From Reykjavík: 3-Day Tour of the Wild Westfjords

The Westfjords are Iceland at its most remote and dramatic, and this three-day road trip reaches the places that are difficult to connect without your own car. You’ll follow winding fjord roads, watch seabirds at Látrabjarg, walk the red and gold sands of Rauðisandur, and stand below the broad, seven-tiered falls of Dynjandi.

I like the mix of big natural sights and small local stops, from a turf-roofed Viking longhouse to a working fishing village and a voluntary hot-pool visit. I also like the small group, capped at 18 people, plus private en-suite rooms and breakfast for both nights. The tradeoff is the pace: three days covers a huge amount of ground, so expect long hours in the minibus and limited time at some stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven Fjord Road: Day three follows one of Iceland’s finest coastal drives, with mountains, fjords, glaciers, and possible seal sightings.
• Dynjandi waterfall: The broad, wedding-cake-shaped cascade is the trip’s signature sight and deserves comfortable walking shoes.
• Látrabjarg bird cliffs: Summer brings puffins, cormorants, fulmars, and other seabirds to Iceland’s westernmost point.
• Two comfortable nights: Your private room has an en-suite bathroom and breakfast, a welcome break after long days outside.
• Weather controls the plan: Roads, ferry service, and arrival time can change, so bring proper waterproof clothing and keep Day 3 flexible.
• Good value for a remote region: The price includes transport, guiding, accommodation, admissions, Wi-Fi, and USB charging, but not lunch or dinner.

Why the Westfjords need a three-day trip

Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and South Coast are easier to reach from Reykjavík. The Westfjords are different. Their roads curl around broad inlets and cross high mountain passes, and many of the best sights sit far from the capital.

That remoteness is the reason to choose this tour. You are not simply ticking off one waterfall and heading back to the city. You spend two nights in the region, travel through places where nature sets the schedule, and get a useful look at local life along the way.

The tour uses a minibus with room for no more than 18 people. That is a sensible size for these roads. A large coach would feel clumsy on the narrow routes, while a private car would require you to handle the driving, navigation, and weather decisions yourself.

I would choose this trip if you want the Westfjords without renting a vehicle. I would not choose it if you prefer slow mornings, long independent walks, or a fixed timetable. Day three is especially long, with an estimated return to Reykjavík around 8:30 p.m., and bad weather can push that later.

Day 1: Viking stories, waterfalls, and the road west

Pickup in Reykjavík takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. You need to be ready from 8:30 at the confirmed stop. Central Reykjavík has restricted coach access, so pickup may be at a designated bus stop rather than directly outside your accommodation.

The first major stop is Eiriksstaðir, a Viking heritage museum associated with Eirik the Red and his son Leif the Lucky. You can enter a turf-roofed house built in the style of the period and get a sense of how early Icelandic settlers lived. This is a short historical visit rather than a full museum day, but it gives the drive a human beginning.

From there, the route heads toward Borgarnes and the broad coastal views around Breiðafjörður. The scenery changes quickly as the road reaches the Westfjords. You can expect frequent stops for photographs, but remember that the schedule has many miles to cover. A stop may be brief even when the view deserves much longer.

At Vatnsfjörður Natural Reserve, you visit Þingmanná Waterfalls and a striking canyon. This is one of the quieter stops on the tour. It provides a good contrast with Dynjandi, since the appeal here is the combination of water, rock, and open surroundings rather than one famous waterfall.

Birkimel Bay brings a sandy beach and the option to visit Krosslaug Swimming Pool. This natural geothermal pool is operated by the local Youth Association, and the visit is voluntary. You leave a cash donation in the box, in any currency, if you use it.

Pack swimwear and a towel if you want the hot-water stop. Neither is included, and the pool is not an automatic part of the schedule. I see it as a pleasant bonus, especially after a day in cool, windy weather, but you should not book the tour only for this swim.

