West and North Iceland landscape on a 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri

West Iceland, Snæfellsnes & North Iceland

5 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri

Q: Where does the 5 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri start and finish?

The private driving tour starts in Reykjavik or, depending on arrival time, Keflavik Airport. It finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

Q: How far does this 5 Day Private Tour Iceland travel by road?

The complete route covers approximately 1,140 to 1,700 kilometres by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, road conditions, optional activities and personalized scenic stops.

Travel from Reykjavík to Akureyri through the landscapes of West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before continuing across Northwest Iceland to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Húsavík. The private road journey finishes in Akureyri with a domestic flight back to Reykjavík.

Explore the 5 Day Itinerary Request a Custom Itinerary

5 DaysPrivate West & North Iceland journey

RKV / KEF → AEYStart Reykjavík or Keflavík, finish Akureyri

1,140–1,700 kmApproximate route by private vehicle

Flight ReturnAkureyri to Reykjavík at the end

A Scenic West-to-North Iceland Journey

Why Choose This 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland?

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to combine West Iceland, Snæfellsnes and the highlights of North Iceland without driving the same route back to Reykjavík. It moves continuously north and east, allowing the landscape to change every day.

The first two days focus on Borgarfjörður and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The journey then crosses Northwest Iceland through Skagafjörður before entering the Diamond Circle region around Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Húsavík.

The route connects directly with the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Private Tour and offers a shorter, one-way alternative to a complete Iceland Ring Road Private Tour.

West IcelandBorgarfjörður, waterfalls, hot-spring country and historic Reykholt.

Snæfellsnes in IcelandArnarstapi, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar and Kirkjufell.

North IcelandSkagafjörður, Akureyri, Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss.

Efficient Finish in IcelandDomestic flight from Akureyri avoids the long road return to Reykjavík.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula landscape during a private Iceland tour

Day by Day

Your 5 Day Private Tour Itinerary from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland

The itinerary below follows the complete route supplied for this journey, preserving the overnight areas, daily kilometre ranges, optional experiences and domestic-flight finish.

Day 1

Reykjavík / Keflavík → Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes

Day 1: Reykjavik, Borgarfjörður and Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland

Your private tour begins with pickup from your Reykjavík hotel or directly from Keflavík Airport, depending on arrival time. Travel north through West Iceland, with lava fields, fjords, mountains and coastal scenery shaping the first day.

The route can include Borgarfjörður, where possible stops include Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the historic Reykholt area and scenic viewpoints before continuing toward Snæfellsnes.

In the afternoon, enter the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as “Iceland in miniature” for its combination of lava landscapes, coastline, mountains, villages and glacier views.

Reykjavík / KeflavíkBorgarfjörðurHraunfossar BarnafossReykholtSnæfellsnes

Overnight in IcelandSnæfellsnes Peninsula area.

Km approximately in Iceland280–380 km.

Day 2

Snæfellsnes → Kirkjufell → Northwest Iceland

Day 2: Snæfellsnes, Kirkjufell and North Iceland Route

The second day explores the principal landscapes of Snæfellsnes, with coastal villages, lava fields, sea cliffs, volcanic beaches and views toward Snæfellsjökull.

Possible stops include Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur Beach, the Lóndrangar cliffs and Kirkjufell, one of the peninsula's defining mountains.

After completing the peninsula route, continue northeast toward North Iceland through quieter countryside, valleys and fjord scenery, positioning the overnight in Northwest Iceland for the next day's route through Skagafjörður.

ArnarstapiHellnarDjúpalónssandur LóndrangarKirkjufellSnæfellsjökull

Overnight in IcelandNorthwest Iceland, Skagafjörður, Blönduós or nearby countryside.

Km approximately in Iceland300–420 km.

Day 3

Skagafjörður → Akureyri → Goðafoss

Day 3: Skagafjörður, Akureyri and Goðafoss in Iceland

Continue through North Iceland and the broad landscapes of Skagafjörður, a region associated with horse breeding, farms, valleys and mountain scenery.

Depending on the final routing and interests of the group, a stop at Glaumbær Turf Farm can provide an introduction to traditional Icelandic rural life before continuing toward Akureyri beside Eyjafjörður.

After a short introduction to Akureyri, continue east to Goðafoss, one of North Iceland's defining waterfalls and an excellent gateway into the Diamond Circle region.

SkagafjörðurGlaumbær optionAkureyri EyjafjörðurGoðafossDiamond Circle

Overnight in IcelandAkureyri, Lake Mývatn area or nearby countryside hotel.

Km approximately in Iceland220–330 km.

Day 4

Lake Mývatn → Hverir → Dimmuborgir → Krafla

Day 4: Lake Mývatn, Hverir and Krafla Landscapes in Iceland

Day 4 is dedicated to the volcanic and geothermal landscapes around Lake Mývatn, one of the most distinctive natural areas in North Iceland.

The route can include Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the steaming geothermal field of Hverir and the volcanic landscapes around Krafla.

Depending on season and the pace of the day, the itinerary can finish with a geothermal bathing experience in the Mývatn area before continuing to the selected overnight location.

Lake MývatnSkútustaðagígarDimmuborgir HverirKraflaGeothermal bathing option

Overnight in IcelandLake Mývatn, Húsavík or Akureyri.

Km approximately in Iceland120–220 km.

Day 5

Dettifoss → Húsavík → Akureyri Airport

Day 5: Dettifoss, Húsavík and Flight from Akureyri in Iceland

The final day explores more of the Diamond Circle before returning to Akureyri for the domestic flight to Reykjavík. Depending on road conditions, the route can include Dettifoss and, when timing permits, Ásbyrgi Canyon.

