Discover West Iceland: Family-Friendly Road Trip - 7 Days

Highlights

• Chase waterfalls and explore the black-sand beaches of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Cruise past hundreds of puffins nesting on the cliffs of Melrakkaey
• Learn to track and observe adorable arctic foxes near Ísafjörður
• Scout for humpback whales in the Westfjord's sheltered waters
• Don a headlamp and venture underground to explore Iceland's largest lava cave

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Snæfellsnes via West Iceland & Borgarfjörður

Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)!  Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, pick up your 4WD and hit the road. Your adventure begins in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, sometimes called "Little Iceland," containing all of the country's diversity and natural wonders within 56 miles (96 km). From waterfalls, lava caves, and black-sand beaches to volcanic craters and tiny fishing villages, the West Coast offers plenty of attractions for outdoor-loving families.

Set out north on the Ring Road (Route 1) toward Reykjavík before taking a detour to the Borgarfjörður district—a rural area covering the land between the city's capital and the peninsula. Mark the first day of your holiday with a visit to the beautiful Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children's Falls)—both within a short distance and easily accessible from the road. Watch in awe as the water tumbles down the countless creeks and cascades into the bright turquoise waters below.

Make your way to your hotel on Snæfellsnes' southern coast, and introduce the kids en route to some classic Icelandic legends and folk stories with a visit to Glanni Waterfall, rumored to be the home of elves and trolls. Don't miss the nearby highlights of Grabrok Crater and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. Stop for waffles with whipped cream and jam (an Icelandic favorite) in the nearby village of Reykholt, known for its famous resident Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century author renowned for his works on the Old Norse language and medieval Icelandic mythology.

Day 2: Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Puffin Tour, Ferry to Patreksfjörður

After a hearty breakfast, get ready to explore the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Dominated by the mystical 700,000-year-old Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano (as featured in Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth), the peninsula is home to treasures often overlooked in favor of Iceland's better-known South Coast. Your first stop as you head west along the coastal road is the otherworldly terrain of the Búðahraun lava field—where you'll find the startlingly atmospheric Búðakirkja black church, a must-see for budding photographers.

From here, continue in a clockwise loop to reach the coastal rock formations between Hellnar and the fishing hamlet of Arnastapi. Stretch your legs and discover the photogenic Gatklettur sea arch before circling the majestic Snæfellsjökull. Then, head east along the north shore to the small fishing village of Grundarfjördur and discover the famous Mount Kirkjufell with its steeple-like peak and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall—both featured in Game of Thrones.

Day 3: Drive to Ísafjörður via Dynjandi Waterfall & the Northern Westfjords 

This morning, you'll get back on the road and wind your way north to Ísafjörður, taking the two-hour drive slowly to pause at some of the Westfjords' most iconic sights along the way. Your first stop is at the thunderous waterfalls of Dynjandi, a 90-minute drive north from Patreksfjörður. If the weather's decent, this makes an excellent spot for a picnic and stroll among the sweeping fjord backdrop. Hop back in the car, and you'll discover why the drive between the southern and northern Westfjords is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland.

Continue through charming fishing villages and steep mountain passes on the drive through Arnarfjörður (often named as one of the country's most spectacular fjords), Dýrafjörður, and the historic fishing village of Þingeyri. Stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at Simbahöllin— a homely café specializing in Belgian waffles—before continuing to Ísafjörður, the largest settlement in the Westfjords. Your base for the next two nights, this coastal town is filled with colorful wooden houses and a rich maritime heritage.

Day 4: Arctic Fox Watching Experience, Fjord Kayaking Excursion

Take advantage of Ísafjörður's role as the Westfjords' "adventure capital" today and set off for some outdoor fun. If you're a family of animal lovers, join a local expert for a guided hike to seek out arctic foxes. Your guide will teach you how to track Iceland's only native mammal, share fascinating insights into their habits and behaviors, and lead you to prime viewing areas, where you'll keep quiet and still as you observe these beautiful creatures from a respectful distance. If you're visiting in summer, the kids might get lucky enough to spot fuzzy kits playing around their dens.

If you'd prefer to spend your day out on the water, join an easy kayaking tour to spot diverse marine and birdlife like arctic terns and curious seals. Your expert guide will ensure the whole family is outfitted with safety gear and knows their way around a paddle before you cast off to explore the fjord's glassy, calm waters flanked by towering mountains. Later in the day, take a stroll along the town's beloved Rainbow Path, or stop by the Ísafjörður Maritime Museum to learn more about life in this remote fishing port through the ages. 

Day 5: Drive to Hólmavík via Ísafjörður Bay, Whale Watching Cruise

Get back on the adventure trail this morning and drive 138 miles (223 km) southeast from Ísafjörður to Hólmavík, a small coastal town nestled by Steingrímsfjördur. Your scenic route takes you past Súðavík and Litlibær. If the little ones couldn't get enough of yesterday's fox watching, pull off at Súðavík and make a trip to the village's Arctic Fox Center to see the adorable orphaned foxes in the pen outside. Enjoy a light lunch of soup, bread, and cakes before continuing to Hólmavík, where you'll embark on an exhilarating whale watching excursion.

Head to the harbor to board your boat and spend the next few hours adventuring across the waves in search of humpback whales. Create mini marine biologists in the making and watch the kids' excitement as they spot these giants of the ocean. Your captain will get you as close as possible without disturbing the whales.

Day 6: Drive to Reykjavík, Víðgelmir Lava Cave Tour

It's your last full day in Iceland, and this morning you'll drive to the country's capital of Reykjavík, 144 miles (232 km) due south. Pass back through the Borgarfjörður district you encountered on your first day, and break the three-hour journey at Borganes, a cute little town where you can explore and grab a bite to eat before continuing to your hotel.

After checking in at your accommodation, take a stroll through Reykjavík and discover some of the city's main sights, including the towering Hallgrímskirkja cathedral and the Sun Voyager Sculpture. Make your way to the main street of Laugavegur and the town square before heading to the charming old harbor for a coffee. Don't linger too long, as you won't want to miss this afternoon's tour in Reykholt, one of the highlights of your trip. 

Day 7: Explore Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon Spa, Depart Keflavík

It's your final day in Iceland. Depending on your flight time, you have several options. Spend the morning exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and discover geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík. Venture one last time across the peninsula's lunar landscape as you make your way to Kleifarvatn, a lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and wander the lava fields of the Reykjanes National Park.

For a more leisurely end to your road trip, finish your family adventure in style with a trip to the world-famous (and family-friendly) Blue Lagoon Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal seawater and drift away in contemplation as the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Take a dip with the kids under the lagoon's waterfall and enjoy the in-water bar before seeking refreshments at the on-site café and restaurant. Later on, it's time to say bless (goodbye). Make your way to Keflavík airport, drop off your rental car, and board your flight home. See you soon!

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