðustígur. It is a Lutheran parish church named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, it took 41 years to complete, with construction running from 1945 to 1986. The distinctive stepped concrete facade was directly inspired by the hexagonal basalt column formations found at Svartifoss waterfall and across Iceland's volcanic landscape. A tower elevator open to visitors daily gives panoramic views over Reykjavík and, on clear days, across Faxaflói Bay toward Snæfellsjökull. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eiríksson, a gift from the United States in 1930 to mark the Alþingi's 1,000th anniversary.
Today's guided tour showcases Iceland's Golden Circle—a triumvirate of world-class attractions. Begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you'll witness the continental rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in person. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur geyser erupts spectacularly every few minutes, spraying boiling water high into the air. Your final stop is Gullfoss, the 'Golden Waterfall,' a massive two-tiered cascade thundering into a deep canyon—one of Iceland's most photographed natural wonders.
Midday, visit Friðheimar, a working geothermal farm where you'll taste fresh, locally grown tomatoes cultivated in greenhouses heated by natural hot springs. Meet Icelandic horses, renowned for their unique gaits and hardy spirit. Return to the Selfoss area for the night.
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Tier
Classic
Region
Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland
In the Hvolsvöllur area within easy reach of the South Coast waterfalls, and the overnight stop after the Golden Circle and Friðheimar.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's first national park and its only UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting 47 kilometers east of Reykjavik at the first stop on the Golden Circle. It is the site of the Alþingi, Iceland's parliament, which first convened here in 930 AD, making it the oldest continuously operating parliament in the world. The park also straddles the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the few places on earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen and walked above sea level.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
The Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley of South Iceland is one of the three main stops on the Golden Circle and home to the hot spring that gave the English language the word geyser. The Great Geysir has been erupting intermittently for thousands of years and at its peak could blast water up to 70 meters into the air, but it is now largely dormant, erupting unpredictably and rarely. Its neighbor Strokkur, whose name means the Churn, erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes to heights of 15 to 40 meters and is the reason visitors gather here. The wider geothermal field contains dozens of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, and smaller geysers, making it worth exploring beyond just waiting for Strokkur. The site is free to visit year-round.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Gullfoss, meaning Golden Falls, is one of Iceland's most powerful and visited waterfalls, dropping 32 meters in two dramatic tiers into the narrow Gullfossgjúfur canyon on the Golden Circle route. Fed by glacial meltwater from Langjökull glacier, it carries an average of 140 cubic meters of water per second in summer, producing a roar and a cloud of mist that can be heard and felt long before the falls come into view.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Friðheimar is a family-run farm near Reykholt on the Golden Circle in South Iceland, best known for its geothermal greenhouse operation that grows fresh tomatoes year-round using hot water from a borehole 200 meters from the greenhouses, where the water emerges at 95 degrees Celsius. The farm produces over a metric ton of tomatoes per day and uses around 600 bumblebees for natural pollination. Visitors can tour the greenhouse and dine in the restaurant set inside the growing environment, eating tomato soup with freshly baked bread while surrounded by ripening vines. The farm also breeds Icelandic horses and offers demonstrations of the five gaits unique to the breed. Friðheimar was founded by Knútur and Helena in 1995 and has expanded from a working farm into one of the most visited stops on any Golden Circle itinerary.
Explore Iceland's volcanic south coast—a landscape sculpted by fire and water. Begin at the Lava Centre, an interactive exhibition revealing Iceland's dramatic volcanic geology and tectonic activity. Marvel at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall's misty veil for an unforgettable perspective. Next, visit Skógafoss, a powerful 60-meter (197-foot) cascade plunging from a moss-covered cliff. At Skógar Folk Museum, explore a meticulously preserved turf farm and Iceland's cultural heritage.
Continue to Vík, where Iceland's volcanic heart is on full display—wander across Reynisfjara's black sand beach, formed from lava and basalt rock, and gaze at the dramatic rock formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. This region epitomizes Iceland's raw, untamed beauty. End the day at your Kirkjubæjarklaustur accommodation with dinner included.
