Northern and Western Iceland

Today you will drive from Reykjavík to Stykkishólmur. Head north towards Borgarfjörður through the western region of Iceland, which despite its proximity to Reykjavík almost feels like another world. This area showcases the diverse offerings of the country, including its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Upon reaching Hvalfjörður, you have two choices: either drive through the tunnel under the fjord or take the scenic route around it. We recommend the latter, which takes an additional 45 minutes but offers breathtaking views. Continue your journey to Borgarnes.

Borgarnes is steeped in rich history and offers a small-town atmosphere. Visit one of Iceland's finest museums or soak up the local vibes. From there, head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a natural wonder with fjords, volcanoes, beaches, lava fields, and a towering glacier. Explore the southern coast of the peninsula until you reach Búdir with its picturesque wooden church surrounded by lava fields. Further on, you will find Arnastapi, a fishing village with a unique natural harbor and basalt columns of varying sizes and shapes.

At the southern tip of the peninsula, make a stop at Djúpalónssandur, an old fishing station overlooking a black sandy beach. Continue your journey around the island, and if time permits, stop in Bjarnarhöfn to learn about shark fishing and taste the catch. Finally, drive to your overnight accommodation in the charming city of Stykkishólmur.

Highlights:
Borgarnes
Settlement Center
Snaefellsnes
Eldborg crater
Gerduberg
Búdir
Arnastapi
Hellnar
Djupalonssandur
Kirkjufell
Bjarnarhöfn
Stykkisholmur

Today you will drive from Stykkishólmur to Akureyri. On the way north, we recommend a stop at the Eiriksstaðir Museum, located on the route to Búðardalur. This museum is believed to be the birthplace of Leifur Eriksson, who is considered to be the first European to set foot in America. Alternatively, we suggest that you drive to Skagafjörður, an area known for horse breeding and adrenaline-fueling activities.

Next, make your way to the village of Varmahlíð. Just outside the village, you can stop at Vídimýri, a small traditional square church. On the road to Akureyri, you should also visit Glaumbaer Museum, one of Iceland's best-preserved peat farms.

In Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland and the country's second-largest city, you can take in the beautiful views and explore its interesting sights. The city boasts a botanical garden, swimming pools, a lovely forest, and despite its small population of 18,000, offers some excellent restaurants and cafes. This is where you will spend the night.

Highlights:
Breidafjördur Bay
Eiríksstadir
Leifsbud
Hvammstangi
Hvitserkur
Vidimyri church
Akureyri

Today's drive takes you from Akureyri to Raufarhöfn. On the way, be sure to stop and marvel at Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. The name itself suggests its beauty, and Godafoss is indeed a sight to behold.

Drive on to the charming fishing village of Húsavík. Húsavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland and is probably one of Iceland's most beautiful fishing villages with colorful houses, museums, and snow-covered mountains. Húsavik is also known from the movie Eurovision. Here we recommend that you stop for a whale watching excursion, Húsavik is considered the best place in Iceland if you want to see blue whales.

Drive along the Tarn peninsula coastline. The landscape offers high cliffs, green hills, lava and fossils. A tip is to make a stop at the far end of the peninsula and look for seabirds.

The next stop is Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped crater that is said to be the imprint of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipner. Take a walk or have a picnic between the massive cliff walls in the lush vegetation.

If you have time, stop at Jökulsargljufur National Park and take a shorter walk in the Icelandic natural landscape.

Overnight in Raufarhöfn.

Highlights:
Godafoss
Húsavik
Jökulsargljufur National Park
Asbyrgi
Hljóðaklettar
Hraunhafnartangi
Raufarhöfn
The Arctic Henge

Today, drive to Mývatn for a two-night stay which you will use as a base for excursions. From Raufarhöfn, head south along Iceland's scenic coast, making stops at Þórshöfn, Bakkafjördur, and Vopnafjördur for a glimpse of Iceland's stunning natural beauty.

Continue to the Mödrudalur highlands and drive west towards Mývatn, taking a detour to see the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, formed by melting glacier water.

Overnight stay in Mývatn.

Highlights:
Raudanes
Langanes
Bakkafjördur
Mödrudalur
Dettifoss
Myvatn

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Now it is time to make the most of your free time! Explore the wonders of Mývatn at your leisure or take a scenic excursion. If you're looking for a shorter adventure, there are plenty of must-see attractions nearby. We highly recommend visiting the Nature Baths, a geothermally heated oasis that's often referred to as the Blue Lagoon of Northern Iceland.

Do not miss out on the chance to visit the awe-inspiring Dimmuborgir lava area, where you will find caves and rock formations unlike anything you have seen before. It is also where parts of the Swedish film "The Brothers Lionheart" were filmed. Take a leisurely hike around the area or challenge yourself with a longer trek - the choice is yours!

End the day with a comfortable overnight stay in Mývatn.

Highlights:
Lake Mývatn
Dimmuborgir
Krafla och Leirhnjukur
Nature Bath
Grotagja

After a filling breakfast at the hotel, you leave the Mývatn area and head west past the beautiful Godafoss waterfall on your way to Akureyri. Drive through Akureyri and continue through charming fishing villages such as Dalvik, Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður. Make a stop in Hofsós, where many Icelanders in the 1800s emigrated in search of a better life and hear their stories at the Emigration Center at the old harbor. In Hofsós, do not miss taking a dip in the famous swimming pool with breathtaking views of the sea and snow-capped mountains.

The road will then lead you to Sauðárkrókur.

Overnight stay in the Skagafjördur area.

Highlights:
Siglufjördur
Hofsós
Hólar
Glaumbaer

Enjoy a filling breakfast at the hotel before setting off towards Reykjavik. As you pass Holtavörduheidi heath and reach the Borgarfjördur area, head east. This road will take you to Reykholt and Husafell. Afterwards, you will again pass by Borgarnes. On the way to Reykjavik, you have two options: either take the underwater tunnel under Hvalfjördur or drive along the Hvalfjördur fjord (approximately 45 minutes longer).

Make sure to take a stop at the Grabrok Crater on the way back to Reykjavik.

Overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Highlights:
Grabrok crater
Deildartunguhver
Reykholt
Hraunfossar och Barnafoss
Borgarnes
Settlement Center
Hvalfjördur

Return flights either early in the morning or in the afternoon. Drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport (approx. 45 mins) and drop off the car at the airport in connection with your return flight. Welcome back to Iceland for your next trip!