A 6 Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland
With almost a week at your disposal, there are plenty of options for a road trip around Iceland. Let’s take a look at our suggestion for getting off the beaten track and discovering a part of the country that sees relatively few visitors: the Westfjords. The Vestfjarðaleiðin, or Westfjords Way, is a 950km long driving route that connects some of this unspoiled region’s most interesting places.
Day 1: Reykjavik to Búðardalur
Ease yourself in gently as you head north on Route 1, the country’s ring road. You’ll have time to stop off on the way, perhaps to stroll through Heidmörk forest on the outskirts of the capital or take a look at the historic buildings in the Arbær Open Air Museum. You could drive over to Hvammsvik Hot Spring, perched on the edge of pretty Hvalfjörður, or make a detour onto the Snæfellsnes peninsula to visit Kirkjufell with its delightful waterfall. When you reach the junction with the 60, this is where your Vestfjarðaleiðin adventure begins. Búðardalur is a small village but offers a choice of overnight options, including cabins, camping and guesthouse accommodation.
Day 2: Búðardalur to Patreksfjörður
Today’s 350km route typically takes about 5 to 6 hours of driving, but with views as breathtaking as this, your time behind the wheel will be a real treat. Set off for Hellulaug, a delightful geothermal pool tucked out of sight from the road. The water, about 60cm deep, is a balmy 38 degrees – ideal for a soak. Continue on to one of Iceland’s most incredible beaches. Rauðasandur is a standout in so many ways, not least for the reddish tint of its sand in a country blessed with a plethora of black sand beaches. It stretches for 10 glorious kilometers, more than ample for a stroll as you keep a lookout for seabirds and seals. The road down to the beach twists and turns, but that’s a small price to pay for a view this perfect. From here, continue to Látrabjarg, one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. Wild and unspoiled, you’ll see myriad species here; in summer, they include cute and comical puffins. At the end of the day, make your way to Patreksfjörður, your overnight stop.
Day 3: Patreksfjörður to Þingeyri
As you meander around the fjords that separate Patreksfjörður and Þingeyri, you’ll start to appreciate the peacefulness that characterizes this region of Iceland. Cut across to Bildudalur, looping the end of Talknafjörður. Call into the quirky Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. Afterward, follow a gravel track west to Samúel Jónsson Art Museum, where you’ll find a collection of cartoonlike, often surreal, sculptures. Back in Bildudalur, you’ll continue along Route 63 as it hugs the shore of Arnarfjörður, one of the most striking of all the fjords in this part of Iceland.
Consider stopping at Trostanfjörður, an offshoot of the larger body of water, for a hike amid the pretty countryside. Make a left onto Route 60 and follow the road as far as Dynjandi. This remarkable 100-metre-high waterfall is probably the area’s most famous. It’s formed of multiple tiers, giving rise to its nickname, the bridal veil. Allow plenty of time to admire it from all angles. North of Dynjandi, pick up Route 622, which leads into the village of Þingeyri. Check out the Viking village on the outskirts of the village and watch the sunset over the water.
Day 4: Þingeyri to Ísafjörður
Kick off your day with a stroll around Þingeyri. Reward yourself with a plate of waffles piled high with rhubarb jam and cream at Simbahöllin, a popular cafe housed in a historic wooden house imported from Norway to Iceland in 1915. If you’re keen to hang around a little while longer, they’ll rent out mountain bikes or set you up for a horseback riding tour of the surrounding countryside.
Once on the road, set your sights on Önundarfjörður, where there’s a super view of the surrounding hills from the end of the pier. Loop round to Flateyri, another small village, this one home to Iceland’s oldest bookstore. Gamla Bókabúðin has been serving customers since 1914, and you can flick through the old ledgers to see what was purchased in the past. Step back into the present and buy a book to take away with you. The last stop today before you reach Ísafjörður should be the coastline close to Suðureyri, once home to a whaling station, where you’ll find a rustic turf house close to the beach.
Day 5: Ísafjörður and around
It’s worth spending a little time in Ísafjörður as this is the capital of the Westfjords and there’s plenty to keep you occupied here. For instance, you could take a boat trip over to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The area’s population has long since left, allowing wildlife to thrive here; if you’re really lucky, you might catch sight of an Arctic fox. Another popular tour is a whale-watching trip out in Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, where you might spot humpbacks, porpoises and dolphins.
Alternatively, on a calm day, paddle through the clear water of the fjord on a sea kayaking trip. If you prefer to remain on land, check out the Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the area’s culture and maritime connections. Another worthwhile museum to check out is the Arctic Fox Centre just outside town in Súðavík, where you can learn all about this shy creature and why the Westfjords region has the highest concentration in the country.
Day 6: Ísafjörður to Reykjavik
It’s time to complete the Vestfjarðaleiðin and make tracks for the capital. Take Route 61 out of Ísafjörður and snake along the edge of the fjords. Make a pit stop to view Valagil, a spectacular gorge where a waterfall plunges dramatically over the cliff. After around two and a half hours, you should reach the village of Hólmavík, home to the bizarre yet compelling Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. The curious and sometimes frankly revolting exhibits will leave a lasting impression. Reset with a restorative detour to the Drangsnes Hot Pots, which overlook the water and are a local favorite. Fully refreshed, from here, you face about three and a half hours of driving to get back to the capital, about 260km to the south.
Summer or winter?
In theory, the Westfjords Way is a year-round route, thanks to the opening of the tunnel connecting Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. Although, in practice, some of the roads you might wish to drive on aren’t cleared of snow every day of the week, and others might have limited access in inclement weather. Another consideration is that many of the area’s museums and cafes are seasonal, open for business only during the summer. If you do choose to tackle this scenic drive in the colder months, make sure you rent a 4x4 to help give you that all-important extra traction, check conditions before setting out and prepare to be flexible with your itinerary.
To follow the Vestfjarðaleiðin, you’ll begin and end at the ring road, from where you can return to Reykjavik or Keflavik, depending on your schedule. All you need is wheels, so read this and then take a look at our website to choose the rental vehicle you want.
Driving Iceland in 6 Days FAQ
Can you drive around Iceland in 6 days?
Yes, you can! While the full Ring Road usually takes 7-10 days, focusing on specific regions like the Westfjords makes a 6-day trip manageable and memorable.
Is it better to drive or take tours in Iceland?
It depends on your style! Driving gives you freedom and flexibility, while tours are great if you prefer guided experiences and less planning.
How many days do you need to drive around Iceland?
To drive the full Ring Road comfortably, 7-10 days is ideal. But for specific areas, like the Westfjords, 4-6 days can be enough.
Is it easy to self-drive in Iceland in the summer?
Yes, it’s easy and rewarding! The roads are well-marked, and with some preparation, you’ll be set to enjoy the stunning scenery.
What is the most beautiful drive in Iceland?
The Westfjords Way is breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and quiet fjords. The Golden Circle and Ring Road are also iconic and stunning!
