Western Iceland with Snaefellsnes

Today you will visit some of the most interesting and well-known sights in Iceland. On your way to the so-called Golden Circle we recommend stopping at the volcanic crater of Kerið and the historical site of Skálholt. Then continue to the world-famous geothermal area of Geysir where you can visit Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland with regular eruptions roughly every five minutes. A short drive away from the Geysir area is the mighty Gullfoss – the Golden Waterfall – which is widely regarded as being among the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Iceland. The next stop of the day will then be Thingvellir National Park – an area of both historic interest and fascinating geology.

On your way towards your lodgings for the night in the Borgarnes region, you will also have the chance to explore the beautiful Hvalfjördur Fjord, or alternatively you can opt for the shorter route which takes you through a tunnel that runs directly beneath the fjord. The Allied Powers had an important naval base at this fjord during World War II, it is currently used as a whaling station. You will spend this night in or close to the town of Borgarnes.

Today you will take Route 54 from Borgarnes to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Once you arrive at Snæfellsnes, the first thing you will see is the beautifully-formed Eldborg Crater (to the left of Route 54). You can then stop off at the Gerduberg basalt columns which are situated to the east of Route 54, close to Ytri-Raudamelur. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a natural wonder, known for the Snæfell Glacier which towers over the whole area.

Turn right at Vegamót and follow Route 56 to Stykkisholmur, a charming little town in a perfect location, with great views over the Breidafjördur Bay. If you have time you can stop off at the Bjarnarhöfn farmstead which is right by the sea and not far from Stykkisholmur. This is one of the few farmsteads in Iceland that still works with shark. Visitors can learn all about the Icelandic tradition of shark fishing and even try a little taste of shark meat for themselves (open all year round).  

As you travel along the north coast you will come across a number of typical Icelandic fishing villages such as Grundarfjördur, Olafsvik and Hellisandur. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a natural wonder, known for the Snæfell Glacier which towers over the region. As you drive along Route 574 we recommend stopping at Djúpalónssandur – an old fishing station which is now abandoned. You can also take a walk down to Dritvík, which is a black lava beach located close by. Further along the route is Arnarstapi, a beautiful fishing village with a unique natural harbour where you can find basalt columns in all shapes and sizes. Arnarstapi is a great place to take a refreshing walk down to the sea. Follow the south coast towards Búdir, which was once home to an old trading port. Here you can see a beautiful wooden church surrounded by a spectacular lava field. You will spend the night on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Today you will drive back towards Borgarnes and then onwards in the direction of Reykholt. Along the road from Borgarnes towards Reykholt lies Deildartunguhver, one of the most powerful hot springs in Iceland. After a quick visit you can then continue onwards towards the town of Reykholt where the mighty Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson lived and was assassinated in the 13th century. There is a permanent exhibition about him in the Snorrastofa Cultural Centre. About 12 miles east of Reykholt you will find the gorgeous natural phenomenon of Hraunfossar, where clear spring water pours out from a lava field and flows down into the River Hvítá.

Just upstream from here is Barnafoss, or the Children’s Waterfall, so named according to legend after two children who drowned in its waters. From Barnafoss you will then head back towards Borgarnes and onwards to Reykjavík. You will spend the night in Reykjavík.

Your flight home will depart either early in the morning or in the afternoon. You will drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport (approximately 45 minutes) and return the car at the airport before taking your flight.  

Or if you have chosen to extend your trip by an extra night then you will have some time to explore the most northerly capital city in the world. Stroll around the town and explore its many restaurants, cafés and cosy shopping streets. Fans of culture will find no shortage of museums to explore. And if you still have the energy, you can spend the evening in a cosy pub or on a lively dancefloor. Reykjavík is well-known for its buzzing nightlife.

Return flights either early in the morning or in the afternoon. Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport (approx. 45 mins) and leave the car there in connection with your return flight.