When Húsavík forms part of the final route, whale watching is planned as the principal Húsavík experience, subject to season, sea conditions, operator availability and the domestic flight schedule. The harbour, coastal views and GeoSea can complement the visit when timing allows.

Return to Akureyri Airport, where the private driving portion of the journey ends. Travellers then take a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Flight schedules and luggage conditions should be coordinated before confirming the final program.

DettifossÁsbyrgi optionHúsavík Whale WatchingGeoSea optionAkureyri Airport

End of Services in IcelandAkureyri Airport / Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

Km approximately in Iceland220–350 km + domestic flight.

Route at a Glance

5 Day West and North Iceland Private Tour Distance

The complete route covers approximately 1,140–1,700 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, road conditions, optional activities and personalized scenic stops.

5 DaysPrivate West-to-North Iceland route

1,140–1,700 kmApproximate private road distance

SnæfellsnesFull peninsula chapter in West Iceland

Flight FinishAkureyri to Reykjavík

Recommended route in Iceland: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Kirkjufell → Northwest Iceland → Skagafjörður → Akureyri → Goðafoss → Lake Mývatn → Dettifoss → Húsavík → Akureyri Airport → Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

Customize the Five-Day Journey

Optional Experiences for This 5 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The source itinerary allows the route to be personalized with geothermal, wildlife, photography, food and accommodation experiences.

Geothermal bathing in the Lake Mývatn area of Iceland

Mývatn Geothermal Bathing in North Iceland

A geothermal bathing stop can be included after the Lake Mývatn volcanic route when timing and current operating conditions support it.

Whale watching from Húsavík in North Iceland

Whale Watching from Húsavík in Iceland

When Húsavík is included on Day 5, whale watching is planned as the main experience there, subject to season, sea conditions and the flight schedule.

GeoSea geothermal experience in Húsavík Iceland

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths in Iceland

GeoSea can complement the Húsavík section when the day is not constrained by whale-watching departure times or the domestic flight.

Forest Lagoon option near Akureyri in Iceland

Forest Lagoon Near Akureyri in Iceland

An additional night or a later flight can make it possible to include Forest Lagoon as a relaxing Akureyri-area experience.

Northern Lights on a winter private tour in Iceland

Northern Lights Search in Winter Iceland

Winter journeys can add an aurora search when darkness and conditions are suitable, while the route itself remains flexible around roads and daylight.

Private photography and local food stops in West and North Iceland

Photography and Local Food Across Iceland

Private photography stops, short nature walks, local food experiences and premium countryside hotels can be woven into the route without changing its overall direction.

Best with Longer Daylight

Best Season for This 5 Day Private Tour in Iceland

The itinerary is especially recommended from late spring to early autumn, when daylight is longer and road conditions are generally more favourable between West and North Iceland.

Late Spring Private Tours in West and North Iceland

Increasing daylight makes the long west-to-north journey easier to pace, while current road access should still be checked around the travel dates.

Summer Private Tours in West and North Iceland

Long scenic days provide the strongest conditions for exploring Snæfellsnes, North Iceland and Húsavík with whale-watching opportunities.

Early Autumn Private Tours in West and North Iceland

Early autumn can offer quieter roads and changing light while retaining many of the route possibilities of the summer season.

Winter Private Tours in West and North Iceland

Snowy scenery, geothermal landscapes and possible Northern Lights can be beautiful, but road conditions, daylight and flight schedules require much greater flexibility.

Road Flexibility Across North Iceland

Dettifoss, Húsavík and other Day 5 stops may need to be prioritized differently according to current roads, weather and the domestic flight time.

Domestic Flight Planning in Iceland

Akureyri–Reykjavík flight schedules and baggage conditions should be coordinated before the final day's sightseeing sequence is locked in.

Compare Private Iceland Tours by Season

The Main Pages Connected to This Journey

Plan This 5 Day Private Tour Within Your Iceland Journey

This itinerary belongs under the duration collection and connects naturally to the Snæfellsnes, Ring Road and private-tour planning pages.

Private West and North Iceland Travel Questions

5 Day Private Tour Iceland from Reykjavik to Akureyri FAQs

Practical answers about the route, regions, road distance, Húsavík whale watching, domestic flight and best season.

The private driving tour starts in Reykjavík or, depending on arrival time, Keflavík Airport. It finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

The journey combines West Iceland, Borgarfjörður, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Northwest Iceland, Skagafjörður and North Iceland, including Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Húsavík and Akureyri.

The complete route covers approximately 1,140–1,700 km by private vehicle, depending on accommodation, road conditions, optional activities and personalized scenic stops.

When the Day 5 schedule includes Húsavík, whale watching is planned as the principal Húsavík experience, subject to season, sea conditions, operator availability and the domestic flight schedule.

The itinerary finishes with a domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavík, avoiding the long return drive to the capital. Flight schedules and luggage conditions should be checked before final confirmation.

The itinerary is especially recommended from late spring to early autumn, when daylight is longer and road conditions are generally more favourable for travelling from West Iceland to North Iceland. Winter is possible with careful route adaptation.

Start Your West-to-North Iceland Journey

Request Your 5 Day Private Tour from Reykjavik to Akureyri in Iceland

Tell us your travel dates, group size, arrival point, hotel style and preferred experiences. We will adapt the Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes and North Iceland route around your pace and coordinate the final Akureyri–Reykjavík domestic flight.

Reykjavík or Keflavík pickup

Snæfellsnes, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss and Húsavík

Domestic flight finish in Akureyri

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