West Iceland

How to get to West Iceland?

The western part of Iceland is easily accessible from Reykjavik through a six-kilometer (4 mi) tunnel under Hvalfjörður fjord. Moreover, the west of  Iceland is a showcase of lava formations, geothermal activity, and history. Woodlands and waterfalls are frequent sights, and there are pristine lakes and rivers for fishing.

However, if you are looking to go exploring or simply to take the longer yet scenic route you can skip the tunnel and drive for an extra hour along Hvalfjörður bay. There you will find the mesmerizing Glymur waterfall and a surprisingly large birch forest. 

After the Hvalfjörður tunnel, you will see Akranes, the biggest town in the West on the left, but if you continue to follow Ring Road one you will see Borgarnes, the second largest town.  There, you have the option of taking a right turn into Borgarfjörður bay or continuing through Borgarnes and on towards Snæfellsnes peninsula. Both options are truly amazing! 

West Iceland attractions

• Húsafell Nature Area
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
• Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths
• Reykholt and Snorrastofa
• Vatnshellir Cave
• Gerðuberg Basalt Columns 
• Búðir Black Church
• Arnarstapi and Hellnar
• Kirkjufell mountain
• Djúpalónssandur pebble beach
• Snæfellsjökull Volcano and Glacier 

Húsafell manor farm and church estate stands in the middle of a lava field, and its birch trees blossom in summer and show the most fantastic fall colours in September and October. There you can be picked up for the into the glacier ice cave tour or a visit to the exotic Húsafell Canyon Baths. You can also hike on a nice selection of trails that bring you closer to the area’s nature and history. 

Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe and its water is harvested for the neighboring Krauma geothermal baths. Where incredible Scandinavian architecture meets natural energy. 

Reykholt and Snorrastofa are places to visit for the history buff, and the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs for those interested in the geology of Iceland. However, if you are looking for something more adventurous a trip to Vatnshellir lava cave could be just your thing! 

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Attractions

On the Snaefellsnes peninsula, amazing works of nature adorn the landscape, culminating in the glittering glacial cap of Snaefellsjokull, atop a crater which provided Jules Verne with the setting for his novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

The coastline abounds in bizarre rock formations and birdlife, and a number of towns snuggle in bays along the northern peninsula. From the largest town, Stykkishólmur, travellers can take cruises or a ferry across Breiðafjörður bay with its countless islands. The ferry calls at Flatey island with rennovated historical houses that testify to its old status as a major cultural centre.

The dramatic cliffs between the tiny villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi are a must-see. Likewise, the black sandy pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur is a wonderful visit. Here on Snæfellsnes, more particularly in Grundarfjörður village, also stands the most photographed mountain in the country, Kirkjufell.

Find out more about the best attractions at the bottom of the page.

The Waterfalls of West Iceland

• Glymur
• Hraunfossar 
• Barnafoss
• Bjarnafoss
• Kirkjufellsfoss
• Grundarfoss

Saga and heritage

Lovers of Iceland’s rich literary heritage will find plenty to their liking in this area where some of the most dramatic events of the Sagas took place. Names of farms, villages and towns conjure up the presence of historical characters such as the warrior-poet Egill Skallagrímsson and renowned scholar Snorri Sturluson. Moreover, Icelanders are extremely proud of this heritage and have made sure to keep these places intact.  

For more detailed information about attractions, villages and activities in west Iceland be sure to go through our destination guide.