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Experience the magnificent and unspoiled beauty of Iceland on this ten day tour around Westfjords.
The Westfjords lies just beneath the arctic circle. During the summer it benefits from an abundance of natural light which gives us the opportunity to photograph and trek well after dinner. So be prepared to challenge yourself and have fun doing what you love!
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Dalir
We head for picturesque Dalir, birth place of Leifur Eríksson, discoverer of Vínland, the first settlement by a European in North America. Tour a replica farmstead where interpreters in period dress bring to life conditions in his day. On to Reykhólar, located on the southern edge of Westfjords. This area is abundant with skerries (sea rocks) and inlet, home to harbor and grey seals, and sea birds unique to Iceland, such as the eider duck, famous for its down. Overnight in Reykhólar, with evening time after dinner open for relaxing in the local geothermal pool or exploring the local coast.
Day 2: Cliffs of Látrabjarg
Travel around several narrow fjords, making a few stops to photograph and explore before we arrive at Rauðisandur, where we will explore an immense reddish-golden sand beach home to a large seal colony. Overnight nearby. Evening walk at Látrabjarg, the westernmost point in Europe to view and photograph puffins, and other sea birds who call this 500m high sea cliffs their home.
Day 3: Sea villages of Westfjords.
Head onto Örlygshöfn to explore the river’s estuary home to eiders and waders. The folks museum at nearby Hnjótur has unique farming, airplane and fishing artifacts of a bygone era. Explore the little and intriguing village of Patreksfjördur before we proceed to Tálknafjördur, a small quiet and quaint fishing village for the night.
Day 4: Sheer cliffs, majestic waterfall among steep mountains
Today we thread the narrow and tranquil shore of southern Arnarfjördur to Selárdalur to explore the local artist Samúel Jónsson’s eccentric art collection and a church he built by hand. Depart from Bíldudalur and experience this vast fjord by boat to Dynjandi, an impressive cascading waterfall, overnight at Thingeyri for 2 nights.
Day 5: The Westfjords Alps
Drive a precipitous cliff road and explore the stark steep mountains, often referred to as the 'Westfjords Alps.' We take in the harsh living condition that this isolated and now abandoned farm community in the West Fjords had to endure. Return to Thingeyri for the night. A light evening walk atop of nearby small and unassuming mountain gives us a chance to view the spectacular evening vista of this narrow and lingering fjord.
Day 6: Ísafjördur, charming old trading post
Head onto Ísafjörður, the capital of Westfjords, to wander through this old fishing town home to some rare 17th century houses, one of which is our luncheon spot. Here we explore the friendly town and neighboring area. Our accommodation for 2 nights is here in town.
Day 7: The old way of living
Visit a maritime museum in the northernmost town in the region, Bolungarvík and take a boat ride to an abandoned village located across the sound in the Hornstrandir nature preserve. On our return, a chance to experience a unique view from the top of a 600m high mountain nearby.
Day 8: Island of Vigur
Morning sailing to Vigur island home to puffins and eider. Amidst 18th century farmhouses stands Iceland's only windmill. Back onto the mainland for lunch and explore nearby area.. Overnight at nearby farm guesthouse, with the nearby geothermal hot spring will give us a chance to relax our weary legs.
Day 9: The Glacier of the Westfjords
We plan to trek close to Drangajökull, Westfjords' only glacier. On our way to Strandir we will travel through sparsely populated coastal farmland and moorland. Overnight at a comfortable county hotel with a hot pool and spring.
Day: 10: Witchcraft and siberian drift-wood
Stroll through tiny and quaint village of Hólmavík. The nearby coast is home to the Icelandic harbor and grey seals. While we seek them out we may spot accumulated driftwood, originating from as far away as Siberia. Then we head back to Reykjavik. Open night to dine, relax, and explore the city life.
Key Features
Nights
9
Dates
4th. - 14th. June and 21st. - 30th. August , 2022
Maximum Group Size
8 persons + guide
Price
The fee for the tour is $5475.00 US
What is included
During this 10 day tour all costs are included; transportation, food, drink (excluding alcoholic beverages), local museum and accommodation. The price is based on two person sharing a room.
Details
Accommodation
hotel or bed and breakfast
Meals
Breakfast, lunch (either seated or packed) and dinner are included. Emphasis on high quality local dishes.
Transport
Comfortable and roomy tour bus
Arrival / Departure
Guests will be picked up from their hotel on Day 1 of the tour between 08:30AM - 09:30AM
Options
A single supplement is available for a $700 additional charge
Payment Schedule
Payments are made in two installments. A deposit of $1500.00 must be made within 2 weeks of registration. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure date.
Excluded
Guests are responsible for their own airfare(s) to Iceland