Remote Iceland landscape representing the 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour
Westfjords, North Iceland & Húsavík

8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

Travel from Reykjavík through West Iceland and the remote Westfjords before crossing into North Iceland on an eight-day private journey featuring Borgarfjörður, Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur, Dynjandi, Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík, Akureyri, Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and a scheduled whale watching excursion from Húsavík.

8 Days Westfjords & North Iceland
Reykjavík → Akureyri One-way private road journey
1,520–2,430 km Approximate driving distance
Flight Return Akureyri to Reykjavík
Remote Iceland from West to North

Discover the 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

The 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour is designed for travellers who want to combine one of Iceland's most remote regions with the volcanic landscapes and wildlife experiences of the north.

Instead of following the busy South Coast, the journey leaves Reykjavík through Borgarfjörður and gradually enters the Westfjords, where the landscape changes to steep fjords, mountain passes, small fishing communities and long stretches of quiet coastal road.

Several nights are dedicated to the Westfjords rather than treating the region as a quick transit route. This creates time for Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur, Dynjandi, Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík before the itinerary crosses towards North Iceland.

The final part of the route introduces Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík, where whale watching is the principal scheduled activity on Day 7. The driving journey finishes in Akureyri, followed by a domestic flight back to Reykjavík.

West Iceland Borgarfjörður, waterfalls, countryside and the transition towards the remote northwest.
Southern Westfjords Patreksfjörður, Látrabjarg and the distinctive Rauðasandur coastline.
Northern Westfjords Dynjandi, Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and dramatic fjord roads.
North Iceland Akureyri, Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík whale watching.
Scenic Iceland road on a Westfjords and North Iceland private journey
Reykjavik to the Westfjords and North Iceland

8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour Itinerary

The itinerary moves progressively from West Iceland into the Westfjords and then across Northwest Iceland to Akureyri, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík.

West Iceland road scenery on Day 1 of the 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour Day 1
Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður → West Iceland

Day 1: Reykjavik, Borgarfjörður and West Iceland

Your private tour begins with pickup in Reykjavík or at Keflavík Airport, depending on the arrival schedule. The journey then heads north into West Iceland through countryside, lava landscapes, fjords and mountain scenery.

The Borgarfjörður region provides several worthwhile stops without making the first day unnecessarily demanding. The route can include Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt, geothermal areas or selected countryside viewpoints.

This first stage is deliberately paced as a transition from the capital region towards the more remote landscapes that define the Westfjords.

Reykjavík Borgarfjörður Hraunfossar Barnafoss Reykholt
Overnight in Iceland Borgarnes, Reykholt, Búðardalur or West Iceland countryside.
Km approximately in Iceland 180–300 km.
Remote Westfjords landscapes on Day 2 of an Iceland private tour Day 2
West Iceland → Southern Westfjords

Day 2: West Iceland to the Southern Westfjords

The second day continues northwest towards the southern Westfjords, entering one of the quietest and most remote regions of Iceland.

Much of the experience comes from the journey itself. The road follows fjords, valleys, mountain landscapes and open coastal scenery, with opportunities for viewpoints and short stops along the route.

As the day progresses, the roads become more remote and the rhythm changes noticeably from the busier areas around Reykjavík and West Iceland.

West Iceland Southern Westfjords Fjord Roads Coastal Landscapes Remote Iceland
Overnight in Iceland Flókalundur, Patreksfjörður, Bíldudalur or southern Westfjords.
Km approximately in Iceland 280–420 km.
Remote coastal scenery on Day 3 of a Westfjords private tour in Iceland Day 3
Látrabjarg → Rauðasandur → Patreksfjörður

Day 3: Látrabjarg Cliffs, Rauðasandur Beach and Patreksfjörður in Iceland

Day three is dedicated to the southern Westfjords and some of the landscapes that make this region completely different from the rest of Iceland.

The route can include Látrabjarg, a dramatic coastal cliff area at the western edge of Iceland. During the nesting season, the cliffs are also known for birdlife, adding another dimension to the visit.

Rauðasandur provides a strong contrast to Iceland's famous black sand beaches. Its broad red-golden sand, mountain backdrop and open coastal scenery create one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Westfjords.

Depending on conditions, the route can also include small fishing communities, fjord viewpoints and the coastal roads around Patreksfjörður.

Látrabjarg Rauðasandur Patreksfjörður Birdlife Westfjords Coast
Overnight in Iceland Patreksfjörður, Bíldudalur or southern Westfjords.
Km approximately in Iceland 160–240 km.
Westfjords mountain and fjord landscapes on Day 4 of an Iceland private tour Day 4
Southern Westfjords → Dynjandi → Ísafjörður

Day 4: Dynjandi Waterfall and Scenic Westfjords Roads to Ísafjörður in Iceland

Day four follows one of the most memorable driving sections of the Westfjords, where the road moves through fjords, mountain passes and isolated coastal landscapes.

