Iceland
Iceland – West Region is part of this amazing Nordic island nation defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history.
Iceland is typically divided into seven different geographical regions, including the Reykjavík capital area. Each region differs slightly with respect to both culture and landscape, but all are uniquely Icelandic. These 8 regions include: Capital Region, Southern Peninsula, West, Westfjords, Northwest, Northeast, East and South.
Iceland's West Region
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 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 is one of the most popular areas of West Iceland, and offers an intriguing road trip where the peninsula can be circled with various stops along the way.
West Iceland's beautiful, breathtaking Waterfalls in various sizes and shapes.
Fossá, Barnafoss, Hraunfossar, lava waterfalls in Borgarfjord, Bjarnafoss, Troll Waterfalls, Glanni, Glymur Iceland’s tallest waterfall, Þórufoss Waterfall in Kjós, and Kirkjufellsfoss in Snaefellsnes
Hot Natural Pools
Deildartunguhver hot spring, Gudrunarlaug, geothermal pool, in Dalir, Husafell Canyon Baths, Hvammsvík Hot Springs, Guðlaug Baths
Other Places of Interest
Geirshólmi in Hvalfjorð, Skallagrimsgardur, public park in Borgarnes, Vidgelmir Cave in Borgarfjord, Hvanneyri in Borgarfjordur (Agricultural University of Iceland), Grabrok Crater in Borgarfjord, Akranesviti, Light house in Akranes, and Skessuhorn, mountain in Borgarfjord
Learn more about Iceland's West Region at Visit Iceland / West Iceland
Learn more about Iceland's West Region at Visit West Iceland
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes peninsula offers beautiful nature and for a small piece of land contains bountiful attractions. 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's Journey to the center of the Earth and Christianity under the Glacier by the Icelandic Nobel prize novelist Halldór Laxness.
It holds both a volcano and a glacier, lava fields, craters, waterfalls, black and white beaches, caves, picturesque mountains, calm fishing hamlets, villages and towns as well as gorgeous views along the coastline with rugged rocks and frozen trolls jutting out from the Atlantic waves.
SnæfellsnesFishing Villages
Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík, Ólafsvík, Hellissandur, Búðir, Hellnar, and Arnarstapi
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull is one of three National Parks in Iceland, it was established in 2001, and it covers about 170 km2 of the westmost tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The park is named after the beautifully shaped and infamous stratovolcano and glacier Snæfellsjökull, the crown of the national park.
The park's main attraction is Snæfellsjökull itself. This 1446 metre (4744 feet) tall glacier is situated on top of a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano. The glacier is reducing in size, and is currently around 12km2 but was around 15km2 around the year 1900. In the summer of 2012, the summit was ice-free for the first time in recorded history.
Top Places to see on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
- Dritvik Djúpalónssandur Beach
- Skarðsvík Beach
- Öndverðarnes lighthouse
- Svörtuloft Lighthouse
- Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
- Saxholar Crater
- Malarrif Lighthouse
- Lóndrangar Rock Formation
- Snæfellsjökull Glacier
- Búðakirkja (Black Church)
- Bjarnafoss Watefall
- Svöðufoss Waterfall
- Stykkishólmur
- Súgandisey Island Lighthouse
- Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint
- Vatnshellir Cave
- Berserkjahraun Mountain and Lava Field
- Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs
- Ingjaldshólskirkja Church
Learn more about Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula at Guide to Iceland Snaefellsnes Ultimate Guide
Learn more about Iceland's Snæfellsjökull National Park at Visit Iceland Snæfellsjökull
