Traveling the stunning West Fjords of Iceland is simply a unique experience. This is the most remote part of the island characterized by breathtakingly high cliffs, steep mountains and vastness. The Ring Road combined with the wilds of the West Fjords makes this eleven day camping trip truly an incomparable adventure.
- Duration: 11 days
- Price from: EUR 2239
- Distance: 1695 km / 1054 miles
- Book now
Day 1
National Park, Famous Geothermal Area & Majestic Waterfall
Highlights: Þingvellir – Gullfoss & Geysir – Seljalandsfoss
- Hamragarðar by Seljalandsfoss Camping ground
- Pick up your Mink Sports Camper in Hafnarfjörður (see On Arrival)
- Head on out of Reykjavík to National Park Þingvellir. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has an impressive cultural and historical heritage. Þingvellir is the location of the first parliament of Iceland, a suitable meeting location for ruling chiefs to come together and discuss law on the island in 930 AD and to create a commonwealth. Þingvellir is also the site where you can see the edges of the two continents of North America and Eurasia meet. Iceland is divided by this Mid-Atlantic Rift and nowhere can you see the edges of both tectonic plates as clearly as in Þingvellir
- The famous Golden Circle consists of Þingvellir as well as the iconic waterfall Gullfoss which plummets down 32 meters into a rugged canyon and the highly active Geysir hot spring area
- The picturesque and majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall further on the south cost has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and its impressive 60 meter (200 feet) drop can be fully encircled
- By Seljalandsfoss is Hamragarðar Camping ground – open all year
Mink Recommendation
- Wade a little river to reach a fairy tale like cave where the beautiful waterfall Gljúfrabúi falls near Seljalandsfoss
- Soak in the mystical & magical natural lagoon The Secret Pool in Flúðir, an amazing experience not to be missed
- Visit Friðheimar greenhouse with its lovely ambiance & try their delicious tomato soup served amidst the tomato plants
Day 2
Black sand beach, Epic DC Plane Wreckage & Peninsula with Views
Highlights: Skógafoss – Sólheimasandur – Reynisfjara – Dyrhólaey – Vík
- Vík Camping ground
- The beautiful Skógafoss waterfall is 25 meters (82 feet) wide and can be walked right up to but prepare to get wet!
- The long walk (4 km/2,5 m one way) in the desolate landscape to the DC plane wreckage on Sólheimasandur beach can be a little spooky but is unlike anything else
- The spectacular Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara with its enormous basalt columns, caves and powerful waves was formed during one of many eruptions in nearby Katla volcano. Reynisfjara beach stretches many kilometers but be very cautious of the strong waves which can be extremely dangerous
- Dyrhólaey peninsula was once an island before joining up the mainland and has a massive rock arch as a result of centuries of erosion. The views to all directions are simply breathtaking
- In the small town of Vík is Vík Camping site – open May 15th until October 30th. For winter travel stay at Hamragarðar Camping ground by Seljalandsfoss – open all year
Mink Recommendation
- The Þakgil canyon is a little off the beaten track hidden between spiky mountains and has a wonderous camping ground with a common dining area inside a small cave
- See red hot & sizzling lava from a safe distance but still up close at the extraordinary Icelandic Lava Show in the small town of Vík
- The quirky Old Cowhouse (Gamla Fjósið) restaurant on Route One in Hvolsvöllur is in a former cowshed & serves traditional Icelandic food
Day 3
Otherworldly Canyon, Stark Contrasts of Glacier National Park & Black Diamond Beach
Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur – Skaftafell – Breiðamerkursandur – Jökulsárlón – Höfn
- Höfn Camping ground
- The beautifully green and narrow canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur is a 100 meters deep and two kilometers long with the river Fjaðrá running through it and a waterfall flowing down the western side. This massive winding canyon can be explored both by walking inside it or along a walking path up on the canyon´s edge where there is an observation platform
- Skaftafell is a wilderness area in the vast Vatnajökull National Park where days can be spent hiking in varied but always stunning and dramatic landscapes as well as enjoying snowmobile excursions and visits to ice caves. Europe´s second largest glacier in area, Vatnajökull, belongs to this National Park as well as Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull. Skaftafell is renowned in Iceland for its agreeable climate and the sunny days in summer that are often uncommon in the south