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HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, South Iceland
In the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, between the South Coast waterfalls and the Skaftafell part of Vatnajökull National Park.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter waterfall on Iceland's South Coast, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull glacier flowing down the Seljalandsá river. It is one of the first major waterfalls visitors encounter heading east from Reykjavík along the Ring Road, about 120 kilometers from the capital. What makes it unusual among Iceland's waterfalls is a path that runs around the base of the cliff and directly behind the falls, allowing visitors to stand inside the curtain of water and look back out through it. The walk takes about 10 minutes and the cavern behind the falls is large enough to move around comfortably, though the path becomes extremely slippery and is closed in winter when ice makes it dangerous. The waterfall faces west and catches sunset light particularly well in the late afternoon. A second waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, is hidden inside a narrow gorge two minutes drive east and is worth the small detour.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most visited waterfalls, dropping 60 meters over a 25-meter wide curtain of water on the South Coast near the village of Skógar. The sheer volume of spray it produces means that on clear days, single and double rainbows are almost guaranteed, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Skógar Museum (Skógasafn) is one of Iceland's most celebrated regional museums, sitting directly beside Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast. It holds over 18,000 artifacts spread across three sections: a folk museum, an open-air village of reconstructed turf houses and historical buildings, and a technical museum covering transport and communication. The collection was built over decades by local historian Þórður Tómasson, who founded the museum in 1949 and curated it until his passing in 2022 at the age of 100.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, sitting on the South Coast just west of the village of Vík í Mýrdal, about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. The beach is framed by a wall of hexagonal basalt columns and the three offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which folklore says are trolls turned to stone by the rising sun. It is regularly cited as one of the most dramatic non-tropical beaches in the world, and is equally well known for its powerful and unpredictable sneaker waves, which can surge far up the beach without warning.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Vík í Mýrdal is Iceland's southernmost village, sitting on the South Coast about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. With a population of around 300, it is a small but well-serviced settlement, the main overnight stop on the South Coast route between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón. Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are 10 minutes west; the Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering Katla volcano dominates the landscape to the north. The hilltop Víkurkirkja church, with its distinctive red roof, is the most photographed building in the village and sits high enough to serve as a designated evacuation point if Katla erupts.
This day showcases Iceland's most photogenic glacial landscapes. Start at Skaftafell, nestled in Vatnajökull National Park beneath Iceland's largest glacier. Explore this pristine valley with its waterfalls and hiking trails, witnessing the raw power of glacial geography up close.
Proceed to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, a hidden gem where icebergs calve into turquoise waters. Continue to the world-famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive blue icebergs float majestically in an ethereal lagoon—a landscape that feels otherworldly. Board a guided amphibian boat tour to navigate among the floating ice formations. Later, savor homemade ice cream at a local farm, a cherished Icelandic treat. Complete the day with dinner and fellow travelers at your Höfn accommodation.
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Tier
Classic
Region
Höfn, Southeast Iceland
Near Höfn with views toward Vatnajökull, the overnight stop after Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier by volume, covering around 8,100 square kilometers and roughly 8% of Iceland's total land area. Beneath its ice lie several active volcanoes, over 30 outlet glaciers flow from its edges, and the vast Vatnajökull National Park that surrounds it is the second largest national park in Europe.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It only came into existence in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and has grown rapidly since, making it Iceland's deepest lake at 248 meters and covering an area of around 25 square kilometers. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly across the lagoon before flowing out through a short channel to the sea, passing Diamond Beach on the south side of the Ring Road as they go. The lagoon holds seals year-round, who hunt fish in the cold, clear water among the icebergs. Boat tours operate from May to October on both amphibian vehicles and zodiac inflatable boats. The lagoon has appeared in two James Bond films, Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, among other productions.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Diamond Beach, formally known as Breiðamerkursandur, is a stretch of black volcanic sand on Iceland's South Coast where icebergs from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon drift out to sea and are pushed back onto the beach by Atlantic waves. The contrast between the jet-black basalt sand and the translucent ice, which ranges from clear white to deep blue depending on its age and density, is one of the most visually distinctive natural scenes in Iceland. Some pieces arrive small enough to hold in your hands; others stand taller than a person. The ice carries black stripes of volcanic ash from eruptions centuries ago, a record of Vatnajökull glacier's history preserved within the ice itself. The beach is directly opposite the Jökulsárlón parking lot on the south side of the Ring Road and free to visit year-round.
