From Reykjavík: 3-Day Tour of the Wild Westfjords

The big draw here is simple: the Westfjords feel far removed from the busy Reykjavík circuit. In three days, you reach bird cliffs, empty beaches, steep fjords, waterfalls, fishing villages, and roads that twist along the edge of the sea. It is a long road trip, but the scenery changes often enough to keep the minibus ride worthwhile.

I especially like the small group size of no more than 18 people and the mix of major sights with quieter stops such as Ósvör Fishing Village and Hvítanes. I also like that the tour includes two private en-suite rooms, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and entry to Eiriksstaðir and the Arctic Fox Center. The main drawback is the pace: this is a packed three-day trip with long driving hours, and the return to Reykjavík can be as late as 20:30.

Key things to know before you book

• Seven Fjord Road: Spend a full day following the coastline past seven fjords, mountains, glaciers, and possible seal sightings.
• Dynjandi Waterfall: See the Westfjords’ signature cascade, shaped like a broad wedding cake with seven distinct steps.
• Látrabjarg cliffs: Visit Iceland’s westernmost point, where puffins and other seabirds gather in summer.
• Rauðasandur beach: Walk beside unusual red and gold sand, a striking change from Iceland’s more familiar black beaches.
• Small-group format: Ride in a minibus with up to 18 people, with USB chargers and free Wi-Fi at your seat.
• Weather matters: Bring proper waterproof and windproof clothing, since every stop runs under Iceland’s changeable conditions.

Why the Westfjords deserve three full days

The Westfjords are not a quick side trip from Reykjavík. This broad, remote corner of Iceland is made of long fjords, high table-like mountains, scattered farms, and roads that can feel almost empty. You do not come here for one famous sight alone. You come for the steady change in scenery as the road bends around another inlet or climbs over another mountain pass.

This tour works well because you do not have to manage the driving, ferry arrangements, road conditions, or hotel bookings yourself. Your guide handles the route while you watch the coast through the minibus windows. That matters here. Roads can be slow, weather can change quickly, and the final arrival time depends on conditions.

The tour costs $1,142 per person, so it is not a budget excursion. Still, the price includes transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, two nights in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, breakfast, and entry to two attractions. Lunch and dinner are extra, as are optional swimming pool donations. For a remote three-day route with accommodation included, the price is easier to justify than it first appears, especially if you would otherwise rent a car and arrange separate lodging.

Day one: Viking homes, mountain roads, and warm water

Pickup from Reykjavík takes place between 08:30 and 09:00. The exact stop is confirmed after booking because central Reykjavík has restricted bus access. Be ready from 08:30, even if your vehicle arrives later.

The first major stop is Eiriksstaðir, a Viking heritage site connected with Eirik the Red and his son Leif the Lucky. You can enter a turf-roofed longhouse and get a sense of how Viking-era homes were built. This is a useful early stop because it gives the trip a human starting point before the route turns toward wide coastal views and sparsely settled country.

The drive continues toward Borgarnes and the Breiðafjörður area. From the coast, you begin to see why the Westfjords require time. The water cuts deeply into the land, and each fjord adds another turn to the road. Your guide will schedule stops for photographs and short walks, but this is still a road trip first, not a hiking tour.

At Vatnsfjörður Natural Reserve, you visit Þingmanná Waterfalls and a canyon. The scale is smaller than Dynjandi, but the stop helps break up the drive and gives you a chance to stretch your legs. The reserve also shows the quieter side of the region, away from the headline sights.

Birkimel Bay brings a sandy beach and the option to use Krosslaug Swimming Pool. This natural hot pool is run by the local youth association, and visitors are invited to leave a voluntary cash donation in any currency. It is a fine chance to pause in warm water while looking out at the surroundings, but you need to bring your own swimwear and towel. The pool is optional, so skipping it will not affect the rest of the route.

The day ends with the crossing of Kleifaheiði mountain range. Look for Kleifabúi, a five-meter stone statue near the mountain road. It honors the work involved in building this route through difficult terrain. This is one of those small roadside details that can be easy to miss if you are driving alone, but a guide can point it out.

