Kjölur Trail and West Fjords
Expedition in Iceland's wild regions: between glaciers, desert fjords, hot springs. Ideal for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,400/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, With friends, Solo
The spirit of travel
This trip, offered only between June and September, will take you to the wild regions of Iceland for an extraordinary experience. You will head straight to the center of the country. From glacier to glacier and in the middle of an amazing desert landscape, you will follow the famous Kjölur trail. You will then explore the fjords of the West, a little-touristic region, the wildest part of the island that retains all its authenticity.
The itinerary of this trip is given as an indication. We can arrange this self-drive tour according to the time you have available, with a minimum of 8 days on site. A domestic flight is possible between Reykjavík and Ísafjörður, if you do not have enough time.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival and beginning of the adventure
Aéroport international de Keflavík → Borgarnes
Upon your arrival at Keflavík international airport, you pick up your rental car and head to your accommodation, located near Borgarnes on the west coast of the country. This is where some of the first Vikings settled, as mentioned in the sagas.
For late arrivals, it is possible to sleep 5 km from the airport, by the sea.
Discovery of the Golden Circle
You begin this stay with a visit to the Golden Circle and its three emblematic sites: the Thingvellir National Park, where you discover the rift, the place where the North American and European tectonic plates separate; the famous geyser region with Geysir and Strokkur which shoots enormous jets of steam and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.
You spend the night in the Flúðir region, where it is possible to take a relaxing bath at the Secret Lagoon.
Desert and fumaroles of the solfataras
You enter the heart of the country on the Kjölur trail.
A beautiful hike is possible in the heart of the volcanic mountains of Kerlingarfjöll, nicknamed the "witch mountains", where sulfur and steam vents spring from the ground.
You continue heading North with a stop at the Hveravellir site, to admire volcanic manifestations and bathe in a natural hot spring. During this day, the landscapes transport you to unknown planets with multiple colors.
The night unfolds in the North in the Varmahlíð region.
Discreet getaway on the Vatnsnes Peninsula
Varmahlíð → Péninsule de Vatnsnes
Discovery day of the small peninsula of Vatnsnes, meeting seals. Enjoy stunning views over the sea. Don't miss the famous rock Hvitserkur, which some say is a petrified troll...
Péninsule de Vatnsnes → Hólmavík
You continue your journey towards another Islande, a sort of island within the island, the oldest part of Islande: the West Fjords.
You settle for two nights in the Hólmavík region, for an immersion into ancestral Icelandic customs and traditions, including notably the witchcraft museum.
Exploration of the Drangsnes Region
Visit to the coast and its small fishing ports, several of which recall the golden age of herring fishing. It is possible to swim in natural hot water springs. Numerous hiking trails are available to you. The region is also renowned for its magnificent beaches scattered with driftwood.
Night at the same location as the previous evening.
The Secrets of Heydalur Valley
You can spend the morning continuing to explore this region and go on an excursion to meet the whales.
Isafjördur, the Far Northwest
This day is dedicated to visiting Ísafjörður and its surroundings. Weather permitting, a hike to the top of Bolafjall will offer you breathtaking views over the fjord.
From the port, boat excursions are available to discover stunning viewpoints in the middle of the sea and observe a multitude of seabirds and even arctic foxes.
You spend a comfortable night in the city centre of Ísafjörður.
The fjords of the West: a masterpiece
Among all the winding roads in Iceland, Route 60 which descends towards the South of the West Fjords, is one of the most scenic in the country. Many stops are available to you along the route, notably to admire the superb Dynjandi waterfall, contemplate the varied flora and the diversity of bird species.
This evening you settle in the region of the cliffs of Látrabjarg, renowned for their puffin colonies.
Cliffs and Puffins
This day is dedicated to beautiful walks along the high cliffs of Látrabjarg at the far west of the country. Hosting millions of seabirds, these cliffs offer an unforgettable spectacle, theatre of the uninterrupted comings and goings between land and sea of puffins, gulls, guillemots and other seabirds. A unique place for the observation and photography of Atlantic puffins.
In the afternoon, you join Brjánslækur.
You then board the ferry to reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the village of Stykkishólmur, where you spend the evening and night.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula where, in the same day, you can see seals, walk along superb pebble beaches, get close to imposing cliffs to meet seabirds, admire the "church-mountain" Kirkjufell and marvel at the glacier-volcano Snæfellsjökull, the gateway to the center of the earth, according to Jules Verne... And, why not, taste a typical dish of fermented shark!
Tonight takes place on the south coast of the peninsula, in the Arnarstapi region.
In the colorful streets of Reykjavik
Arrival in Reykjavik in the morning and a day visiting the capital. Be sure to visit the new Harpa cultural center and Hallgrímskirkja church.
It is also possible to avoid the city and spend the day in the Borgarfjörður region or on the Reykjanes peninsula, if you wish to extend your immersion.
You spend the night in downtown Reykjavík or near the airport, depending on your flight time the next day.
Keflavík International Airport
Reykjavik → Aéroport international de Keflavík
Transfer to Keflavík international airport, where you return your vehicle and take your return flight.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight
- Personal cancellation and repatriation insurance
Included
- Nights in guesthouse-type accommodation, room with a mix of private and shared bathroom (superior category or 100% private bathroom upon request).
- All-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. Our accommodations very often have a kitchen available and sometimes hot water on site. Sheets and towels are provided. We try to choose eco-responsible accommodations as much as possible.
- 4x4 rental car with unlimited mileage, taxes and SCDW insurance included, 0 € deductible refund. Vehicle pickup and return at Keflavik airport.
- Ferry crossing for the vehicle and passengers between the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the West fjords.
- 1 whale watching excursion per person to observe humpback whales. Warm clothing provided and a hot beverage included. Approximately 3 hours duration.
- Optional: excursion to Vigur island, horseback riding, sea kayaking, diving... Dinners reserved to be paid on site.
- Personalized Travel Notebook. Includes a general presentation of Iceland, various tips and day-by-day itinerary including supply points, visit suggestions, daily timing, advice for walks and hikes, as well as detailed information sheets for each accommodation. 1:600000 map and hiking maps.
- Our English-speaking contact and on-site assistance.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Iceland for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Iceland is a member of the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland may enter Iceland with a valid passport or national ID card.
Canadian nationals must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
The travel document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement within the Schengen area and may stay in Iceland for an unlimited duration for a tourist stay.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
From the date the system comes into effect, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling in the Schengen area, of which Iceland is a member.
This prior electronic authorization must be requested online before departure. It will apply to visa-exempt travelers and will allow certain information to be transmitted to the authorities:
passport information
travel details
personal and health information
We recommend that you check the progress and date of entry into force of ETIAS with the official authorities before your departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA and Swiss nationals, national ID card) covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required under the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Iceland in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for evacuation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, Iceland is part of the Schengen area (outside the EU but associated). French nationals can travel there with a valid ID card or passport. The currency is the Icelandic króna. No special formalities upon arrival.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €300 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and activities. International flights (€200-500 return) are additional. Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southern Gold Circle
Contemplative Explorer of Icelandic Lands, based in Akureyri
Iceland naturally invites you to slow down. When you embrace its rhythm, its silences and its spaces, the journey becomes a true inner experience.
— Jean-Marc