Drive through East Iceland's dramatic fjord landscape—a region of tranquil fishing villages, sweeping ocean vistas, and towering mountain terrain. This route takes you into one of Iceland's most remote and authentic corners.
Visit Petra's Mineral Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, the region's most beloved attraction. This unique, personal collection—assembled over 70 years by a lifelong enthusiast—showcases Iceland's geological treasures. Though Petra has passed away, her passion for the land lives on in this endearing museum.
Arrive in Egilsstaðir, the vibrant heart of East Iceland, set beside the country's longest river, the Lagarfljót. This lively town offers authentic Icelandic hospitality away from the tourist trail.
Overnight: Hérað Berjaya Hotel or similar
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HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Egilsstaðir, East Iceland
In Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, the overnight stop after a day in the East Fjords.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, with a population of around 2,500 people, and serves as the main service, transport, and administrative hub for the entire region. It sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót river in the Fljótsdalshérað valley, directly on the Ring Road, and has its own domestic airport with connections to Reykjavík. Founded only in 1947, it is one of Iceland's newer towns, but its central location makes it the natural base for exploring the Eastfjords, Hallormsstaður forest, Hengifoss waterfall, and Lake Lagarfljót, whose resident serpent Lagarfljótsormur has been Iceland's answer to the Loch Ness Monster since the 14th century.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður is one of the most distinctive attractions on Iceland's Ring Road: a private home and garden filled with hundreds of thousands of rocks, minerals, and geological specimens collected from the East Iceland countryside by Ljósbjörg Petra María Sveinsdóttir over more than six decades. Petra began collecting stones as a child in 1946 and opened her home to visitors in 1974. She passed away in 2012, and the collection is now maintained by her family.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
East Iceland
Seyðisfjörður is a small town of around 700 people at the innermost point of a steep-sided fjord in East Iceland, reached by the winding mountain pass road over Fjarðarheiði from Egilsstaðir. It is unlike almost anywhere else in Iceland: a compact, architecturally distinctive town with Norwegian-influenced timber buildings in multiple colors, a rainbow-painted street leading to the blue Bláa Kirkjan church, and a cultural scene built around artist residencies, the annual LungA art festival, and weekly summer concerts. It is also Iceland's only port with a direct ferry connection to mainland Europe, via the Norræna ferry service from Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
Enter North Iceland's volcanic heartland. Begin at Námaskarð, a spectacular geothermal area with otherworldly terrain—neon green algae pools, burnt orange mineral deposits, and stark white silica formations create a landscape that resembles Mars.
Cross the Námaskarð Pass with sweeping views of Lake Mývatn, then explore Dimmuborgir, an immense lava field filled with towering basalt rock formations and hidden caverns. This surreal landscape feels primordial and untouched.
Travel west to Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most breathtaking waterfalls—its name means 'Waterfall of the Gods.' Legend tells of a chieftain who threw his Norse religious idols into its cascading waters in the year 1000, marking Iceland's conversion to Christianity.
End in Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city and the cultural capital of the north. Despite its compact size, this surprisingly cosmopolitan town boasts excellent restaurants, quirky shops, vibrant cultural venues, and a stunning botanical garden.
