We are planning a trip in September. Can anyone comment on why we should travel to the Westfjords- NW part of Iceland? I'd like to see fjords but where is the best place in Iceland to see them? We are exploring a bit of the South Coast around Vik and the Golden Circle. Decided against traveling the Ring Road. We have about 9 days. KS
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
751 posts
The fjords in Iceland are not spectacular like those in Norway. We've been to Iceland twice and haven't made it to Westfjords yet. I suggest that you concentrate on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, and the South Coast. In 9 days you could even go as far as Seyðisfjörður. Or, you could spend one night on Westman Island.
You should be finalizing your plans soon. Work on getting your lodging and rental car reservations. Iceland is getting very busy, lodging choices are not abundant, and September is not off-season.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2609 posts
I am headed back to Iceland in September for my 7th trip. Normally in Iceland, people book close to a year in advance, and we usually do that. This trip was on a whim. (booked 6 weeks ago), and I knew it would be hard to work it since I was late to the game. I managed, but did have to finagle our itinerary to make it work. I share this because you are just starting to plan, so you will really need to get on it.
I disagree about the fjords. We have been to Norway as well, and the fjords in Iceland are very impressive, especially up in the Westfjords. Last summer we spent the first 10 days of our trip just in the Westfjords. Stunning!!! You will not see anything like those along the south coast areas, from Hofn on south. With just 9 days, you are smart to not attempt the ring road. As much as I would love to say head to the Westfjords, much would depend on when in September you are coming. If early in the month great, but if you are looking at mid September on, then you get dicey as far as weather.
In any case, with just 9 days you can have a great trip to Snaefellsmess and the south coast. See what you can find for lodging. We usually book through booking.com, but there is also bungalo, airbnb, and then good old google maps and click on hotels for the area on the map you are looking at.
On the way up to Snaefellsness, or your way back down, about 45 minutes north of Reykjavik is Hvammsvik Hot Spring. It sits right on a beautiful fjord and the fjord is the cold plunge. We always try to hit as many lagoons/hot springs as possible on each trip, and so far this is our favorite, FWIW.
If you are coming in early September, you may consider skipping the south coast entirely and just do Snaefellsness and the Westfjords.