Self drive - The Westfjords way in 5 days Summer Edition
Day 1. Reykjavík – Dalir region - Strandir |
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Enjoy the day exploring the Dalir region, rich in history. You can visit the sites of Auður djúpúðga (Aud “the deep-minded”) famously involved in Eiríkssaga rauða (Saga of Erik the Red) and Laxdæla saga (Laxdaela saga) and see the landscape that affected this intelligent and gracious, wide traveled woman. Or visit the birthplace of Leif “the lucky” Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, where you can see and experience the ways of life and conditions and that his family lived in at Eiríksstaðir in Haukadalur. Continuing your journey to Hólmavík in the Strandir region of the Westfjords, Strandir was the setting for a witch-hunting craze in Iceland in the 17th century. Due to its isolation, the locals have throughout the centuries preserved stories of strange beings, ghosts, and everyday witchcraft. Hólmavík boasts two centres of research related to folklore and the history of Icelandic sorcery; the well-known Museum of Sorcery and Magic, and the University of Iceland’s Folklore Research Institute. |
Experiences: Erik the Red’s homestead in Dalir Tours: Overnight Options: Driving Distance: |
Day 2. Djúpavík - Djúpið - Ísafjörður |
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Heading north in Strandir you can visit the least populated municipality in Iceland, the beautiful towns of Djúpavík (filming location of Aquaman) and Norðurfjörður, experience raw nature and visit Krossnes swimming pool or an old, abandoned herring factory. Heading back, you should make your way towards Ísafjörður were you will embark on a scenic journey through Djúpið (e. the Deep), a set of many picturesque fjords, enjoying pit stops along the way taking in the air, the view, nature and wildlife. Hvítanes is known seal colony where harbour seals can be spotted relaxing on the rocks, while gazing out into the fjords you might spot a whale looking for food. |
Experiences: Tours: Overnight Options: Restaurant Options: Driving Distance: |
Day 3. Ísafjörður and surrounding area |
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In and around Ísafjörður the largest town in the peninsula, there are plenty of option to experience culture, nature and food. For those seeking more adrenaline some options would be cycling tours, hiking, sea kayaking, rib safari tours, ATV tours, those seeking culture and history can visit Ósvör museum, Westfjords heritage museum, walking tour or museum of everyday life. New highlight in the region is the new viewing platform in Bolungarvík, Outstanding Bolafjall where you can enjoy panoramic views over towards Hornstrandir Nature reserve. For those who have a day or days to spare it is highly recommended to take a trip to the Nature reserve to experience nature and the beauty up close. Visit some of the nearby fishing villages like Flateyri in Önundafjörður, Suðureyri in Súgandafjörður, Þingeyri in Dýrafjörður, all small seaside village that were shaped and formed around the fishing and the sea. |
Experiences: Tours: Overnight Options: Restaurant Options: 55 kilometers |
Day 4. Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Monsters and Red sand beaches |
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Travelling southbound, towards Þingeyri in Dýrafjörður, the setting of one of the old Icelandic Sagas Gísla saga Súrssonar (e. The Saga of Gisli the Outlaw). “The Westfjords Alps” are located just outside Þingeyri where you can find Svalvogar “scariest road in Iceland” as well has Kaldbakur (998 m) highest mountain of the peninsula. Continue the journey to one of the highlights of the day Dynjandi Waterfall, a spectacular 100-meter-tall waterfall. Hiking up towards the waterfall you will pass 5 other waterfalls, the hike takes approximately 15 minutes. After Dynjandi the course is set towards Bíldudalur located in Arnafjörður, but according to folktales Arnarfjörður is infested with sea monsters, to learn more about these creatures and sightings we recommend visiting the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. As the journey continues heading through Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður make your way to visiting Látrabjarg the western most point of Iceland and one of Europe’s biggest bird cliff. Látrabjarg nature reserve is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Westfjords. While making your way to the cliffs make sure to stop by Garðar BA, Icelands’ oldest steal ship, that sits on dry land. Next stop on the journey is Rauðasandur beach, 10 km stretch of red sand beach a perfect place for a short walk-in unique tranquility. Heading back to Patreksfjörður for an overnight stay and if there is still extra time it is recommended to get wet in the local swimming pool, enjoying the spectacular views from the hot tub. |
Experiences: Overnight Options: Restaurant Options: Tours: Driving Distance: |
Day 5. Barðaströnd, Vatnsfjörður and Breiðafjörður |
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Today you will be making your way back to Reykjavik, on your leisurely drive you will will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery of Breiðafjörður. Take some time to enjoy the sandy beaches of Barðaströnd, get wet while you take a dip in Hellulauggeothermal pool. Go for a stroll in Vatnsfjörður nature reserve and a historic site, the location where in the 9th century Hrafna Flóki took land and named the country Iceland. Finally driving back through Dalir region towards Reykjavík, though it is highly recommended that you spend your final night in Skarða- or Fellsströnd in the region |
Experiences: Overnight Options: Restaurant Options: Driving Distance: 395 kilometers |
