West Iceland Fly-Drive

After landing at Keflavik airport, collect your hire car and drive through Reykjavík to the Borgarfjörður area which is Iceland’s true Viking country, filled with salmon-packed rivers and open, green valleys. The historical region is steeped in the Viking “saga” stories which retell the exploits of the early Viking settlers. Spend 2 nights in Borgarfjörður area. (120Km)

Journey through the ‘Saga Circle’ full of historical and natural points of interest. Near to the village of Kleppjárnsreykir is Iceland’s largest geothermal area, Deildartunguhver which you can walk through along a guarded path. A short drive away is the hamlet of Reykholt which was home to Snorri Sturluson who documented the saga stories in the 13th century. The hamlet serves as a pilgrimage site for both Icelanders and also Scandinavians. There is a natural hot tub where Snorri used to bathe, and when open visitors are welcome to try it out. A little further along are the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. (B) (145Km)

Famed for its volcano, Mount Snæfellsjökull from where Jules Verne is said to have sent his adventurers to the centre of the Earth, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has a wealth of things to see and do. For the adventurous you can arrange snowmobile trips or hikes to the top of the glacier, or head into the lava tubes. The National Park is Iceland’s youngest and smallest but the terrain is fascinating where the land rises from the sea, through the lava fields and to the peak of the volcano. (B) (85Km)

Continue exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Hellisandur is home to the Fisherman’s Museum, whilst there is whale watching from Ólafsvík. Near the town of Grundarfjörður is the stunning Mount Kirkjufell and an interesting stop is Bjarnahöfn farm where they make the delicacy ‘hakarl’ which is fermented shark meat and something of an acquired taste. The town of Stykkishólmur is an active, working fishing port with views across the sea to the Westfjords. (B) 

Drive to Keflavik International airport, return the car and fly to the UK. (B) (180Km)