Self Drive Route
Hvalfjörður Scenic Loop
A quiet fjord alternative close to Reykjavík
A quiet fjord drive close to Reykjavík, with coastal history and an optional Glymur hiking day.
Hvalfjörður is the scenic alternative to simply disappearing through the tunnel. The old road follows the long fjord past coastal viewpoints and historic landscapes, and it works as a relaxed half-day drive or a full day when combined with the Glymur hike. Treat Glymur as a separate hiking commitment rather than another quick stop.
Winter Warning
The fjord road can be icy and windy in winter, and Glymur should not be treated as a routine winter add-on. Check road, weather and trail conditions and keep the plan short when daylight is limited.
Must See
Main Highlights
Hvalfjörður Scenic Road
The reason to skip the tunnel: a slow coastal drive through one of the closest dramatic fjords to Reykjavík.
Glymur
A major hiking extension that turns the route from a scenic drive into a full outdoor day.
Akranes Lighthouse
A convenient coastal finish if you want to extend the loop westward before returning to Reykjavík.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
4 must-see locations
Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord
Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) is a 30 km long fjord just north of Reykjavík, named for the large numbers of whales once found here.
Take the old fjord road and stop only in safe pull-offs.
Glymur
Experience the dramatic beauty of Glymur, West Iceland's majestic waterfall, reached by a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Only add the full Glymur hike with enough daylight, suitable footwear and trail conditions.
Akranes Lighthouse
A pair of historic lighthouses at the tip of the Akranes peninsula with panoramic views across Faxaflói bay to Reykjavík and Snæfellsnes.
A good coastal finish before returning toward Reykjavík.
Borgarnes
This vibrant town, beautifully captured from above, is characterized by its colorful houses, some with striking red roofs, set against the backdrop of a serene fjord and distant mountains. A distinctive bridge gracefully spans a calm inlet, leading into the heart of the settlement. Borgarnes exudes a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, inviting travelers to wander its streets, enjoy panoramic coastal vistas, and delve into its fascinating Viking heritage. It's an ideal base for adventures further afield, yet captivating enough to explore at leisure.
Useful food/fuel endpoint if continuing into West Iceland.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
09:00
Reykjavík
Leave after checking road and weather conditions.
10:00
Hvalfjörður scenic road
Take the old fjord route rather than the tunnel and stop only at safe pull-offs.
12:00
Choose: continue scenic loop OR hike Glymur
The full Glymur hike adds several hours and should determine the rest of the day.
16:00
Akranes or Borgarnes
Optional food, fuel and coastal extension before returning.
18:00
Reykjavík
Typical return for the scenic version; a Glymur hiking day may finish later.
Self-Drive Plans
Alternative Itinerary Options
Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
Half-Day Hvalfjörður Drive
5–6 hoursScenic fjord drive with viewpoints and a short Akranes/Borgarnes extension.
Skip the full Glymur hike on the half-day version.
Full-Day Hvalfjörður + Glymur
8–10 hoursCombine the scenic loop with the Glymur hike when trail and weather conditions are suitable.
The hike, not the road, determines the difficulty of this version.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
5–9 hours
Starting Point
Reykjavík
Best Time to Visit
The scenic road works year-round when conditions are good. Late spring through early autumn is best for longer daylight and the Glymur hike; winter visitors should focus on the fjord drive and skip trail plans when paths are icy or daylight is short.
Road Conditions
The standard scenic road around Hvalfjörður is a normal road and does not require a 4x4 in good conditions. Winter ice and wind can still make the drive demanding.
Weather
The fjord can funnel wind and shaded sections can stay icy longer than roads around Reykjavík.
Fuel
Start with enough fuel or charge for the loop. Akranes and Borgarnes are useful service extensions if continuing into West Iceland.
Food
Carry snacks for the scenic section and use Akranes, Borgarnes or Reykjavík for the widest choice of food.
Parking
Use signed pull-offs and established parking only. Never stop on the road around blind bends for fjord photographs.
Toilets
Facilities are limited on the scenic road itself; plan around towns and established visitor stops.
Safety
Stop only in safe pull-offs, keep back from shore and cliff edges, and treat the Glymur hike according to current trail, river and weather conditions.
Accessibility
The scenic drive and many viewpoints are straightforward, but the Glymur hike is a demanding trail with uneven terrain and is not an accessible add-on.
Winter Driving
Use winter-ready tyres, expect black ice in shaded sections and leave the Glymur hike for suitable trail conditions.
Opening Hours
The road is not a gated attraction, but trail conditions, services and individual sites vary seasonally.
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Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Take the old fjord road instead of the tunnel when sightseeing.
Add several hours if hiking to Glymur.
Winter conditions can make shaded sections icy even when Reykjavík roads are clear.
Treat Glymur as the main activity of a full-day version, not a quick extra stop.
Use Akranes or Borgarnes as food and fuel extensions if needed.
Stop only at proper pull-offs and parking areas around the fjord.
Nearby
Nearby Attractions
Hvalfjörður – Whale Fjord
Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) is a 30 km long fjord just north of Reykjavík, named for the large numbers of whales once found here.
Glymur
Experience the dramatic beauty of Glymur, West Iceland's majestic waterfall, reached by a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Akranes Lighthouse
A pair of historic lighthouses at the tip of the Akranes peninsula with panoramic views across Faxaflói bay to Reykjavík and Snæfellsnes.
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Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for Hvalfjörður?+
No for the standard scenic road in normal conditions.
Can I combine Hvalfjörður and Glymur in one day?+
Yes in suitable conditions and with enough daylight; the full Glymur hike adds several hours.
Why drive around Hvalfjörður instead of using the tunnel?+
The scenic road turns a transit section into a fjord road trip with viewpoints, history and access to the Glymur trail.
Is Glymur a quick stop?+
No. The full hike is a multi-hour outdoor activity and should be planned as the main commitment of the day.
Can I drive Hvalfjörður in winter?+
Yes when the road is open and conditions are suitable, but expect ice and wind and do not automatically add the Glymur hike.
Can I combine Hvalfjörður with West Iceland?+
Yes. Akranes, Borgarnes and the Silver Circle are natural onward extensions if you have more than one day.
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