The final notable feature of Day 1 is the crossing of Kleifaheiði mountain range. Look for Kleifabúi, a five-meter-high stone statue beside the mountain road. It commemorates the work involved in building this route, and it makes a memorable roadside stop.

Day one is mostly about reaching the remote region and getting used to the rhythm of the tour. It is not the most famous day, but the Viking house, geothermal pool option, reserve, and mountain crossing give it plenty of variety.

Day 2: Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur, and Dynjandi

Day two brings the Westfjords scenery you probably imagined when booking. Látrabjarg is the westernmost point in Iceland and one of the country’s important seabird sites.

In summer, you may see puffins, cormorants, and fulmars along the cliffs. Bring a warm outer layer even in July or August. The exposed position means wind can make the temperature feel much lower than it does in Reykjavík.

The Garðar shipwreck is another sight along the route. It adds a small piece of maritime character to a day otherwise dominated by cliffs and birds. Bird sightings depend on season, weather, and luck, so I would treat puffins as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee.

Take care near the cliff edges. The tour information does not give a specific walking distance or safety barrier arrangement, so follow the guide’s instructions and avoid getting too close for a photograph. Comfortable shoes matter here, since the ground may be uneven and the weather can change quickly.

Rauðisandur is a very different kind of stop. Its sand can appear red, gold, or orange depending on the light, and the broad beach gives you room to stretch your legs. You also get views toward Fossfjörður waterfall and the distinctive A-House.

This is one of the tour’s most appealing contrasts. Látrabjarg is vertical, noisy, and exposed, while Rauðisandur is open and calm. I like that the itinerary does not treat the Westfjords as a single type of scenery. You see cliffs, beach, waterfall, and mountain roads in one day.

The main event is Dynjandi. The waterfall spreads across the mountainside in a shape often compared with a wedding cake. Its seven visible steps form a wide white ladder, and the scale is more impressive in person than a standard roadside cascade.

You should expect some walking to reach the best view of Dynjandi. The exact time available depends on road conditions and the group schedule, so wear footwear that handles wet ground and uneven paths. A waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella, which is awkward in Icelandic wind.

The day ends in Ísafjörður, the main town of the Westfjords. This overnight stop matters because it gives you a chance to get out of the minibus, eat dinner independently, and explore a little in the evening. The schedule specifically allows some personal time, but dinner is not included, so plan to buy it yourself.

The town is also a practical break after a full day outdoors. Guides such as David and Halldor have been praised for making the trip more interesting and enjoyable, and an evening in Ísafjörður gives you a chance to ask about the region or simply enjoy a quiet walk.

Day 3: Bolafjall and the Seven Fjord Road

The final morning begins high above the coast at Bolafjall, which rises to 638 meters. A skywalk viewing platform is built over steep cliffs, offering wide views from the top.

This stop is weather sensitive. Cloud, wind, or road conditions can affect what you see and how long you can spend there. If you dislike exposed heights, the skywalk may not be your favorite part of the trip, though you can still appreciate the mountain setting.

Next comes Ósvör Fishing Village, a collection of turf-roofed buildings that shows an older side of coastal life. The nearby Óshólaviti Lighthouse adds another sharp point of interest. Together, these stops explain how people used the coast, not just how it looks from a bus window.

Then comes the Seven Fjord Road, the defining drive of Day 3. The road follows the coastline and rises and falls around seven fjords. You will see water, mountains, and glaciers in different combinations as the route turns from one inlet to the next.

This is not a quick transfer between attractions. The road itself is the attraction. I would keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire time looking through it. Some of the best moments will be the changing views between scheduled stops.

Arctic foxes live in this part of Iceland, and the tour includes admission to the Arctic Fox Center. You might spot one in the wild, but there is no promise of that. The center gives you a dependable way to learn about the only native land mammal in Iceland and support its protection.

Hvítanes is another useful wildlife stop. It is described as one of the more accessible places in the Westfjords for seeing seals. You will stop and look across the water for them, but seal sightings are still dependent on conditions and animal behavior.