- The Diamond beach at Breiðamerkursandur, and glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, are fantastical sites, white ice on the black sand beach appearing like gemstones and the glacier lagoon floating with enumerable icebergs
- Camping ground in the small fishing village Höfn
Mink Recommendation
- A hike in Skaftafell to the small but beautiful waterfall Svartifoss, surrounded by black basalt lava wall, is time well spent
- Stop for lunch break at Háöldukvísl road stop on Route One before reaching Skaftafell, make a sandwich out of the Mink´s kitchen and enjoy the amazing views of mountains, glaciers and sea
- Treat yourself to lobster in Höfn caught fresh off the shore, especially good lobster dishes are at the atmospheric Otto Food & Drink by the harbor
Day 4
Unique Arboretum – Black Lava Fortress – Volcanic Lake – The Most Powerful Waterfall
Highlights: Hallormsstaðaskógur – Dimmuborgir – Mývatn – Dettifoss
- Mývatn Camping ground
- With around three-quarters of Iceland being barren Hallormsstaðaskógur forest is truly a unique arboretum with a collection of 70 tree species and trails throughout the surrounding woodland
- Dimmuborgir rock formations is a massive lava tube with odd shaped lava pillars, formations and caves which many compare to medieval castle hence the name The Black Fortress
- Lake Mývatn is the island’s fourth largest lake and full of Arctic char. In the area of this beautiful nature reserve known for its rich flora and fauna are many amazing natural gems. A visit to the alkaline lagoon of the amazing Mývatn Nature Baths is a must. The Nature Baths contain a unique blend of minerals and silicates with steambaths, hot pools and a stunning view of the geothermal area
- Dettifoss is Europe´s most powerful waterfall measuring 45 meters high (144 ft) and 100 meters wide and better known for the immense power then it´s appearance
- By Lake Mývatn is Hlíð camping ground – open all year
Mink Recommendation
- Hverfjall, a 396 meter high tephra explosion crater, is worth the visit and you can walk up the slopes and around the crater’s rim and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape
- The newly opened geothermal infinity floating pools VÖK in Lake Urriðavatn are getting amazing reviews and are one of a kind in Iceland
- Several of the dramatic natural wonders of the Mývatn area were locations in the fantasy series The Game of Thrones and one of them is the small water cave Grjótagjá. It used to be used by locals but after Krafla volcanic system erupted the water was boiling hot and although the temperature has slowly cooled since the last eruption in 1984 bathing is not allowed in Grjótagjá
Day 5
´Waterfall of the Gods´- Charming Fishing Village – Capital of the North
Highlights: Goðafoss – Húsavík – Akureyri
- Hamrar Akureyri Camping ground
- The 12 meter wide semicircular Goðafoss or ´Waterfall of the Gods´ got its name in the year 1000 when Iceland´s legislative assembly decided to converse from heathendom to Christianity and pagan gods were thrown into the falls. Goðafoss was famously featured in the fantasy drama Game of Thrones
- The charming town of Húsavík by Skjálfandi Bay is the oldest settlement in Iceland and known for its whale watching in the bay where the giant Humpback whales are the most common species and usually in abundance
- Akureyri is often named the capital of North Iceland and is Iceland´s second-largest urban area outside of the Reykjavík capital area. It is beautifully situated in the fjord of Eyjafjörður with excellent facilities for travelers and much to see, museums, restaurants and historical attractions
- Hamrar camping ground is in the hills above Akureyri – open all year
Mink Recommendation
- The Botanical Garden in Eyrarlandsvegur, near the town center of Akureyri, was first opened in 1912 by women of Akureyri to beautify the town. Eyjafjörður fjord provides a favorable microclimate for plants and in this hidden gem are 430 native species and 6600 alien taxa. Truly worth a visit
- See magnificent whales, the gentle creatures of the sea, from a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Húsavík
- The small Berlin Cafe in Akureyri is excellent for breakfast or lunch. It has reasonably priced and very good food, we recommend the very yummy quiche!
