Self-Drive: Golden Circle and Westfjords

Itinerary

This 8-day itinerary explores the road less traveled, visiting the Western Fjords, as well as the most popular sites in the Reykjavik vicinity: Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. This is a great itinerary for those who don’t want to miss the highlights but also want to enjoy the quieter side of Iceland and get immersed in nature and particularly, in its amazing bird-life.

Day 0

ReykjavikReykjavík

You are met upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Reykjavík. Explore the city’s attractions: Tjörnin Lake, Hallgrímskirkja church, Perlan (the Pearl) and the old harbor.

Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the tour price).

Day 1

Gullfoss-IcelandThe Golden Circle

View the majestic attractions of the ‘Golden Circle’: Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great historical and geological importance, the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area.
 
Accommodation in the Gullfoss/Geysir area.
Day 2

Hraunfossar lava fallsWest Iceland

Borgarfjörður is an area steeped in history – the site of one of the most popular Icelandic Sagas, Egil’s Saga. You can visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes village to get to know more about Egils’s Saga and Iceland’s Viking heritage. Tour the many attractions in Borgarfjörður including Barnafoss and Hraunfossar falls, the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring and historic Reykholt, home to one the most important people in Icelandic history: Snorri Sturluson.
 
Accommodation in the Borgarfjörður area.
Day 3 - 4
Eiríksstaðir

west.is

The Westfjords

Head north towards the Westfjords stopping by Eiríksstaðir Living Museum along the way – a reconstruction of a Viking-age longhouse and likely birthplace of Leifur Eiríksson, the first European to set foot in North America in the year 1,000 AD. Continue to Hólmavík where you will find the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. Head to Heydalur in Mjóifjörður fjord and enjoy some of the many outdoor activities on offer such as sea kayaking, horse riding, fishing, natural hot spring bathing and marked walking trails.
 
Accommodation at Heydalur in Mjóifjörður fjord for two nights.
Day 5

PuffinsThe Westfjords

Visit Ísafjörður town with its superb fjord scenery. Take a boat excursion to Vigur Island and the deserted former fjord villages of Hesteyri and Grunnavík where time seems to stand still (optional and not included in the price). These beautiful places are only accessible by boat and are famed for their beauty, tranquility and fantastic birdlife.
 
Accommodation near Flateyri.
Day 6

DynjandiThe Westfjords

Visit the museum at Hrafnseyri, the birthplace of Iceland’s independence hero Jón Sigurðsson. AdmireDynjandi, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Stop by interesting fishing villages, take a dip in the natural hot spring pools and admire the vast beaches on your way to Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point and one of three largest bird cliffs in Europe, home to millions of breeding puffins and other seabirds. Accommodation near Látrabjarg.
Day 7
Kirkjufellsfoss

(c) Ragnar T. Sigurðsson

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Take the ferry Baldur (fare not included) and cross Breiðafjörður Bay via Flatey Island for the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Snæfellsnes is EarthCheck certified for being a sustainable community and the diversity of the landscape and geology is unique. Tour Snæfellsjökull National Park including the mystical Snæfellsjökull Glacier (one of the seven ‘energy points’ of the Earth and featured in the novel ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ by Jules Verne), Arnarstapi fishing village, the black sands of Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík and the picturesque old church at Búðir.
 
Accommodation in Snæfellsnes.
Day 8

reykjavik_scuptureReykjavík

Head back to Reykjavík for your last overnight. The city offers a unique charm with excellent restaurants, shops featuring unique Icelandic design, interesting museums, a vibrant music scene, and energetic nightlife.
 
Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the tour price).

Rates 

Due to the great flexibility regarding car type and accommodation, as well as the exchange rate, please ask us for an accurate quote.
Reykjavik is well serviced by international Airline companies from Europe and North America. All the self-drive tours start and finish in Reykjavik. The airport is located about 50km outside the city. There is a shuttle bus that runs regularly between the airport and downtown. The bus stop is located right outside the terminal and the departures are scheduled to take off 35-40min after each flight arrival. The ride takes about 45min.
 