Expect day one to feel long. You are covering a lot of ground, and the scenery is the main event between stops. The private en-suite accommodation and breakfast are included for both nights, but the location and exact hotel are not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular property.

Day two: Látrabjarg birds and the colors of Rauðasandur

Day two brings some of the most distinctive scenery in Iceland. You head toward Látrabjarg, a line of towering sea cliffs and the westernmost point in Iceland. In summer, large numbers of seabirds gather here, including puffins, cormorants, and fulmars.

Bring a warm outer layer even in summer. The cliffs are exposed, and the weather can be windy. Bird sightings are seasonal and depend on conditions, so a puffin is possible rather than guaranteed. Still, Látrabjarg is valuable even without close wildlife encounters because of its position at the far western edge of the country and its broad views over the Atlantic.

You may also see the Garðar shipwreck on the way. It adds a stark human detail to an otherwise wild stretch of coast. The stop is part of the wider appeal of the Westfjords, where old fishing traces and working communities appear between huge areas of open nature.

Rauðasandur is a very different kind of beach. Its multicolored sand can appear red, gold, and pink depending on the light and weather. A walk here gives you a welcome break from the minibus, though the time available will depend on the day’s road conditions and the rest of the schedule. Do not expect a long beach day. Think of it as a scenic walk and a chance to take in one of the region’s unusual coastal views.

The route also includes views of Fossfjörður waterfall and the well-known A-House. These brief sights add character to the drive without requiring a major hike. If you enjoy photographing unusual buildings, changing light, and distant waterfalls, keep your camera ready between the scheduled stops.

The day’s grand finish is Dynjandi. Its wide upper cascade spreads down the mountainside in seven steps, creating the shape of a wedding cake or a giant waterfall ladder. This is one of Iceland’s most memorable falls, not because it drops in one narrow plunge, but because it fans outward as it descends.

You will have time to look at Dynjandi from below and take in the surrounding fjord. The footing and weather can vary, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. This is a place where a few quiet minutes matter. Let the sound of the falling water do the work instead of rushing through a list of photographs.

The second night is spent in Ísafjörður, the main town of the Westfjords. The schedule allows for an evening there, which is a welcome contrast after two days of remote roads. You can explore on your own during the evening, although the supplied details do not specify restaurant arrangements or a guided town walk. Plan to buy dinner separately.

Day three: Bolafjall, fishing heritage, and seven fjords

The final morning begins at the top of Bolafjall, at 638 meters. A skywalk viewing platform projects over steep cliffs, giving you a high view across the coast. This is another exposed stop, so waterproof clothing and secure footwear matter more than fashionable layers.

The experience then shifts from high cliffs to working coastal history at Ósvör Fishing Village. The site is a collection of turf-roofed buildings that reflects traditional fishing life in the region. Nearby Óshólaviti Lighthouse adds another point of interest and gives you a reason to linger near the water.

Then comes the day’s main road section: the Seven Fjord Road. The route follows the coastline up and down seven fjords, with repeated views of mountains, glaciers, and water. This is the part of the tour that rewards patience. You may stop often for photos, but much of the pleasure comes from simply watching the fjords appear and disappear as the road turns.

The road can feel tiring if you prefer active sightseeing over long drives. On the other hand, it is hard to recreate this route without a car, careful planning, and confidence on remote roads. You can sit back, let the guide deal with navigation, and focus on the view.

Keep watch for wildlife. Arctic foxes live in the area, although seeing one in the wild is not assured. If luck does not cooperate, the Arctic Fox Center provides a more reliable way to learn about and support protection of Iceland’s only native land mammal. Entry to the center is included.

Hvítanes is one of the more accessible places in the Westfjords for spotting seals. The stop is short and wildlife sightings depend on the animals, tides, and weather, but it gives you another chance to look beyond waterfalls and mountains. Binoculars can be useful, though they are not listed as included equipment.