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Classic
Region
Akureyri, North Iceland
In Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, used for two nights while exploring Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Lake Mývatn is a shallow volcanic lake in northeast Iceland, about an hour east of Akureyri on the Ring Road, covering 37 square kilometers with an average depth of just 2.5 meters. Its name means Midge Lake, a reference to the vast swarms of non-biting midges that hatch from the lake each summer and form the base of an extraordinarily rich food chain. The lake supports more species of breeding ducks than anywhere else in the world, with 13 species confirmed including the Barrow's goldeneye, tufted duck, harlequin duck, wigeon, and scaup. The surrounding landscape is one of the most geologically varied in Iceland, combining pseudocraters, lava formations, geothermal mud pools, active volcanic craters, and a geothermal bathing facility within a short circuit of the lake. Mývatn is a central stop on the Diamond Circle scenic route and one of the most visited natural areas in North Iceland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Námafjall is a geothermal mountain east of Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, and Hverir is the active geothermal field at its base, also known as Hverarönd. The site features boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and slopes stained yellow, orange, and red by mineral deposits, all driven by the Krafla volcanic system whose magma chamber sits just 3 to 5 kilometers underground. It is one of the most visually intense and accessible geothermal areas in Iceland, sitting directly off Route 1.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Dimmuborgir, meaning "dark castles" in Icelandic, is a sprawling field of ancient lava formations near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Towers, caves, arches, and jagged pillars of solidified lava create a landscape that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the country, with well-marked walking trails threading through the formations in every direction.
Begin in Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn about Iceland's marine life and cetacean species. Depending on season and booking, consider a whale-watching boat tour (optional add-on) for the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Journey to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and explore Ásbyrgi canyon—a lush, peaceful sanctuary formed according to Norse legend by the hoof of Odin's eight-legged horse. This serene gorge offers a stark contrast to the rugged landscapes you've witnessed.
Head south to witness Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Watch its waters thunder down a steep cliff face in an awe-inspiring display of raw natural force. The roar and spray of this magnificent cascade will stay with you long after you leave.
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Tier
Classic
Region
Akureyri, North Iceland
In Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, used for two nights while exploring Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in northeast Iceland, about 3.5 kilometers long with cliff walls rising to 100 meters. Its sheltered floor is carpeted in birch and willow woodland, which is a genuinely rare sight in Iceland, and Norse mythology holds that the canyon was formed by the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, dropping 44 meters over a 100-meter wide basalt lip on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park. Its average discharge of 193 cubic meters of water per second creates a roar that can be heard from several kilometers away and a vibration that can be felt through the rock beneath your feet when you stand at the edge. The water is gray-brown with glacial sediment from Vatnajökull, giving the falls a raw, almost industrial character quite unlike the clear-water cascades of Iceland's south. Dettifoss was the opening location of Ridley Scott's 2012 science fiction film Prometheus, chosen for its alien and primordial appearance. It is accessible from both banks of the river and free to enter.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
South Iceland
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It only came into existence in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and has grown rapidly since, making it Iceland's deepest lake at 248 meters and covering an area of around 25 square kilometers. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly across the lagoon before flowing out through a short channel to the sea, passing Diamond Beach on the south side of the Ring Road as they go. The lagoon holds seals year-round, who hunt fish in the cold, clear water among the icebergs. Boat tours operate from May to October on both amphibian vehicles and zodiac inflatable boats. The lagoon has appeared in two James Bond films, Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, among other productions.
Start with a leisurely morning in Akureyri—explore the elegant Akureyrarkirkja church, quirky local shops, and cultural venues. Discover the Akureyri Botanical Garden, featuring Nordic plants and specimens from across the Arctic.
Travel south to Tröllaskagi, the 'Peninsula of the Trolls,' renowned for stunning mountain scenery, dramatic coastal cliffs, and hidden fjords.
Continue through Siglufjörður, once Iceland's herring fleet center. The Herring Era Museum documents this region's maritime heritage with exhibits, artifacts, and a chance to taste local delicacies. This small fishing town evokes old-world Icelandic charm.
Finish the day in the Skagafjörður area, known for its horse-breeding traditions and rural authenticity, with dinner included.