The principal stop is Dynjandi Waterfall. Its broad tiered shape dominates the surrounding landscape, while the walk towards the main waterfall passes several smaller cascades.

After Dynjandi, the journey continues north through dramatic fjord scenery towards Ísafjörður, the principal town of the Westfjords and the base for the following day.

Dynjandi Westfjords Fjord Roads Mountain Passes Ísafjörður
Overnight in Iceland Ísafjörður or nearby fjord accommodation.
Km approximately in Iceland 220–320 km.
Northern Westfjords scenery around Ísafjörður on Day 5 of an Iceland private tour Day 5
Ísafjörður → Bolungarvík → Northern Westfjords

Day 5: Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and Northern Westfjords in Iceland

The fifth day remains around Ísafjörður and the northern Westfjords rather than immediately beginning another long driving stage.

The itinerary can include Bolungarvík, surrounding fjord viewpoints, harbour areas, short walks, local museums or simply more time to experience the atmosphere of Ísafjörður.

This slower day is important within the overall structure. It provides a genuine experience of the Westfjords rather than reducing the region to a sequence of long road transfers.

It also creates a useful pause before the much longer transition towards North Iceland on Day 6.

Ísafjörður Bolungarvík Northern Westfjords Harbour Local Culture
Overnight in Iceland Ísafjörður or nearby fjord accommodation.
Km approximately in Iceland 80–180 km.
Road through Northwest Iceland towards Akureyri on Day 6 of a private tour Day 6
Ísafjörður → Northwest Iceland → Akureyri

Day 6: Ísafjörður to Northwest Iceland and Akureyri

Day six is the principal transition between the Westfjords and North Iceland and is therefore planned primarily as a scenic driving day.

Depending on the chosen road and overnight location, the journey can pass through Hólmavík, Hvammstangi, Blönduós and Skagafjörður before continuing towards Akureyri.

Stops should remain selective so the journey does not become overloaded. Coastal viewpoints, small villages, cafés and countryside landscapes provide natural breaks along the route.

Reaching Akureyri or its surrounding area is the preferred option because it creates a much more realistic schedule for Lake Mývatn and Húsavík on the following day.

Hólmavík Hvammstangi Blönduós Skagafjörður Akureyri
Overnight in Iceland Akureyri, Skagafjörður, Blönduós or North Iceland.
Km approximately in Iceland 360–520 km.
North Iceland landscapes before whale watching in Húsavík on Day 7 Day 7
Goðafoss → Lake Mývatn → Húsavík

Day 7: Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Whale Watching in Húsavík, Iceland

Day seven is the principal North Iceland sightseeing day and the Húsavík whale watching excursion is treated as the main scheduled experience.

The route can begin from Akureyri with Goðafoss Waterfall before continuing towards Lake Mývatn. Because whale watching operates at a fixed departure time, the Mývatn visits should be selective rather than trying to include every attraction in the region.

Depending on timing, stops can include Dimmuborgir lava formations, the Hverir geothermal area, Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters or viewpoints towards Krafla.

The journey then continues to Húsavík for the scheduled whale watching excursion. This experience should be reserved in advance and determines the rhythm of the day.

Afterwards, depending on the schedule and energy level, the route can include a relaxed stop at GeoSea or return towards Akureyri.

Goðafoss Lake Mývatn Dimmuborgir Hverir Húsavík Whale Watching
Overnight in Iceland Akureyri or Húsavík, depending on the following day's flight.
Km approximately in Iceland 220–330 km.
Akureyri and North Iceland on the final day of an Iceland private tour Day 8
Akureyri → Airport → Reykjavík

Day 8: Akureyri, Forest Lagoon and Domestic Flight to Reykjavik in Iceland

The final day is intentionally kept simple so that the journey ends comfortably and with enough time before the domestic flight.

When the previous night is in Akureyri, the morning can include the town centre, church, harbour, botanical garden, local cafés or viewpoints over Eyjafjörður.

Forest Lagoon can also be considered before heading to the airport when the flight schedule provides sufficient time.

When the overnight is in Húsavík, the morning should focus primarily on returning to Akureyri with a comfortable margin before departure.

The private road journey finishes at Akureyri Airport, followed by a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

Akureyri Eyjafjörður Forest Lagoon Akureyri Airport Domestic Flight
End of Services in Iceland Akureyri Airport / Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
Km approximately in Iceland 20–120 km from Akureyri or 90–140 km from Húsavík, plus flight.
West Iceland → Westfjords → North Iceland

8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour Route

The complete private road journey covers approximately 1,520–2,430 km before finishing with the domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavík.