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in ‘comfort rooms’ and 2 nights in budget rooms with breakfast
  • Rental car for 8 days, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance (pick up & drop off in Reykjavik)
  • Flybus transfer to and from airport
  • E-Itinerary with the tour map, location points, and pictures for you to view before you arrive.
  • Driver Guide tablet mapping and navigating your personalized journey and highlights of surrounding areas:
    – Navigation GPS
    – Personalized itinerary with location points and information
    – Points of interest – suggestions for restaurants, museums, swimming pools and much more
    – Safe travel information and alerts
    – Weather and news information
    – Chat with us – We are there for you while travelling
  • 24/7 emergency phone line service
  • Taxes and service fee
  • Accommodation in Reykjavik on day 0 and day 8
  • Airport rental car pick-up

Weather

Iceland has a subarctic climate. However, it has a milder climate than would normally be expected, given its northerly location. Reason for this is the North Atlantic Current which influences the climate and makes it reasonably temperate. This gives rise to warm summers, with top temperatures between 20-25°C. While thunderstorms are rare, storms with high winds, especially in the highlands, do occur. Strong glacial winds can also whip up heavy dust storms, especially in early summer, in the arid highlands of the Vatnajökull glacier. The one thing that can be said about the weather in Iceland is that it is unpredictable and weather conditions can change very quickly, especially in the highlands.

Seasons

All seasons are interesting and special in their own way.
Spring sees the arrival of migratory birds and courtship season. At this time there are fewer tourists, but not all areas are accessible – highland roads are often still covered with snow.
Summer is short and lasts from June through August. This is the busiest time as far as traffic and tourist traffic is concerned. If you want to travel at this time it is essential that you make arrangments and book accommodations well in advance.
Fall is a beautiful time of the year, with the leaves turning colors and the first sightings of northern lights. Migratory birds prepare to take off on their long journeys south.
Winter is by far the calmest time of the year to visit Iceland. The average temperatures are around 0°C, but can drop down to -10°C. At this time road conditions can be difficult and the highlands are off-limits.

Northern Lights

There is never any guarantee to see the Northern Lights, as they are a natural phenomenon. But your best chances to see them are during fall, winter or early spring, when the air is clear and the nights are dark, especially around a New Moon.

Money

Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona. There is a currency exchange at the airport and at banks around the country. However, banks are only available in larger settlements. But Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted.

Electricity

Iceland uses stand European sockets. You may need an adaptor in order to be able to charge your electronic devices.

Driving in Iceland

While the towns and the ring road is paved, many other roads are not. It is especially important to pay attention to the signs that warn drivers that the road surface is about to change from tarmac to gravel. If you don’t slow down, you can easily lose control of the car.
Iceland has many one-lane bridges. Be cautious and courteous when encountering other drivers.
Sometimes roads are closed. Usually, there is a good reason for that. Check before you set out and don’t ignore those ‘Road closed’ signs. You are most likely to encounter them in the highlands. The ice and snow are slow to melt up there and some roads can still be closed even during the official summer season.
After heavy rains, the road can be slick and strong winds can also pose a hazard.

Gas stations

Gas stations are widely distributed, even in the smallest settlements, so there should be no problem finding one to fill up when you need it. Some are not serviced, however, and you’ll have to make your purchase by credit card.
As the weather can be so variable you should think in layers and prepare for all kinds of weather. However, obviously, you’d need warmer clothes during the cold half of the year.

 

Since the wind is the most challenging weather factor it is important to bring good windproof clothes!

  • Wind/rainproof jacket with hood (probably the most important item of clothing)
  • Woolen socks
  • Hat, scarf, gloves
  • Warm fleece jacket
  • Jumper
  • Thermal underwear
  • Lip balm, sun protection, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit
  • Hiking boots
  • Sneakers
  • Outdoor pants (fast drying)
  • T-shirts
  • Eye-mask if you are traveling in summer (the sun is up most of the time)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Compass
  • Hiking maps (GPS doesn’t work everywhere)
  • Energy bars

While in the countryside casual/outdoor clothing is just fine, if you are planning on spending time in Reykjavik you might also want to consider taking some glad rags to better merge with the fashion-conscious nightlife scene of the capital.

