West Iceland

West Iceland serves as the perfect summary of the country's best features. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the main attraction, a 90-kilometer-long stretch of land featuring black sand beaches, dramatic sea stacks, lava fields, and the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier, which was the setting for Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The region's most photographed landmark is Kirkjufell, a uniquely shaped mountain often seen with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground.

Beyond the peninsula, the region is rich in Viking history. It's the setting for many famous Icelandic Sagas, and visitors can learn about this heritage in the town of Borgarnes. The area also boasts powerful hot springs like Deildartunguhver and the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, which seem to flow directly out of a lava field. This combination of saga history, coastal beauty, and volcanic landscapes makes West Iceland a deeply rewarding destination.

Reasons to Visit

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Explore a diverse range of Iceland's most famous landscapes all concentrated in one stunning peninsula.
• Iconic Photography: Capture the famous shot of Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfall, one of the most iconic images of Iceland.
• Saga History: Delve into the world of the Vikings and the Icelandic Sagas in the region where many of them took place.
• Diverse Attractions: Experience a wide variety of sights, from glaciers and volcanoes to unique waterfalls and powerful hot springs.

Things to Avoid

• Only Day Tripping: While a day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is possible from Reykjavik, staying overnight allows for a much more relaxed and thorough exploration.
• Ignoring the Tides: When visiting coastal areas and beaches, be aware of the tide times, as some areas can be cut off during high tide.
• Underestimating the Wind: The weather on the peninsula can be extremely windy. Hold on to your car doors when opening them and wear windproof clothing.
• Sticking to the Main Road: Some of the best sights, like the Gerðuberg basalt columns, require a short detour off the main peninsula road.

Local Transportation Tips

A rental car is the best way to explore West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, giving you the freedom to stop at the many viewpoints and attractions. The main roads are paved and in good condition. Several tour companies also offer guided day trips to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik.

Travel Etiquette

• Respect Historical Sites: When visiting historical sites or ruins, do not climb on them or remove any stones.
• Be a Courteous Driver: Use designated pull-offs for photos and allow faster traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
• Ask Before Entering Farmland: If you wish to get closer to Icelandic horses in a field, seek permission from the landowner if possible and never feed them.
• Keep It Clean: As with all of Iceland, practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment.

Did You Know?

The Snæfellsjökull volcano is believed by some to be one of the Earth's mystical energy centers. It was the entry point for the adventure in Jules Verne's famous 1864 novel, "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Cool West Iceland Stats

• Peninsula Length: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Saga Central: The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes provides an excellent introduction to the Egil's Saga, one of the most famous Icelandic Sagas, which is set in the region.
• Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring: Deildartunguhver hot spring has a flow rate of 180 liters (50 gallons) of boiling water per second.

Recommended Age Group

West Iceland is highly suitable for all age groups, offering a fantastic and accessible mix of Iceland's best features without the long drives of other regions.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. The drives are shorter than in other regions, and many sights are easily viewed from the car or with a short walk.
• Kids (3-12 years): Highly Recommended. The stories of Vikings, unique beaches, and interesting rock formations make it an engaging destination for children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended. The region is incredibly photogenic, offering a great mix of accessible nature and intriguing history.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. West Iceland provides a perfect, concentrated dose of Icelandic beauty and history, ideal for those with limited time.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. The sights are generally very accessible with minimal walking required, making it an excellent choice for travelers with limited mobility.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Key sights are accessible, making it one of the better regions for mobility-impaired travelers.
• Many of the viewpoints on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, like those for Kirkjufell and the Lóndrangar sea stacks, are right next to the car parks.
• The towns of Borgarnes and Stykkishólmur are relatively flat and have accessible services.
• The path to the Hraunfossar waterfalls is paved and offers good views for wheelchair users.