The last stop is by the Grabrok Volcanic Craters. This provides a final geological note before the long return to Reykjavík. The estimated arrival is about 8:30 p.m., though weather and road conditions can alter the timing.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $1,142 per person, this is not a cheap three-day excursion. The value depends on what you compare it with. You are paying for a guided road trip through a difficult region, not simply three days of entrance tickets.

The price includes pickup and drop-off within Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, two nights in a private en-suite room, breakfast, the Eiriksstaðir entry fee, Arctic Fox Center admission, Wi-Fi, and a USB charger beside every seat. Those inclusions remove several costs and planning jobs.

You still need to budget for lunch and dinner. The minibus makes scheduled stops where you can buy food and snacks, but meals are not part of the package. I would bring a few snacks and a refillable water bottle, then use the planned stops for proper meals.

A single traveler must pay a single-room supplement. That is important when comparing the advertised per-person price. Couples or friends sharing a room will generally get better value from the accommodation portion.

The optional Krosslaug donation is separate, and you need your own swimwear and towel. The ferry fee may also be refunded if a ferry crossing is canceled for weather or safety reasons, with the group driving to the Westfjords instead. Weather is not a minor footnote here. It can change the route, ferry plan, views, and return time.

The minibus, group size, and daily comfort

A maximum group size of 18 keeps the trip more personal than a standard coach tour. You will spend a lot of time with the same people, though, so this format suits you best if you are comfortable with shared transport and a group schedule.

Free Wi-Fi and USB chargers are practical additions. Phone service can be inconsistent in remote areas, so the bus connection may help, but I would not depend on it for every stretch of the route. Keep your camera and essentials easy to reach.

The tour operates in all weather. Bring warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, along with sturdy shoes. Dress in layers, since you may move from a cold cliff top to a warm bus and then back outside within minutes.

Breakfast is included for both nights, but the supplied information does not specify the accommodation properties or breakfast hours. If you have strict dietary needs, confirm those details before booking.

Who will get the most from this Westfjords trip

I would recommend this tour to you if you want dramatic scenery without driving Iceland’s most remote roads yourself. It is especially useful for a first visit when you want a broad introduction to the Westfjords in a limited amount of time.

It also suits people who care about nature and local culture in equal measure. You get seabirds, seals, possible Arctic foxes, waterfalls, beaches, fjords, a fishing village, a Viking site, and a geothermal pool option.

You should think twice if you need plenty of free time. Day two and Day three cover a lot of ground, and several stops are short enough that you will need to follow the guide’s timing. You should also avoid booking it immediately before an important flight, since the final return time can shift with road conditions.

The strong points are clear: friendly guiding, a well-planned route, and access to places that are hard to reach independently. Previous guides named David and Halldor were singled out for being professional, friendly, and good at adding interest to the drive, though your guide may be someone else.

Should you book the three-day Westfjords tour?

Book it if the remote Westfjords are a priority, you do not want to drive, and you are happy to trade slow travel for a packed route. Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur, Bolafjall, and the Seven Fjord Road make this a strong three-day introduction.

Skip it if you want included meals, a relaxed timetable, or complete control over each stop. The price is high, but the combination of transport, guiding, private rooms, admissions, and access to remote roads makes it reasonable for the right person.

For the best experience, pack waterproof layers, walking shoes, snacks, swimwear, a towel, and patience for weather changes. If you can handle long driving days, this is one of the most efficient ways to see the wild western edge of Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the Westfjords tour?

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

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included within Reykjavík. In parts of central Reykjavík, buses must use designated stops, so the exact pickup location is confirmed within 24 hours of booking.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. You should be ready at your confirmed location from 8:30 a.m.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Two nights are included in a private room with an en-suite bathroom and breakfast service. A single-room supplement is mandatory for solo travelers.

Are meals included?

Lunch and dinner are not included. The tour makes scheduled stops where you can buy meals, snacks, and drinks.

What happens if the ferry is canceled?

The ferry may 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.