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Tier
Superior
Region
Skagafjörður, North Iceland
A country hotel set in the farmlands of Skagafjörður, reached after the Tröllaskagi peninsula and the herring town of Siglufjörður.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Goðafoss, meaning Waterfall of the Gods, is one of North Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls, sitting directly off the Ring Road about 50 kilometers east of Akureyri on the Skjálfandafljót river. It is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, split into two horseshoe-shaped cascades by an island called Hrútey in the river above. The name comes from an event in the year 1000 AD when Iceland's Lawspeaker, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, decided that Iceland would convert from paganism to Christianity rather than risk a civil war between the two faiths. On returning home from the Althing, he is said to have thrown his statues of the Norse gods into this waterfall, symbolically marking the end of Iceland's pagan era. The waterfall is free to visit, accessible from both banks of the river, and open year-round.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest town and the undisputed capital of North Iceland, with a population of around 20,000 people sitting at the innermost point of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Despite its modest size, it functions as a fully equipped city with a university, hospital, airport with domestic and international connections, a botanical garden that is one of the northernmost in the world, a ski resort on the mountain directly above the town, a geothermal spa, and a thriving restaurant and café scene. The town is perhaps best known internationally for its heart-shaped traffic lights, changed from the usual round shape during an economic downturn in 2008 as a gesture of optimism and never changed back. It serves as the natural base for exploring the Diamond Circle route, which connects Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
Siglufjörður is Iceland's northernmost town, squeezed between steep mountains at the head of a fjord on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula in North Iceland, about an hour from Akureyri. It has around 1,200 residents today, but at the height of the herring boom in the 1940s and 1950s the population swelled to over 3,000 and the town was the largest and wealthiest in Iceland, processing more than 20 percent of the country's total exports. The herring collapsed in the late 1960s and the town contracted rapidly, but the legacy survives in the award-winning Herring Era Museum and in the colorful, well-preserved harbor buildings and wooden houses that give Siglufjörður its distinctive character. The town is also the setting for the Dark Iceland crime novel series by Ragnar Jónasson.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
North Iceland
The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður is Iceland's largest maritime museum, spread across three original harbor buildings from 1907 to the 1950s. Winner of the European Museum Award in 2004. Open June to August daily, admission charged.
Leave North Iceland and venture into the tranquil, remote Westfjords—a region of rugged beauty and authentic Icelandic character. En route, stop at Glaumbær Old Turf Farm, where meticulously preserved turf-roofed buildings offer a window into Iceland's traditional ways of living and building.
Arrive at Hólmavík, a small village serving as your gateway to Westfjords exploration. Visit the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, a unique and fascinating attraction exploring Iceland's mystical heritage and supernatural folklore. This unusual museum provides an unforgettable introduction to the magical side of Icelandic culture.
Continue to the scenic seaside village of Drangsnes with its distinctive hot spring pools. End the day at your Hólmavík accommodation with dinner included.
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Tier
Classic
Region
Drangsnes, Westfjords
In the small fishing village of Drangsnes on the Strandir coast, the first overnight stop in the Westfjords.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Westfjords
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords of Iceland, with around 2,700 people, and serves as the commercial, cultural, and administrative hub for the entire region. It sits on a sand spit deep inside Skutulsfjörður fjord, surrounded by mountains that rise to around 700 meters on all sides, and holds the best-preserved collection of early trading-era timber buildings in Iceland, some dating to 1757. The Neðstikaupstaður district of historic warehouses and merchant houses from the Danish trade monopoly period is considered unique in Iceland. Summer ferries depart from Ísafjörður to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the remote uninhabited peninsula to the north and one of the country's most sought-after wilderness hiking destinations. The town is also regarded as the sea kayaking capital of Iceland, with the surrounding network of fjords and inlets offering exceptional conditions.
Experience the dramatic fjord landscape en route to Ísafjörður, the unofficial capital of the Westfjords. Towering mountains plunge into deep fjords, creating some of Iceland's most visually striking scenery.
Explore Ísafjörður's rich maritime heritage at the Westfjords Heritage Museum, featuring exhibits on fishing culture, historic fishing boats, and traditional seafaring life. Alternatively, visit the Old Hospital, now a cultural center showcasing historical archives and photography that illuminate the lives of past Westfjord residents.