Day 6
The Northernmost Town – Majestic Infinity Pool – Sorcery & Witchcraft in Westfjords
Highlights: Siglufjörður – Hofsós – Hólmavík
- Hólmavík Camping ground
- The natural beauty of Siglufjörður town is undisputed and the charm is unquestioned. The high and dramatic mountains tower over the town and the saga of herring fishing bears proud witness to this town´s rich history
- Hofsós is one of the oldest trading posts of the country, a tiny village worth a visit for several reasons including the Icelandic Emigration Center in a restored 18th-century warehouse or to see the most famous colorful house in Iceland since its appearance on the cover of the book Iceland Small World. But make sure to visit the magnificent Hofsós infinity swimming pool built fjord side and beautifully integrated into the landscape. It was designed by the same architect responsible for the famous Blue Lagoon and come rain or shine the view from this unassuming and modest building is always majestic
- In the desolate and dramatic Strandir region of the Westfjords the village Hólmavík is the largest settlement. Hólmavík is known for its Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum which is based on academic work researching the role of runes, spells and witchcraft in 17th century Iceland
- Camping in Hólmavík – open May 1st until September 10th
Mink Recommendation
- The small town of Drangsnes is a half an hours drive from Hólmavík and worth the visit if only for one hidden gem with no direct signage, the three small hot pots sitting right on the shoreline with a dramatic view out to the ocean
- The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður tells the story of the fisheries and the towns that flourished in the great herring adventure that greatly impacted communities across Iceland and played a role in enabling the country to achieve freedom in 1944 following five centuries of Danish domination
Day 7
Vastness & Remoteness, Countless Fjords & The Capital of West Fjords
Highlights: Ísafjarðardjúp – Ísafjörður
- Ísafjörður Camping ground
- The drive from Hólmavík to Ísafjörður lies through fjord Ísafjarðardjúp which comprises a total of eight smaller fjords with plenty to see and explore. Long winding roads must be expected with a scenery unlike anything else as a reward
- One of the most remote towns in Iceland Ísafjörður is rammed in by high mountains and can be inaccessible for periods in the winter months. This old trading post is small but still Ísafjörður is considered the capital of the West Fjords with its restaurants, thriving cultural life and great selection of outdoor activities
- Camping at Tungudalur Ísafjörður – open May 15th until September 15th
Mink Recommendation
- Valagil is a spectacular ravine in Álftafjörður which makes for a perfect stop for an easy hike up to the hidden waterfall inside the canyon
- Rent a mountain bike and thread one of the many biking trails starting from Ísafjörður, whether it be valley trails or along the coastline
- The ´fish in a pan´ buffet at the family run seafood restaurant Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður, housed in what used to be a tar factory, is not your ordinary buffet. Comes highly recommended and should you like to find similar in Reykjavík visit Messinn, run by the same family
Day 8
Enthralling Waterfall, Red Sand Beach & Europes Biggest Bird Cliffs
Highlights: Dynjandi – Látrabjarg – Rauðisandur – Flókalundur
- Flókalundur Camping ground
- Dynjandi is an impressive waterfall that tumbles off the side of a mountain dropping 100 meters in several stages before gently drifting out to fjord Arnarfjörður. The word dynjandi means thunderous describing the powerful waterfall well
- The 14 km long Látrabjarg cliffs is the westernmost point in Iceland and home to millions of birds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. It is a wild and hauntingly beautiful spot with a hike trail along the edge of the cliff
- The Red Sand Beach, Rauðisandur, gets its colour from pulverized scallops shells and can actually appear to change colour, from yellow and red to black depending on the light and tides but be careful on the steep gravel road leading to the beach
Mink Recommendation