The final stop is by the colorful Grábrók volcanic craters before the return to Reykjavík. The estimated arrival is around 20:30, but weather and road conditions can push that later. Do not schedule a tight evening flight or important appointment after the tour.

The minibus, guide, and group size

A group limit of 18 people is a good fit for this route. You get more personal space than on a large coach, and the guide can manage short stops and questions more easily. It is still a shared road trip, so you should be comfortable spending many hours with the same group in a minibus.

The vehicle includes free Wi-Fi and a USB charger beside every seat. Those are small comforts, but they matter on a three-day route. You can charge your phone for photos and stay connected during long stretches between towns.

The tour runs in English. Guides David and Halldor have received specific praise for making the route more interesting and enjoyable. David was described as adventurous and strongly connected to nature, while Halldor was noted for adding professional guidance and extra interest to the sights. Guide quality always depends on who is assigned, but these names are a useful sign that the human side of the tour can be a strong part of the experience.

The guide also matters for practical reasons. Ferry travel in the region can be canceled for weather or safety. If that happens, the operator says the group will drive to the Westfjords and refund the ferry fee. The exact route can therefore change, but the focus remains on reaching the region safely.

What to pack and what the price leaves out

Pack for wet, windy conditions in every season. You need warm layers, windproof and waterproof outer clothing, and sturdy shoes for waterfall, beach, cliff, and village stops. If you want to use Krosslaug or another pool, bring swimwear and a towel because neither is supplied.

Lunch and dinner are not included. The schedule has planned stops where you can buy food, snacks, or drinks, but you should not assume every meal is covered or that you can choose from a wide range at every stop. Carrying a few snacks is sensible for a long day on the road.

A private room with an en-suite bathroom is included for two nights. If you are traveling alone, a single-room supplement is mandatory. This is important when comparing the $1,142 price with other Iceland tours, since accommodation is already part of the package.

The flexible booking terms also help if your Iceland plans are still shifting. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the tour allows you to reserve now and pay later. Pickup from Reykjavík is included, but the exact meeting point depends on the city’s bus restrictions and is confirmed within 24 hours of booking.

Who should book this Westfjords trip

I would choose this tour if you want to see a remote part of Iceland without renting a car or planning a complicated route. It suits you if waterfalls, wildlife, coastal views, old fishing buildings, and long scenic drives sound better than a packed schedule of city visits.

It is also a good choice for solo visitors who want built-in transport, accommodation, and company. The group size is limited, and the evening in Ísafjörður gives you some time away from the group.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, need a predictable arrival time, or want several hours for independent hiking. The schedule includes walks and viewing stops, but it is not presented as a hiking tour. Weather can change the plan, and the final day can run late.

Should you book it?

Book this three-day Westfjords tour if your priority is seeing as much of this remote region as possible in a short visit. The strongest parts are the variety of the route, the included accommodation, the small minibus, and major sights such as Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur, Dynjandi, and the Seven Fjord Road.

Skip it if the price feels too high for a road trip or if you want to travel slowly. For the right visitor, the cost buys more than transport. It buys access to a difficult-to-arrange part of Iceland, with a guide handling the roads while you watch the sea, cliffs, waterfalls, and fjords roll past.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts three days and includes two nights of accommodation.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is from Reykjavík, either at your hotel or the nearest approved meeting point. Central Reykjavík has bus restrictions, so the exact location is confirmed within 24 hours after booking.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup takes place between 08:30 and 09:00. You should be ready at your confirmed pickup point from 08:30.

Is food included?

Breakfast is included with the two nights of accommodation. Lunch and dinner are not included, but the tour makes scheduled stops where you can buy meals, snacks, and drinks.

What happens if the ferry is canceled?

The ferry can be canceled because of weather or safety conditions. In that case, the group will drive to the Westfjords, and the ferry fee will be refunded.

Is this a small-group tour?

Yes. The tour is operated in a minibus with a maximum of 18 participants. It includes an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, and a USB charger beside every seat.