Ísafjörður's colorful historic houses and authentic small-town charm make it worth exploring on foot. This is Iceland's Westfjords as locals experience it—far from tourist crowds.
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HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Ísafjörður, Westfjords
In the center of Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords, surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Westfjords
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords of Iceland, with around 2,700 people, and serves as the commercial, cultural, and administrative hub for the entire region. It sits on a sand spit deep inside Skutulsfjörður fjord, surrounded by mountains that rise to around 700 meters on all sides, and holds the best-preserved collection of early trading-era timber buildings in Iceland, some dating to 1757. The Neðstikaupstaður district of historic warehouses and merchant houses from the Danish trade monopoly period is considered unique in Iceland. Summer ferries depart from Ísafjörður to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the remote uninhabited peninsula to the north and one of the country's most sought-after wilderness hiking destinations. The town is also regarded as the sea kayaking capital of Iceland, with the surrounding network of fjords and inlets offering exceptional conditions.
Today showcases the wild beauty of southern Westfjords. Begin in Dýrafjörður, tracing the legendary saga of Gísli Súrsson, a Viking hero immortalized in Icelandic folklore.
Visit Hrafnseyri, home to a museum dedicated to Jón Sigurðsson, a pivotal figure in Iceland's independence movement and revered national hero.
Marvel at Dynjandi, an impressive veiled waterfall cascading down moss-covered cliffs—one of the Westfjords' most striking natural features.
Conclude at Látrabjarg, the 444-meter-high (1,457-foot) cliff at Europe's westernmost point. This spectacular sea cliff hosts thriving colonies of nesting seabirds—puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and guillemots—making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Enjoy dinner with fellow travelers at your Flókalundur accommodation.
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HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Vatnsfjörður, Westfjords
A small hotel in Vatnsfjörður in the southern Westfjords, the overnight stop after Dynjandi waterfall and the Látrabjarg bird cliffs.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Westfjords
Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss and often called the Jewel of the Westfjords, is a 100-meter waterfall on Arnarfjörður in the remote Westfjords of Iceland, cascading in a distinctive trapezoidal shape that widens from 30 meters at the top to 60 meters at the base. The name means thunderous in Icelandic, and the roar is audible well before the waterfall comes into view. It is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords and forms the uppermost of a series of seven named cascades that descend the same cliff face. A 15-minute hiking trail from the parking lot on Route 60 passes all six of the smaller falls before reaching the foot of Dynjandi itself, making the approach as rewarding as the destination. The whole area was protected as a natural monument in 1981.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Westfjords
Látrabjarg is a 14-kilometer sea cliff rising up to 441 meters on the westernmost tip of Iceland's Westfjords, and Europe's largest seabird cliff. Millions of seabirds nest here each summer including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, and kittiwakes. The puffins at Látrabjarg are notably unafraid of people, making it one of the best places in Iceland to observe them at close range.
Begin your morning at leisure before boarding the Baldur ferry for a scenic voyage across Breiðafjörður Bay to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. En route, pass the charming island of Flatey, a small community with historical significance and natural beauty.
Spend the afternoon on Snæfellsnes, Iceland's most concentrated showcase of natural wonders. Photograph Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most iconic mountains, famous for its distinctive cone shape and striking appearance in every season. Explore the rugged coastline with its black sand beaches, sea caves, and dramatic rock formations.