Rental Car Categories:

Category A / Economy

Summer: VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Fabia or similar
Winter: VW Polo, Suzuki Swift 4×4 or similar

Passengers: 2 adults + 2 child
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 102 g/km
Category B/ Compact

Summer: VW Golf, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz or similar
Winter: VW Golf, Kia Ceed, Suzuki S-Cross 4WD or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 116 g/km

Category S / Standard

Summer: Toyota Corolla Auto, Skoda Octavia Auto or similar
Winter: Skoda Octavia Sedan, Toyota Avensis or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 3 large + 1 small
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 102 g/km

Category N / Estate

Summer: VW Golf STW, Skoda Octavia STW or similar
Winter: Skoda Octavia STW, Kia Ceed STW or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 5
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 104 g/km

Category F / Compact 4×4

Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar

Passengers: 5 adults
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 204 g/km

Category FG / Compact 4×4

Dacia Duster 4WD or similar

Passengers: 5 adults
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5
Manual
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 204 g/km

Category G / Compact Elite 4×4

Kia Sportage, Toyota Rav 4 4WD or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 158 g/km

Category H / Compact Elite 4×4

Kia Sorrento, Discovery Sport 4WD or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 5
Doors: 5
Automatic
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 194 g/km

Category I / Premium

Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD, Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD or similar

Passengers: 5 adults
Suitcases:  5
Doors: 5
Automatic
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 213 g/km

Category C / Intermediate

Toyota Corolla or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 137 g/km

Category D / Estate Special

Skoda Octavia 4WD STW or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases:  5
Doors: 5
Automatic or manual
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 141 g/km

Category L / Luxury

Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C200 or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases:  3
Doors: 4
Automatic
Driving restriction: Not allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 127 g/km

Category R / Luxury 4×4

Audi Q7 Quattro, VW Touareg, Land Rover Discovery or similar

Passengers: 4 adults + 1 child
Suitcases:  5
Doors: 5
Automatic
Driving restriction: Allowed on F-roads

CO2 emissions: 195 g/km

Outside of Reykjavik, most accommodations in Iceland are relatively simple. We mostly work with Bed and Breakfasts and farmhouse accommodations, which supports the local community.

 

Country hotels
More facilities and services and more luxury in comfort. All rooms in cat. IV have private/en-suite bathrooms and are better equipped. On-site bars/restaurants offering buffets and/or á la carte menus open year-round or summer only.

Bed and breakfast
Bed and breakfasts generally have a more intimate atmosphere. Guests stay in the home of the hosts or in a separate building on the premises. Rooms range from simple to the more comfortable with shared or private/en-suite bathrooms. Meals other than breakfast are sometimes available.

Rooms in bed & breakfasts and country hotels can be of four different categories.

Category I | standard
These rooms are simple, comfortable and adequate. Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. Clean towels are supplied. Guests have access to a communal lounge. Breakfast is included.

Category II | standard
In addition to category I, all rooms have hand basins and are usually of a higher standard and better equipped. Breakfast is included.

Category III | comfort
In addition to categories I and II, rooms have private/en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included.

Category IV | comfort
Rooms with private/en-suite bathrooms in country hotels. Better equipped with TV and sometimes tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included.

Self-catering cottages or apartments
All cottages/apartments have cooking facilities and the necessary kitchen utensils and crockery for the registered number of guests. Duvets are supplied but guests rent the bed linen. A great choice for families or smaller groups.

Cottages/apartments are rented out both on a daily and weekly basis. They must be neat and in good condition, have running water and a WC. Duvets are supplied but guests are required to rent bed linen. Cleaning is usually not included in the price; guests are normally required to clean themselves before departure, although sometimes cleaning services are available at an extra fee. All cottages/apartments have cooking facilities and the necessary kitchen utensils and crockery for the registered number of guests. Breakfast is sometimes available on request. Self-catering cottages/apartments can be of four categories: A, B, C or D. The difference between the categories is mainly a question of size, extra facilities, and comfort.

Category A
These cottages/apartments are simple and need only be one room with WC facilities. Cooking facilities and refrigerator.

Category B
These cottages/apartments have at least one separate bedroom. Coffee maker. Shower facilities in the area.

Category C
In addition to the requirements of A and B, there is a shower inside the cottage/apartment and at least one well-equipped bedroom w/bedside tables and a wardrobe. Coffee-maker and toaster. Veranda with garden furniture and barbeque facilities.

Category D
These are cottages/apartments with requirements of overall good standard. At least one well-equipped bedroom with bedside tables and wardrobe. Comfortable and tasteful furniture. Veranda with garden furniture, barbeque facilities and hot tub/Jacuzzi.

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