DAY 1: Dungeons and dragons
borgarvirki
We're going easy on the sites today, and just a bit heavy on the drives. Not to worry though; as you've probably noticed by now, driving in Iceland is kind of like flying through a 3D landscape painting. You'd be hard pressed to fall asleep behind the wheel, plus it's the stops like this one that make driving worthwhile. Very much reminiscent of the Weathertop fortress from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, this fortress was actually used by Vikings for defensive purposes. Legend says they were defending themselves from another tribe of Vikings, but it's hard to ignore the possibility that the nine Nazgul were somehow involved.
Hvitserkur, Iceland
Hvitserkur
This rock jutting out of the water on the northern coast looks a dragon taking a drink of water, as dragons do after a heavy night of fire breathing. It's actually a troll, according to legend, that was planning some mischief as daylight approached and it turned to stone. It can also be used as a Rorshach test; if you think it looks like your mother, you might need some family counseling.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ISAFJORDUR (SUMMER-ONLY)
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 2: Horn-stranded Part I
Hornstrandir nature reserve (summer only)
You won't find any tourists here. In fact, you probably won't find anyone here at all. That's how isolated it is, and tough to access. You can book a ferry trip and explore on your own or you could book guided tours, which are highly recommended, considering the vast size of the reserve and the limited time you have to explore, assuming you're not planning on spending a week here. All of the ferries and tour groups are based out of Isafjordur (see Customize section for further recommendations). At the very least, you'll want to be sure that your ferry takes you to Veidileysufjordur, where you have easiest access to Hornvik (the cliffs pictured above). From there, you can explore as your heart sees fit. If staying overnight, be sure to camp at the designated camping sites. If you're leaving within the same day, be at the ferry dock a half hour before departure or you'll be forced to camp for the night.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ISAFJORDUR (SUMMER ONLY)
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 3: HORN-STRANDED PART II
Isafjordur (summer only)
If you ended up camping out at Hornstrandir, you will probably want to hike for a few more hours before taking the ferry back in to town. If you're waking up in Isafjordur, you'll definitely want to explore what's easily the cutest town in the Westfjords. After all, you've earned a leisurely day strolling around town. After lunch, there's a short two-hour drive to the next adventure-filled fjord.
If this is the end of your Iceland adventure:
Depart: Reykjavik Airport (RKV) or Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
If continuing your journey to Part 6...
STAY THE NIGHT IN: HELLALAUG
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.