End the day at your Snæfellsnes accommodation with dinner included, then take an evening walk to the coast to absorb the peninsula's moody, dramatic atmosphere.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Classic
Region
Arnarstapi, Snæfellsnes
On the southern shore of the Snæfellsnes peninsula beneath Snæfellsjökull, a short walk from the coastal rock formations at Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with around 1,100 residents, sitting on a promontory above a natural harbor on the northern coast of the peninsula overlooking Breiðafjörður bay. Often called the capital of Snæfellsnes, it has been a trading and fishing center since at least the 16th century. The town is notable for its collection of well-preserved 19th-century timber buildings, the most famous of which is Norska Húsið, the Norwegian House, built in 1832 from materials imported from Norway and now a folk museum. Weather observations have been recorded here continuously since 1845, the longest unbroken meteorological record in Iceland. The Baldur ferry departs from the harbor to Flatey Island and Brjánslækur in the Westfjords, making Stykkishólmur the main connection point between Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty used the town as a filming location for scenes set in Greenland.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Kirkjufell is a 463-meter freestanding mountain on the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, widely regarded as the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its distinctive pointed silhouette, shaped by millions of years of glacial erosion, makes it immediately recognizable, and the small triple-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall sitting at its base creates one of the most iconic compositions in the country.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Arnarstapi, also known locally as Stapi, is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, once one of the most important trading and fishing ports on the peninsula and now a quiet base for exploring the surrounding coastal landscape. The village is best known for its dramatic basalt sea cliffs, sea stacks, blowholes, and the Gatklettur stone arch, all accessible on a short clifftop walk from the harbor. At the village entrance stands a large stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a figure from the Saga of Bárðar Snæfellsáss described as the half-human, half-troll guardian of Snæfellsnes, who according to legend retreated into the Snæfellsjökull glacier and continues to watch over the peninsula. A 2.5-kilometer coastal path connects Arnarstapi to the neighboring village of Hellnar, passing sea arches, nesting seabirds, and lava formations.
Explore the highlights of Snæfellsjökull National Park and Snæfellsnes' southern coast. Begin at Djúpalónssandur, a historic beach where you can test your strength lifting the giant boulders left by old fishing boats—a traditional trial of Icelandic fishermen's strength.
Continue to Arnarstapi, a charming fishing village surrounded by dramatic lava formations, sea arches, and basalt columns that rise from the ocean. The unique geology here rivals anywhere else in Iceland.
Visit Búðakirkja, Iceland's iconic black church—a UNESCO-recognized cultural landmark standing starkly against the Snæfellsnes landscape.
Return to Reykjavík with the afternoon free to explore Iceland's capital at your own pace—browse galleries, visit museums, enjoy local restaurants, or relax at a geothermal spa.
Suggested hotels, or similar
HOTEL
Tier
Superior
Region
Reykjavík
A large modern hotel on Höfðatorg in central Reykjavík, within walking distance of Laugavegur and the old harbour. Your base on the first and last nights of the tour.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano at the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, rising 1,446 meters above sea level. On clear days it is visible across Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík, 120 kilometers to the southeast. The volcano is around 700,000 years old and last erupted approximately 1,800 years ago; it is considered dormant but active. A glacier covers the summit crater to a depth of around 200 meters. Jules Verne chose Snæfellsjökull as the entrance to the Earth's interior in his 1864 novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, following research into Icelandic geology. The mountain has inspired a significant body of literature since, including Halldór Laxness's novel Under the Glacier, written at the site and named after it. The glacier has retreated by roughly 15 percent since the Little Ice Age and may disappear within decades without significant climate intervention.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Djúpalónssandur is a black pebble beach on the southwestern tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, within Snæfellsjökull National Park, framed by jagged lava formations with the glacier rising behind. The name means Deep Lagoon Sand. The beach was once a working fishing harbor and at its peak accommodated around 60 boats. Four large lifting stones, known as the Aflraunasteinar, remain on the beach from this era: Amlóði the Bungler at 23 kilograms, Hálfdrættingur the Weakling at 54 kilograms, Hálfsterkur Half-Strength at 100 kilograms, and Fullsterkur Full-Strength at 154 kilograms. Prospective crew members had to lift at least the Hálfdrættingur to be considered for a fishing boat. The rusted iron remains of the British trawler Epine GY7, wrecked here on March 13, 1948 with fourteen fatalities and five survivors, are scattered across the beach as a protected monument. The black pebbles themselves are also protected and removing them is prohibited.