Welcome to West Iceland

Iceland spoils its visitors and locals alike by giving them unprecedented jaw-dropping eye candy, from ghostly backdrops to colorfully painted mountains upon end. With so many options to choose from and different routes to take, planning an Icelandic road trip can be as intimidating as it is exciting! After all, choices mean decisions and decisions, even when it comes to holidays, are sometimes tough!

ANOTHER DIRECTION

The South Coast is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. If you’ve already covered it or are thinking of being adventurous and taking another route, release your inner daredevil and go explore Iceland’s Western region!

Snæfellsnes Lighthouse.

This territory is one of the country’s eight regions. With a mere 15,000 inhabitants, chances are, you’ll be bumping into more sheep and tourists than locals. As with anything and everything here, this region’s extraordinary beauty will have you captivated from start to finish.

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

The West encompasses a wide array of scenery and activities, to suit everyone’s taste—be it the Sagas, lava caves, hot springs, volcanoes, horseback riding or more adventurous quests—this area is so diverse that it is deemed to be a microcosm of everything that Iceland has to offer. It’s close enough to Reykjavik to make a day trip out of it yet fascinating enough to stay a night or two. The roads are well maintained and easier to travel during unfavorable weather conditions.

Kirkjufell, aka Church Mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed sites, summer and winter alike.

Wondering where to start your adventure? Here’s an essential list of places to inspire you to get up and go. And remember, in Iceland, adventure is truly just around the corner!

SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA

Nestled in the western territories of the island, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is truly a treat for the eyes and ears of its visitors. From secluded, intimate coastal walks, to extreme ice caving experiences, the sweet sound of birds chirping and waves crashing by the cliffs, the peninsula could easily be one of your most memorable experiences in this country. It comes as no surprise that this area has attracted the likings of grandiose icons—Jules Vernes portrayed the peninsula in his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was filmed there.

AKRANES AND SNÆFELLSNES LIGHTHOUSE

If you’ve been in Iceland long enough, you’ve surely noticed the array of beautiful light houses scattered around the island’s coastline. There’s definitely something special about watching daylight slowly fading into the depths of the ocean while the magically lit skies act as the perfect stage for the tall standing coastal structures.

THE BLACK CHURCH

Búðakirkja, one of Iceland’s three black churches, is idyllically nestled in between lava fields and picturesque mountainous surroundings. Its eerie charm and serene isolation give its visitors a sense of ghostly calm. A few pathways pass up and down the lava fields, with one leading to the beautiful coastline, where you can enjoy endless hours of undisturbed peace.

HRAUNFOSSAR AND BARNAFOSS

These two waterfalls are only a stone’s throw from each other and are characterized by their dreamy milky blue tones which contrast with the surrounding nature, creating a captivating image.

KIRKJUFELL

The name might not ring any bells, how ever, chances are, you’ve seen this mountain at some point during your Icelandic holiday research. Kirkjufell, aka Church Mountain, is one of Iceland’s most photographed sites, summer and winter alike. Stretching just below 500 meters, its absolute symmetry and divine water reflection dis close its celebrated status.

LANGJÖKULL

Iceland’s second largest icecap Langjökull, extends just over 95km2, with ice as thick as 600 meters! For the more ad venturous, this is the perfect base for all kinds of extreme activities—snowmobiling to ice caving, modified extreme truck tours and so forth.

The places mentioned above are only a small fraction of what natural wonders lie within Iceland’s western region. Tips and advice are always helpful; especially when planning road trips into unknown territories. However, the adventure truly begins when you realize you’ve totally misread the map, have no clue where you are, and then choose a direction and just go for it! Happy travels!