- Hellulaug hot spring is a few hundred meters from Flókalundur camping site, small and surrounded by rock but with lovely views over Vatnsfjörður fjord
- At Simbahöllin (see recommendation below) bikes with oversized tires that float over any terrain can be rented and there are numerous trails around Þingeyri to explore
- In the tiny town of Þingeyri is a gem of a coffee- and culture house that must not be missed called Simbahöllin run by a young Belgian/Danish couple who in 2005 were traveling the westfjords and never went back home
Day 9
Church Mountain – Stone Bridge – The Pearls of Djúpalón
Highlights: Brjánslækur – Stykkishólmur – Djúpalónssandur – Arnarstapi
- Á Eyrunum, Tröðum Camping ground
- The ferry from Brjánslækur near Furulundur to the town of Stykkishólmur takes you directly over the Breiðafjörður Bay with it´s innumerable small islands on to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the southest region of western Iceland, characterized by peculiar rock formations and dramatic landscapes. The ferry leaves 12:15 every day in summer time from Brjánslækur
- Stykkishólmur town has an atmosphere of old times about it due to its systematic renovation of old houses and the view over Breiðarfjörður is spectacular
- Kirkjufell or Church Mountain, standing high at 463 meters, plays a central part in many scenes on Game of Thrones and is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. It is surrounded by beaches and a waterfall and has a lovely walking trail around it
- Djúpalónssandur, in Snæfellsnesjökull National Park, is a sand cove covered with black pearly pebbles constantly being brought in by the ocean waves. Surrounded the cove are the most amazing rock formations. Djúpalón was once home to sixty fishing boats and one of the most prolific fishing villages on Snæfellsnes and the fishermen used to test their strenght with four lifting stones, Fullsterkur (Full Strenght), Hálfsterkur (Half Strenght), Hálfdrættingur (Weakling) and Amlóði (Useless) weighing 154 kg, 100 kg, 54 kg and 23 kg, that can be found on the beach
- Miðgjá is the name of the famous Stone Bridge at Arnarstapi and quite simply worth the stop if only for the superb photo opportunity since it is safe to stand on this stunning landmark but be cautious
Day 10
Mink Recommendation
- Landbrotalaug hot pot is actually two springs, one quite large but shallow, the other one very small (fits two people) but deep, in a pretty and remote setting
- Quickly stop by the rather strange Mineral Spring, Ölkelduvatn, right by the Road 54, Snæfellsnesvegur main road past the campsite, a simple rusty faucet coming out of the ground. Fill your reuseable bottle with natural soda water
Day 11
Buzzing Capital, Grand Cathedral & Grandi Harbour
Highlights: Reykjavík – Skólavörðuhæð – Grandi
- Explore the charming Reykjavík city center with its wooden houses in colorful corrugated iron, its many museums and restaurants, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur shopping streets and the Reykjavík Pond. By far all best done on foot at a leisurely pace
- Designed by one of Iceland‘s most renowned architects, Guðjón Samúelsson, who sought inspiration from elements of Icelandic nature, Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral stands tall at 74.5 meters (245 feet) on Skólavörðuhæð in the city center. It is Iceland´s largest church and its tower offers an amazing panoramic view over Reykjavík
- The buzzing Grandi Harbour Area with all its charm must not be missed, if not only for the superb ice cream parlor Valdís and the food court Mathöllin situated in an old former fish factory right on the pier
- Hafnarfjörður Camping ground – open May 15th until September 15th. For winter travel Laugardalur Campsite in Reykjavík is open all year
Mink Recommendation
- Hike out to Grótta with the lovely little lighthouse on Örfirisey island connected to the mainland by a thin spit which in high tides disappears. But be aware of the tides as not to become stranded and consult the tide chart here
- The Icelandic hot dog is best at the small but iconic stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Town´s Best Hot Dogs) in down town Reykjavík which opened in 1937
- The industrial Marshall House, formerly a fishmeal factory, is an amazing newly opened center for visual art in the Grandi old harbor