White house in hamlet of Arnastapi on Snaefellsness Peninsula.

David Noton

West Iceland

Geographically close to Reykjavík, yet far, far away in sentiment, West Iceland (known as Vesturland) is a splendid microcosm of what Iceland has to offer. Yet many tourists have missed the memo, and you’re likely to have remote parts of this wonderful region to yourself.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Snæfellsjökull national park lies in the westernmost part of Snæfellsnes peninsula ; Snæfellsjökull National Park Shutterstock ID 1701342907; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Snæfellsjökull National Park

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses much of the western tip of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and wraps around the rugged slopes of the glacier…

  • Kirkjufell mountain, Western Iceland, as the aurora really starts to pump out, illuminating the frozen landscape. ....From a superb trip with David Clapp and Antony Spencer

    Breiðafjörður

    West Iceland

    Stykkishólmur’s jagged peninsula pushes north into stunning Breiðafjörður, a broad waterway separating the Snæfellsnes from the looming cliffs of the…

  • Djúpalón Beach

    Djúpalón Beach

    Snæfellsjökull National Park

    On the southwest coast, Rte 572 leads off Rte 574 to wild black-sand beach Djúpalónssandur. It’s a dramatic place to walk, with rock formations (an elf…

  • Snæfellsjökull

    Snæfellsjökull

    Snæfellsjökull National Park

    It’s easy to see why Jules Verne selected Snæfell for his adventure Journey to the Centre of the Earth: the peak was torn apart when the volcano beneath…

  • Erpsstaðir

    Erpsstaðir

    West Iceland

    When the peanut gallery starts moaning, ‘Are we there yet?’, you know it’s time to head to Erpsstaðir, the perfect place to stretch your legs. Like a…

  • Glymur

    Glymur

    West Iceland

    At the head of Hvalfjörður, and up Botnsdalur valley, lies Glymur, Iceland’s highest waterfall (198m). From the trailhead, it’ll take a couple of hours to…

  • Norska Húsið

    Norska Húsið

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Stykkishólmur’s quaint maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, shops and homes around the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150…

  • Kirkjufell

    Kirkjufell

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Kirkjufell (463m), guardian of Grundarfjörður’s northwestern vista, is said to be one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, appearing in Game of…

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from West Iceland

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Water cascading into pool creating rainbow at Seljalandsfoss. Lonely Planet Traveller, Issue 69, Iceland, the magic circle

Wildlife & Nature

Driving Iceland's magic circle

Jan 31, 2020 • 5 min read

Read more articles

Go Beyond

West Iceland and beyond

Beyond West Iceland
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