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Arnarstapi, also known locally as Stapi, is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, once one of the most important trading and fishing ports on the peninsula and now a quiet base for exploring the surrounding coastal landscape. The village is best known for its dramatic basalt sea cliffs, sea stacks, blowholes, and the Gatklettur stone arch, all accessible on a short clifftop walk from the harbor. At the village entrance stands a large stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a figure from the Saga of Bárðar Snæfellsáss described as the half-human, half-troll guardian of Snæfellsnes, who according to legend retreated into the Snæfellsjökull glacier and continues to watch over the peninsula. A 2.5-kilometer coastal path connects Arnarstapi to the neighboring village of Hellnar, passing sea arches, nesting seabirds, and lava formations.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Snæfellsnes
Búðir is a tiny settlement on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, once one of the most active trading and fishing ports on the peninsula and now little more than a black church, a luxury hotel, and a 5,000-year-old lava field. The Búðakirkja, the Black Church of Búðir, is one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland: a small black timber church standing alone on the edge of the Búðahraun lava field with Snæfellsjökull glacier rising behind it. The original church was built in 1703. The current building was rebuilt in 1848 largely through the efforts of a local merchant's widow, Steinunn Sveinsdóttir, who campaigned for its reconstruction against the opposition of the national church authorities. The door ring on the church bears the inscription: "The church was rebuilt in 1848, with no support from the spiritual leaders." Steinunn is buried in the churchyard.
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Your Icelandic adventure concludes with breakfast at your accommodation. Depart at your scheduled time for a shuttle transfer to Keflavík International Airport (approximately 50 minutes from Reykjavík). If your flight departs later in the day, consider an optional Blue Lagoon geothermal spa visit—a perfect finale to relax in Iceland's famous milky-blue mineral waters before heading home.
Included: Breakfast & airport shuttle transfer
ATTRACTION
Country
Iceland
Region
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.
We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.
Our Superior accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all Superior accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city's key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.
Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected Classic accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all Classic accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city's main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.
Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.
Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
This comprehensive tour is designed to show you the complete Iceland experience, including the remote Westfjords region that most tours skip due to time constraints. The Westfjords alone deserve 3-4 days of exploration, and this itinerary allows you to experience Iceland's diverse landscapes, from volcanic deserts to dramatic fjords, without rushing. You'll visit regions that see far fewer tourists and gain a deeper understanding of Iceland's geography, history, and culture.
The Westfjords are Iceland's most remote and least visited region, offering dramatic scenery, towering bird cliffs, charming fishing villages, and a sense of true wilderness. Home to the spectacular Látrabjarg cliffs (Europe's westernmost point and largest bird cliff), the stunning Dynjandi waterfall, and unique cultural attractions, the Westfjords showcase a side of Iceland that few visitors experience. The region's relative isolation has preserved traditional ways of life and offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The boat tour from Ísafjörður to Vigur Island includes transportation to and from the island, a guided walk around this small inhabited island, and refreshments served by the farming family who lives there. During summer months, you'll see thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins, eider ducks, and arctic terns. You'll learn about the island's history, the unique lifestyle of its residents, and the sustainable harvesting of eiderdown, a traditional practice that continues today.
Daily driving times vary from 6 to 10 hours depending on the itinerary, but this includes numerous stops at attractions, photo opportunities, museum visits, and meal breaks. Iceland's dramatic and ever-changing scenery makes the journey part of the adventure. The comfortable modern vehicle, small group size, and expert guide who shares stories and information throughout make the travel days enjoyable rather than tiring.
This tour involves moderate walking at attractions and museums, typically on maintained paths and viewing platforms. The boat tours and ferry crossing are suitable for all fitness levels. If you have specific concerns about mobility or any activities, contact us before booking to discuss whether modifications can be made.
This tour isn't recommended for families with young children due to the nature of the activities included. However, it's well-suited for active, well-traveled children ages 12 and older who can handle the physical demands and pace of the itinerary. If you're unsure whether this tour is right for your family, we're happy to discuss it with you and help find the perfect fit.
