The West

West Iceland is one of Iceland's most geologically diverse regions. Its natural wonders are a nearly exhaustive sampling of all that Iceland offers, ranging from slumbering volcanoes and majestic waterfalls to various flora and wildlife.

west iceland logo

Visit West Iceland is the official destination marketing and management organization for the The West of Iceland. Find out more about the area on their website.

rich-text-image

CLOSE TO THE CAPITAL AREA, BUT A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE

Around West Iceland, history is everywhere to be discovered. It is a world where culture, nature and history complement each other, creating a unique experience. This vast area consists of fjords, valleys, craters, glaciers and volcanoes, with magnificent waterfalls, hot springs and caves to explore.

Great hikes are found around Akranes and Hvalfjörður, with the mountain Akrafjall and the highest waterfall in Iceland Glymur less than an hour from Reykjavík. Visit the homestead of medieval writer Snorri Sturluson at Reykholt, and see the man-made geothermal bath in which he must have often allowed his mind to wander. Dive into the Krauma geothermal bath in water from Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Or learn about the awe-inspiring Viking poet Egill Skalla-Grímsson in Borgarnes. A visit to the otherworldly Víðgelmir lava tube cave or into the glacier in the Ice-tunnel at Langjökull glacier are unforgettable experiences.

These are only a few examples of the interesting sites that can be found all over West Iceland.

Series of spring waterfalls flowing from under a lava into a white-blue colored glacier river

SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK AND SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA

Snæfellsnes peninsula offers beautiful nature and was given the Earth Check certification in 2008 for working towards sustainability. The magnificent landscape and wildlife at Snæfellsjökull National Park

is Iceland's only national park that reaches the sea. The mystical ice-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull has inspired artists and poets through the centuries. Snæfellsjökull is the setting of Jules Verne'sJourney to the center of the EarthandChristianity under the Glacierby the Icelandic Nobel prize novelist Halldór Laxness.

A visit to the Vatnshellir lava tube cave and a snow-cat tour on top of the volcano are a few of the many options to explore the National park. Ytri-Tunga seal lair, the Shark museum at Bjarnarhöfn, the Búðir black church and Kirkjufell church-mountain are some of the most popular locations in Snæfellsnes peninsula.

rich-text-image

West Iceland is one of Icelands most geologically diverse regions

From Snæfellsnes, you can cross over to Dalir, the cradle of the great explorers Eirík the Red and his son, Leif the Lucky, the first European to set foot in America. The short distances between popular destinations make it possible to enjoy the area at a comfortable pace all year round, so remember to slow down in West Iceland.

West Iceland is a relatively short drive from the capital area. It's possible to go by bus or car with many different routes available to experience West Iceland. The Snæfellsnes peninsula offers an intriguing road trip where the peninsula can be circled with various stops along the way.

Find out more on VISIT WEST ICELAND

Get travel ideas

Experience some of Iceland's amazing routes and destinations in the West.

See all articles
See all articles