8 Days Westfjords and North Iceland
Reykjavík → Akureyri One-way private road route
1,520–2,430 km Approximate driving distance
Flight Return Akureyri to Reykjavík
Recommended route in Iceland: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður → Southern Westfjords → Patreksfjörður → Látrabjarg → Rauðasandur → Dynjandi → Ísafjörður → Bolungarvík → Northwest Iceland → Akureyri → Goðafoss → Lake Mývatn → Húsavík Whale Watching → Akureyri Airport → Reykjavík Domestic Airport.
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The 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour is designed for travellers who want remote fjords, North Iceland and Húsavík within one private journey. Compare it with our other multi-day itineraries to choose a shorter route, another region or a longer private journey around Iceland.

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Remote Fjords and North Iceland

Highlights of the 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

The journey combines remote fjord landscapes, waterfalls, coastal cliffs, fishing communities, geothermal areas and wildlife experiences.

Borgarfjörður in West Iceland

Begin through West Iceland with Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Reykholt and countryside landscapes.

Látrabjarg Cliffs in Iceland

Dramatic coastal cliffs and seasonal birdlife at the western edge of the Westfjords.

Rauðasandur Beach in Iceland

Red-golden sand and remote coastal scenery create a striking contrast with Iceland's volcanic beaches.

Dynjandi Waterfall in Iceland

One of the defining landscapes of the Westfjords, reached by a route through dramatic fjord scenery.

Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík in Iceland

Spend time in the northern Westfjords rather than simply passing through the region.

Goðafoss Waterfall in North Iceland

A major North Iceland stop between Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn region.

Lake Mývatn Landscapes in Iceland

Select from Dimmuborgir, Hverir, volcanic formations and viewpoints according to the Húsavík schedule.

Húsavík Whale Watching in Iceland

A scheduled whale watching excursion forms the principal activity of Day 7 and should be reserved in advance.

A Different Eight-Day Iceland Itinerary

Why Choose This Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour?

This route is especially suitable for travellers who prefer remote scenery and regional variety rather than concentrating only on Iceland's most visited southern routes.

Remote Private Travel in Iceland

Several days are dedicated to the Westfjords, creating time for quiet fjord roads, coastal landscapes and smaller communities away from Iceland's busiest routes.

Westfjords and North Iceland in One Route

The journey connects two distinct regions without returning to Reykjavík by road, making better use of the eight available days.

Domestic Flight from Akureyri in Iceland

Finishing the driving route in Akureyri avoids the long road return to Reykjavík and keeps the final day simple and practical.

Roads, Daylight and Remote Landscapes

Best Season for the 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

The Westfjords require more seasonal consideration than many of Iceland's main routes, so the travel period is an important part of planning this itinerary.

Summer Westfjords and North Iceland Tour

Summer is particularly well suited to this itinerary because long daylight supports the remote driving stages, Látrabjarg birdlife, Westfjords viewpoints and Húsavík whale watching.

Late Spring and Early Autumn in Iceland

Late spring and early autumn can also work well when road conditions remain suitable, although daily flexibility becomes increasingly important near the edges of the main travel season.

Winter Westfjords Travel in Iceland

Winter would require major adjustments because snow, wind and temporary road closures can affect the Westfjords. The exact route would need to remain flexible and concentrate on accessible areas.

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Plan Your Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

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Private Iceland Tours by Season

Compare spring, summer, autumn and winter before deciding when to travel through the Westfjords.

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Westfjords and North Iceland Questions

8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour FAQs

Practical information about the route, whale watching, seasonal conditions and the final domestic flight.

The route travels from Reykjavík through Borgarfjörður, the southern and northern Westfjords, Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur, Dynjandi, Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík before continuing to Akureyri, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík.

The Húsavík whale watching excursion is scheduled for Day 7 and is treated as the principal experience of that day. It should be reserved in advance because the departure time determines how much of Lake Mývatn can comfortably be visited beforehand.

The full driving itinerary covers approximately 1,520–2,430 km depending on final hotels, road conditions, selected stops and whether the final overnight is in Akureyri or Húsavík.

The itinerary is best suited to late spring through early autumn. Summer is particularly useful because of long daylight, Westfjords road access, seasonal birdlife at Látrabjarg and Húsavík whale watching.

A winter version would require substantial flexibility because snow, wind and road closures can affect the Westfjords. The route would need to be adapted according to accessible roads and current conditions.

The private driving service finishes at Akureyri Airport. Travellers then take a domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport, avoiding the long road journey back to the capital.

Remote Westfjords and North Iceland

Request Your 8 Day Westfjords and North Iceland Private Tour

Plan a private journey from Reykjavík through Borgarfjörður, the Westfjords, Ísafjörður and North Iceland before finishing with Lake Mývatn, Húsavík whale watching and Akureyri.