Western Iceland Ecotour

   
 
 

Mountains and Fjords - Soft Hiking

Western Iceland Wildlife and Fjords

8 Days / 9 locations in Iceland

Iceland’s remote Westfjords offer the most unusual and untouched nature imaginable. Hike along red sands, sail the fjords to deserted villages teeming in wildlife, see puffins on Latrabjarg cliffs, and soak in hot springs under the Midnight Sun.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Reykjavik

Arrival in Iceland.

On your own, transfer to Reykjavik. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers, which can be booked through Scantours. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland.

Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland, built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.

Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.

Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm).

 
Day 2     Stykkisholmur - Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Unique Waterfalls – Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring – Ferry Ride among 3,000 Islands

Breakfast at your hotel. Start your adventure with a drive along the scenic coastline of Hvalfjordur Fjord (Whale Fjord), one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland. In West Iceland, explore Hraunfoss (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children's Falls), known for their exceptional and intriguing beauty. Afterwards, stop at Deildartunguhver hot springs, which rushes out of algae-covered boulders at a steamy 97°C (200°F).

In the afternoon, your group arrives in Stykkisholmur village for a lovely ferry ride (2,5 hours sail) across the spectacular Breidafjordur Bay dotted with 3,000 tiny islands. Encircled by mountains and the Snaefellsjökull volcano, the dramatic bay is home to 50 bird species, the rare white-tailed eagle, and grey seals who enjoy lounging about on the small islets.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Flokalundur area.

 
Day 3     Breidavik - Patreksfjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Remote Westfjords – Stunning Bird Cliffs - Red Sand Beach – Quirky Folk Museum

Breakfast at your hotel. Today discover unique sights in one of the least visited places in Iceland, the Westfjords! Stroll along Raudisandur beach, which shifts in colour from golden to orange and red depending on the daylight. In a setting of black cliffs, Raudisandur shelters a large lagoon where curious seals and Arctic skuas are regular visitors. Afterwards, switch your focus from natural wonders to unusual local treasures at a quirky folk museum in Hnjotur.

Upon reaching Latrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and westernmost point, your group will encounter an amazing wildlife spectacle, as the stunning cliffs host a mind-boggling number of sea birds. Protected from Arctic foxes, the birds are fearless, providing plenty of close-up photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for playful puffins.

Dinner and overnight stay in Patreksfjordur area

 
Day 4     Breidavik - Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Capital of the Westfjords – Thundering Waterfall – Outdoor Nature Spa

Breakfast at your hotel. Traveling along the winding coastline of magnificent fjords, you will reach the vibrant fishing village of Isafjordur, honorary capital of the Westfjords. Settled in the 1580s, Isafjordur boasts a charming old town centre with some of the finest and most beautifully restored timber buildings in the country. The lively harbour is the town´s bustling centre of commerce and provides a glimpse into the daily rural life in this northerly capital.

En route to Isafjordur, enjoy a stop at the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall, which is a collection of seven cascades resembling a tiered wedding cake. You will also have the opportunity to take a dip in an outdoor thermal hot spring with gorgeous vistas, along with a stop to enjoy some Icelandic specialities at the historical farm of Hrafnseyri.

Dinner and overnight stay in Isafjordur.

 
Day 5     Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Fjord Sailing - Abandoned Settlement - Arctic Foxes

Breakfast at your hotel. This morning travel to the fjord village of Bolungarvík where you will board a boat. Sail across Isafjardardjup, the largest fjord in the Westfjords, where steep mountains descend directly into the sea. Step ashore onto one of the most remote corners of Europe. Situated on a beautiful sandy beach, Hesteyri Island is an abandoned settlement where the elusive Arctic Fox roams among colorful wildflowers that grow knee-high. Spend a few hours here, enjoying the breathtakingly lush nature. The afternoon sail back to Bolungarvik reveals panoramic views of Drangjokull glacier.

Overnight in Isafjordur. Dinner is on your own. Isafjordur has several excellent restaurants focusing on the area‘s famous seafood.

 
Day 6     Holmavik - Laugar Sælingsdalur
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Arctic Fox Centre – Saga Folklore – Thermal Bathing

Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day with a visit to the Arctic Fox Centre in Sudavik. From Isafjordur town the route provides coastal views of the scenic fjords that were cut into the earth by glaciers during the last Ice Age. En route to Holmavik village, stop at a quaint cafe to enjoy a local favorite, freshly baked waffles.

The journey continues through green valleys to Laugar in Saelingsdalur Valley, an area rich in ancient Saga folklore and history. Here you have the opportunity to soak outside in one of the many thermal pools hidden in nature.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Saelingsdalur area.

 
Day 7     Borgarfjordur - Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson – Volcano Hike – Dairy Farm Delights

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive along Iceland's West Coast to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir, the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, who discovered North America. In a turf-covered longhouse replica, meet modern day Vikings who will demonstrate the lifestyle of 1,000 years ago.

Later, make a tasty stop at the local Erpsstadir dairy for an introduction to Icelandic farming life and to sample freshly made ice cream. In Borgarfjordur, hike along moss-covered lava to the 3,500 year-old Grabrok volcano cone. From here you will have incredible views of the Glanni waterfall, a suspected home to elves and trolls.

Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.

 
Day 8     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to add it to your trip. We recommend you depart no later than three hours before your international flight.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.

 

Notes

Maximum Group Size 17
Price Includes
Hotel Accommodations 4 Nights
Entrances As Mentioned
Transportation Mentioned in Itinerary
Daily Breakfast
Packed Lunch on Day 5
4 Dinners in the Countryside Hotels
Price Does Not Include
 Airport Transfers Kirkenes
 Optional Excursions
IT$-1269
1.28.15.WP26