Northern Lights Secrets - Westfjords

What you'll do

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You may explore Iceland’s capital city on your own if time allows.

Overnight location:
Fosshótel Barón or similar in Reykjavík. (50km/31mi)

Day 2: Travel West

Meet our tour guide early morning and travel West. The first stop of the day will be at Grábrók, a 3.400-year old volcanic crater. We then stop for lunch at the charming coastal town of Búðardalur before traveling along the fjords of Ísafjarðardjúp, where incredible views can be enjoyed – if you are lucky, you might even spot a whale! After a scenic drive we visit Litlibær, one of the very few turf houses still standing in Iceland, which has been turned into a charming café and museum. In the afternoon arrive to the largest town in the Westfjords, Ísafjörður, which will be our resting spot for the next three nights. Once darkness falls, get ready to hunt for the Northern Light across the night sky!

Overnight location:
Hótel Ísafjörður or similar. Breakfast included. (470km/292mi)

Day 3: Waterfalls, Beaches and Northern Lights

Begin the day at Dynjandi waterfall, widely regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Dynjandi features a tiered structure which creates an ethereal stream of small cascades that is truly breathtaking to behold. We will continue to travel by the coastline and fjords to the captivating pier of Önundarfjörður. Jutting out from a stunning golden beach well into the water, the pier is a perfect place for panoramic views of the imposing mountains. After an energizing stroll in nature, we head to Tjöruhúsið, a quaint family-owned restaurant. Afterward, we take a stroll around the beautiful town of ísafjörður, filled with colorful houses and cobblestone streets, this town is not only full of history, but it is also a cultural hub with many festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year. As the day comes to an end, we dress up and head outside for another chance at seeing the mesmerizing northern lights. 

Overnight location:
Hótel Ísafjörður or similar. Breakfast included. (160km/99mi)

Day 4: Museums & Northern Lights

We start the day at the restored fishing hut at Ósvör Maritime Museum, to learn about the old days of rowboat fishing and the challenging life in isolated fishing villages in the 19^th century. Next, we visit the village of Flateyri where we will stop at a hidden gem, Gamla bókabúðin or “The Old Bookstore”. In operation since 1914, this charming little store is a great place to browse for unique souvenirs and appreciate traditional Icelandic design at its finest. We will learn more about the history of Flateyri and the devastating avalanche in 1995, venturing out to the avalanche protection fences built to protect the locals from future tragedies. In the evening, we go for a stroll in search of the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky, the Aurora Borealis.

Overnight location:
Hótel Ísafjörður or similar. Breakfast included. (110km/62mi)

Day 5: Hólmavík, Museum, & West Iceland

Today takes us to the picturesque village of Hólmavík and its Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. Learn about the history and folklore surrounding witchcraft and sorcery in Iceland, in a vast collection of artifacts such as ancient grimoires, ritual objects, and the remarkable Icelandic magical staves which were believed to possess protective and magical powers. After an exciting day of discoveries, we travel to the remote Vogur Country Lodge in West Iceland. This overnight location is a truly peaceful and pristine place perfect for Northern light hunting, so be sure not to go to bed too early!

Overnight location:
Vogur Country Lodge or similar. Breakfast included. (330km/205mi)

Day 6: Borgarnes & Reykjavik

As a week of adventures in the stunning West slowly comes to an end, we head toward the town of Borgarnes, where we stop at the Settlement Center. Featuring an exhibition encompassing a warehouse, a merchant house, and reception hall, you’ll learn about the fascinating and challenging days of early human settlement in Iceland. We continue south to the capital city of Reykjavík, learning about its history and stopping by its many landmarks such as the popular church of Hallgrímskirkja, The University campus and Reykjavík’s charming harbour to observe the colourful fishing vessels, the beautiful mountain backdrop, and the spectacular concert hall and conference centre of Harpan. We end the day with tasting the famous fermented shark and toast to an unforgettable journey with a shot of Brennivín.

Overnight location:
Fosshótel Barón or similar. Breakfast included. (250km/155mi)

Day 7: Fly Home

Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik airport.

Breakfast included. (50km/31mi)