Iceland | The Remote Westfjords

Lose yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of Western Iceland.

"The guides were both exceptional; incredible group of people! Highly skilled, professional, organized, fun, great people skills and attitude...felt totally safe with both of them. Dave was so patient and helpful with our slower group of hikers! Ryder-Walker is lucky to have such committed and skilled guides!"- Gail L.
"We loved our guides. Babsi was so energetic and excited right from the beginning. We got great big hugs upon our arrival! Both of them were always upbeat and enthusiastic. We had a surprise river crossing and they made it an adventure. Stash was a great driver and there was a lot of driving on this trip. There was one small glitch and they handled it well. We always felt well taken care of."- Kathy Leavenworth
"I had a wonderful week in Iceland that exceeded my expectations in every possible way."- Kate T.

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Trip Highlights:

Trek beneath the glacier peak of Snæfellsjökull.
Hike along Látrabjarg, a 14 km long, volcanic cliff.
Ferry to the famous Westfjords, Iceland’s most spectacular region.

Immense glaciers and endless fjords, unspoiled wilderness areas waiting to be explored, clean icy seas where whales surface, volcanic cliffs with one of the biggest bird colonies in the northern hemisphere, geysers, active volcanoes and ancient fishing villages – Iceland’s cinematic beauty is simply overwhelming.

Beginning in Iceland’s progressive capital, Reykjavík, our trip leaders will whisk you away to Hellnar, a beautiful old fishing village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its lush fjords, crackling sulphur lava fields, wild sand-strewn beaches and haunting volcanic peaks. Hike beneath the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull, an active volcano that was immortalized in Jules Verne’s tale, Journey to the Center of the Earth. Cross Breidafjörður by ferry and fill up your camers while hiking along Látrabjarg, a 14 km long volcanic cliff and one of Iceland’s natural wonders, home to thousands of sea birds and puffins.

Our adventure of Iceland would not be complete without exploring the now-deserted Hornstrandir Peninsula, a synonym for stunning subarctic hiking. As one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, it provides the perfect destination for spotting arctic foxes, seals, whales and teeming bird life.

Keep your binoculars handy during the last boat transfer back to Ísafjörður, and celebrate our journey across Western Iceland in one of the town’s comfortable hotels.

Explore one of the last true wilderness areas in Europe. Hike through volcanic landscapes, and picnic amongst arctic foxes. On our 8-day hiking tour across Western Iceland, we take roads less traveled and enjoy natural beauty that is unmatched.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Meet your trip leaders in Reykjavík and transfer to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland, the setting for Jules Verne’s, Journey to the Center of the Earth. Meet your guides and other guests for a welcome dinner and orientation.

Shuttle ride: approximately 3.5 hours.

Day 2 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsjökull National Park offers a variety of trails for every level hiker. Expect to hike beneath the glacier peak of Snæfellsjökull and enjoy endless views over black lava beaches.

Transfer: up to 30 minutes each way. Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2400 ft.

Day 3 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Westfjords

Connect by van and ferry to the famous Westfjords, Iceland’s most spectacular region. The ferry across from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur is a great opportunity to spot wildlife while enjoying glimpses of Snæfellsjökull in the south. From Brjánslækur, shuttle to Rauðasandur, a remote beach which is famous for its striking reddish-sand. Hike from there to Keflavìk following the cliff band at Brekkuhlìð. Meet the van for a short transfer to Patreksfjörður.

Transfer: 2 hours in van + ferry. Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 200 ft.

Day 4 - Látrabjarg Cliff

Today we hike near Europe’s most western point, the Bjargtangar lighthouse and famous Látrabjarg Cliff, one of Iceland’s natural wonders. Látrabjarg is a 9-mile-long dramatic cliff, and home to a myriad of sea birds, including the world famous puffins. There are so many of them nesting there that you have to be careful not to step on them! Return to the hotel.

Transfer: up to 1.5 hours each way. Distance: up to 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1300 ft.

Day 5 - Patreksfjörður to Ísafjörður

The compass points north as we take a scenic drive to Ísafjörður. Along the way, a short hike and soak in typical Icelandic hot springs, as well as a quick stop at an imposing Dynjandi waterfall, breaks up the day. The drive to Ísafjörður has us meandering in and out of the spectacle of the Westfjords. Arrive in the afternoon at the comfortable Hotel Ísafjörður located in the heart of this small town.

Transfer: 3.5 hours. Distance: up to 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 ft.

Day 6 - Hornstrandir Peninsula

Access the Hornstrandir Peninsula, the most deserted wilderness area in Iceland, by boat. Keep an eye out for whales and puffins as we make our way to Hesteyri, a small settlement on Hornstrandir. We spend the night at The Old Doctor’s House where Hrólfur, the owner, provides excellent food, wine, and traditional Icelandic music. Although residing in simpler accommodations (comparable to a hut in the Alps), this evening is sure to stand out as a fantastic experience in one of the most Northern regions of Iceland, and a visit from one of the many arctic foxes that roam the area.

Transfer: 1 hour ferry. Distance: up to 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2700 ft.

Day 7 - Hornstrandir Peninsula to Ísafjörður

On our last day of hiking we explore the farthest northwest point of Hornstrandir. This section of land is nearly untouched by people, which may be why it is a safe haven for arctic foxes, seals, whales, and birds. Today’s hike offers a plethora of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty that Iceland is known for. Jaw-dropping views of Drangajökull glacier and endless fjords leave a lasting impression for our last evening in Iceland. We return via boat to Ísafjörður and toast to this beautiful country.

Transfer: 1 hour ferry. Distance: up to 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 ft.