Wild North Private Tour: Craters, Canyons, Seals and Basalt Wonders
A full-day private journey into the hidden landscapes of Iceland's northwest, where Arctic wildlife and volcanic geology meet.
This Wild North private tour Iceland takes a small group of up to six people deep into a region rarely visited by large tourist crowds. Over twelve hours, the route passes through volcanic craters, carved canyons, columnar basalt formations, and one of the most significant seal habitats in the country. The entire vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group, allowing flexibility at every stop.
The northwest of Iceland holds a concentration of geological and natural landmarks that few visitors reach on a standard itinerary. From the twin craters of Bifrost to the towering rock of Hvitserkur rising from the tidal flats, every location on this route carries its own distinct character and geological story.
Wildlife encounters are a genuine feature of this journey rather than an afterthought. The Vatnsnes peninsula shelters one of the largest harbour seal colonies in Iceland, and depending on the season, it is possible to observe mothers with their young at close range. The landscape along Hunafloi bay adds dramatic coastal scenery to the broader experience.
This tour operates exclusively as a private booking, meaning the pace and time spent at each stop can be adjusted according to the group's interests. It is well suited for families, photographers, and travelers who prefer a more personal and unhurried approach to exploring Iceland's interior and coastline.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the twin craters of Grabrók and Grábrókarfell, formed around 3400 years ago in a fissure eruption, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
Stand above the Kolugljufur canyon, a two-kilometre-long gorge up to 25 metres deep where the river drops in two dramatic waterfalls named after a troll of local legend.
Explore Borgarvirki, a columnar basalt volcanic plug that Viking-age settlers adapted into a natural fortress, now offering panoramic views from its summit.
Visit the Vatnsnes peninsula and Hunafloi bay, widely considered the best location in Iceland to observe large colonies of harbour seals at close range.
Pass through Hvammstangi, the small and unhurried town of the peninsula, surrounded by mountains and open coastal views.
Encounter Hvitserkur, the 15-metre basalt sea stack rising from tidal flats, draped in guano and shaped by centuries of wave erosion into a silhouette that has inspired countless legends.
Travel the entire route in a private Super Jeep, reserved exclusively for your group, with no shared passengers and flexible stops throughout the day.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a walk through the Grabrók and Grábrókarfell craters near Bifrost. The larger crater dates back roughly 3400 years and provides a broad view over the surrounding lava fields and valleys. The smaller crater is covered in moss and low birch, offering a quieter and more intimate perspective.
The route continues to the Kolugljufur canyon, where a river drops into a 20 to 25 metre deep gorge in two distinct waterfalls known as Kolufossar. The canyon stretches roughly two kilometres and is linked to the local legend of a troll woman named Kola who is said to have fished salmon from the river with her bare hands. The view from the canyon rim is striking at any time of year.
Borgarvirki is a natural volcanic plug made of columnar basalt that was modified for defensive use during the Viking age. Steps lead to the summit, where a viewfinder helps identify key landmarks across the region. It is recognised as one of the most historically significant natural sites in Iceland.
The Vatnsnes peninsula juts into Hunafloi bay, an area whose name translates roughly as Bear Bay in reference to polar bears occasionally carried on ice floes from Greenland. The rocky shoreline here supports one of Iceland's largest populations of harbour seals. Depending on the season, it is possible to observe young seals alongside adults at relatively close range.
Hvammstangi is the only town on the Vatnsnes peninsula and serves as a natural pause point during the tour. It is a calm settlement framed by mountain scenery and open coastal light, offering a glimpse of everyday life in rural northwest Iceland.
The final landmark of the day is Hvitserkur, a 15-metre basalt stack that rises from the tidal flats near the northern shore of Vatnsnes. Its name means White Shirt, a reference to the guano deposited by the shag and cormorant colonies that nest across its surface. The shape of the rock changes with the tide and the light, and it has been interpreted as a troll, an elephant, and a dinosaur by different observers over the years.
What Is Included
Included
- Private Super Jeep vehicle for your group
- Professional driver and guide
- All fuel and transport costs
- Stops at all listed landmarks
- Flexible itinerary pacing
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your spot on this exclusive private Super Jeep journey through the wild landscapes of northern Iceland. Groups of one to six are welcome, and the itinerary adapts to your pace and interests.
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