West Iceland Travel Guide
Plan your trip to West Iceland with our comprehensive guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and cultural attractions in West Iceland.
- Introduction to West Iceland
- List of Places to Visit in West Iceland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of West Iceland
- Best Things to Do in West Iceland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for West Iceland
- Food and Drink Scene of West Iceland
- Where to Stay in West Iceland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in West Iceland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of West Iceland
- Best Time to Visit West Iceland
- Do’s and Don’ts of West Iceland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to West Iceland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in West Iceland
- Where to Go Next from West Iceland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to West Iceland
West Iceland is one of the most scenic areas of Iceland and is home to some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. From rugged coastlines and towering mountains to steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs, West Iceland is a nature lover’s paradise.
List of Places to Visit in West Iceland
Here are some of the must-visit places in West Iceland:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Settlement Center: This museum in Borgarnes tells the story of Iceland’s settlement and Viking history.
- Snorrastofa: Explore Iceland’s medieval history at this cultural center in Reykholt, which is dedicated to the life and works of the famous historian Snorri Sturluson.
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: These beautiful waterfalls in Borgarfjörður are not only a natural wonder, but they also have an interesting story connected to Icelandic folklore.
Natural Attractions of West Iceland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Snaefellsjokull National Park: Home to the iconic Snaefellsjokull glacier, this park is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature.
- Deildartunguhver: Known as Europe’s most powerful hot spring, this geothermal area offers a unique experience to visitors.
- Reykjanes Peninsula: This area is a photographer’s paradise, with rugged coastlines, cliffs, and hot springs.
Hiking/Biking Routes of West Iceland
West Iceland offers a wide variety of hiking and biking trails for both beginners and more experienced adventurers. Here are some of the best routes:
- Snaefellsjokull Glacier Hike: This is the most popular hike in West Iceland, offering stunning views of the glacier and surrounding landscapes.
- Hvalfjordur fjord: This fjord has several hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. The trails offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains and fjord.
- Vatnshorn Peninsula: This area is a popular spot for mountain biking, with several routes available for all skill levels.
Best Things to Do in West Iceland: Activities and Tours
- Whale watching: Visitors can take a boat tour to see whales and other wildlife in the waters around West Iceland.
- Caving: Iceland has many lava caves, and West Iceland has some of the most fascinating ones to explore.
- Northern Lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Visitors can take a guided tour to see this natural wonder.
Week-Long Itinerary for West Iceland
Day 1: Reykjavik - Borgarnes - Akranes
Day 2: Akranes - Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Stykkisholmur
Day 3: Stykkisholmur - Grundarfjordur - Thingvellir National Park
Day 4: Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss
Day 5: Vatnshorn - Borgarfjordur
Day 6: Reykholt – Hraunfossar - Reykjavik
Day 7: Reykjavik
Food and Drink Scene of West Iceland
Must-Try Dishes
- Brennivín: This traditional Icelandic liquor is made from potatoes and caraway seeds.
- Skyr: This thick, creamy yoghurt is a staple food in Iceland.
- Lamb: Icelandic lamb is a popular ingredient in many dishes due to its unique flavor.
Local Beverages
- Borg Brugghús: This local brewery in Borgarnes brews a variety of craft beers.
- Kaffi Emil: This coffeehouse in Stykkisholmur is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
- Te & Kaffi: This coffee chain is found all over Iceland and is a great spot to grab a hot drink on a cold day.
Where to Stay in West Iceland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
West Iceland has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to more affordable guesthouses and hostels. Here are some recommendations:
- Hotel Husafell: This luxury hotel offers a relaxing retreat in the heart of West Iceland, with a spa and hot tubs on site.
- Borgarnes Hostel: This affordable hostel offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
- Langaholt Guesthouse: This family-run guesthouse is located in a beautiful setting near Snaefellsjokull glacier.
What to Buy in West Iceland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Icelandic wool products: Visitors can purchase wool socks, sweaters, and blankets made from the famous Icelandic wool.
- Lava souvenirs: Iceland is known for its volcanic landscapes, and visitors can purchase souvenirs made from lava rocks.
- Handmade pottery: West Iceland has several local potters who make unique and beautiful ceramic pieces.
Local Culture and Customs of West Iceland
The people of West Iceland are proud of their rich history and unique culture. Visitors should be respectful of these cultural traditions, such as the Icelandic language and traditional clothing.
Best Time to Visit West Iceland
The best time to visit West Iceland is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and the days are long. However, visitors can also experience the Northern Lights in the winter months, making it a year-round destination.
Do’s and Don’ts of West Iceland
Do:
- Do try Icelandic cuisine and local beverages.
- Do respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Do take advantage of the long summer days by exploring the outdoors for as long as possible.
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate the weather, even in the summer months.
- Don’t approach wildlife, including seals, birds, and reindeer.
- Don’t ignore warning signs and barriers near natural attractions.
Safety and Health
Safety in West Iceland
West Iceland is generally considered a safe destination for travel. Visitors should be aware of changing weather conditions and follow safe practices when engaging in outdoor activities.
Health in West Iceland
Visitors to Iceland do not require any special vaccinations or health precautions. Medical care is of a high standard, but visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance.
Getting to West Iceland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near West Iceland
The closest airport to West Iceland is Keflavik International Airport, which is located around 2 hours away by car.
Bus Stations Near West Iceland
Borgarnes Bus Station is the primary bus station for West Iceland, connecting visitors to other parts of Iceland.
Other Options
Visitors can also rent a car or book a private transfer from Keflavik International Airport or Reykjavik.
How to Get Around in West Iceland
Visitors to West Iceland can rent a car or book local tours to explore the area. There are also bus connections to other parts of Iceland.
Where to Go Next from West Iceland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some nearby destinations and excursions from West Iceland include:
- Reykjavik: Iceland’s capital city is only a 1-hour drive from West Iceland and offers plenty of cultural and historical attractions.
- Golden Circle: This popular tourist route includes stops at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.
- South Coast: This area of Iceland is known for its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
Conclusion
West Iceland is an incredible destination that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. Plan your trip carefully, and don’t forget to leave enough time to explore everything this beautiful part of Iceland has to offer.
