The west of Iceland features breathtaking natural landscapes at every turn

ENJOY LIFE WITH YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN

If you want to see a little bit of everything that characterizes Iceland, it’s ideal to visit West Iceland. Black sand beaches, hot springs, tranquil towns, a majestic glacier within walking distance… In truth, one can say that in West Iceland, you can find a fragment of all the most magnificent things Iceland has to offer.

The Flow of Magnificent Waterfalls

Glymur, one of the highest waterfalls in the country, can be found on the way west in Botnsdalur, at the end of Hvalfjörður. Glymur falls nearly 200 meters, making the hike to the top challenging but well worth it for the unparalleled view at the end. Hraunfossar is also a delight to see, consisting of countless streaming springs running about 900 meters from under Hallmundarhraun, often surrounded by rainbows. At the edge of the lava field flows Barnafoss, known for its beautiful surroundings, folklore, and a magical atmosphere.

Enjoy Iceland’s Geological Uniqueness

Iceland is a geologist’s paradise. Among the must-see attractions is Deildartunguhver, considered the most powerful hot spring in Europe, erupting nearly 200 litres per second of 100°C hot water. The hot water against the moss and rocks surrounding the spring reminds one of the primal and bubbling life that thrives on our island of Iceland. To experience the primal energy of the land even better, you can visit Víðgelmir, the largest cave in Iceland. Guided tours through its colourful vaults, adorned with thousand-year-old lava formations and seasonal ice, offer an unparalleled experience that makes one imagine all of Iceland is like this on the inside.

The Magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula Beckons

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula could almost be called the centre of the universe, if only for the presence of Snæfellsjökull glacier, the setting of Jules Verne’s book, “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.” Under Snæfellsjökull lies an active volcano with an eruption history tracing back at least 700,000 years, with the last eruption occurring 1,900 years ago. The glacier’s height is 1,446 meters, making it visible from Reykjavík on a sunny day.

On the western side of Snæfellsnes, in addition to Snæfellsjökull, are the villages of Hellissandur, Ólafsvík, and Grundarfjörður, which are delightful to visit. The area is rich in birdlife, beautiful rock formations, and nature, with Arnarstapi and Hellnar being particularly popular stops. The mountain Kirkjufell on the northern side of Snæfellsnes is a popular subject for photography, as it is one of Iceland’s most distinctive mountains.

It is recommended to spend at least a week visiting this part of West Iceland, as the beauty and uniqueness of the area are something to explore thoroughly and enjoy to the fullest during your travels.