EXPLORING WEST ICELAND FROM REYKJANES TO THE WESTFJORDS

Iceéland’s western region is renowned for its distinctive blend of stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance. It's home to Europe's most powerful hot spring, and one of Europe's largest bird cliffs. West Iceland is also associated with sagas and folklore, providing an insight into Iceland's early settlement period and Viking history

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, located on the western coast, is the largest city in the West Iceland region and in the country as a whole.

While beauty is subjective and every region of Iceland offers its own unique attractions, many travellers find the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature,' particularly stunning due to its diverse and concentrated natural features.

• Hornstrandir, a virtually uninhabited wilderness in the Westfjords, is a nature reserve, motorised vehicles and even horses are banned. You can only reach it by boat and travel on foot.
• The distance from Hornstrandir to Greenland is just under 300 kilometres (186.4 miles).
• Although The Golden Circle, a popular tourist route, is located geographically in West Iceland, it officially belongs to the southern region of the country.
• According to certain spiritual beliefs, Snaefellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, is considered the heart chakra of the world, said to possess powerful energy and spiritual significance.
• West Iceland is home to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in all of Europe. Its water reaches an impressive 97°C at its emerging point and is utilised for heating the surrounding towns. You can bathe in a mixture of Deildartunguhver hot spring water and the water of the former OK glacier at Krauma Wellness Spa.
  
  

It is about 500 kilometres (310 miles) between the eastern and western extremes of Iceland. The westernmost point is Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, while the eastern tip is at Gerpir.

West Iceland, or Western Region, is one of the eight regions of Iceland. It is the area of the west coast between the capital city of Reykjavík and the Westfjords to the north. There’s lots to see and do here. In fact, you might spend quite a lot of your trip in the area.

Most famous of West Iceland’s attractions is the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It’s often known as “Iceland in miniature” thanks to its impressive array of different sights, including the Snæfellsjökull glacier, black-sand beaches, and lava fields. This is also home to Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

While you’re here, don’t miss Langjökull, “long glacier”, with its famous ice caves.

Yes, the sun does set in the west of Iceland. However, during the summer months, from late April to early August, Iceland experiences extended daylight due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. For most of the region, there's never complete darkness during this period, but the sun does briefly dip below the horizon. In the northernmost parts of western Iceland, you can experience the true midnight sun, where the sun does not set below the horizon at all.

The coasts of Iceland are famous for their puffins. Probably the best known area to see these birds is Látrabjarg, in the Westfjords. But the region of West Iceland also has its puffin destinations too.

For example, north of Stykkishólmur, the largest town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, you’ll find Breiðafjörður bay, with its gorgeous archipelago of islands. During the summer, they’re covered in puffins—and can be toured on a boat trip.

While they may be less famous, there are many other places to see puffins on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Head to the cliffs in the summer months to see them.

There are many things to do in west Iceland:

• Visit the Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of Iceland’s three national parks and home to the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
• Photograph Kirkjufell, or climb to its slender summit. The views from the top are immense.
• Venture beneath the Langjökull glacier, in an ice tunnel.
• Marvel at Hraunfossar, the “lava falls”, a waterfall that cascades over the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
• Explore the coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula, with its fishing villages, sea cliffs, and historic beaches.

Western Iceland is a region to visit in any season. In summer, you can enjoy milder weather and longer days, while in winter the landscape will likely be covered in snow. At all times of year, you’ll find it a gorgeous place.

Of course, the best time to visit will depend on what you want to get up to. If you want to see puffins, for example, you’ll need to come in the summer. The same goes for whales.

If there’s just one thing you see in West Iceland, it should be the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It’s a relatively small area, but it’s crammed full of breathtaking sights.

For example, make sure you see Kirkjufell, known as Iceland’s most photographed mountain. It’s popular with photographers for good reason, with its slender ridge, nearby waterfall, and coastal location.

Check out the cliffs around Arnarstapi too. They offer some of the top sea views in Iceland.

The first thing to consider when deciding what to dress for your west Iceland tour is the weather. This will largely depend on the season in which you visit—but the weather can change dramatically even within seasons.

In winter, you’ll want to stay warm and dry. Sturdy shoes, a winter jacket, and lots of warm layers are a good idea. In summer, a waterproof jacket is still wise, but you may just keep it in your bag.

Western Iceland boasts some of the most captivating sights and attractions in the whole country. This is the region where you can see:

• Snæfellsjökull glacier, above the stratovolcano of the same name
• Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain
• Arnarstapi, the cute fishing village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Bjarnarfoss, a thundering waterfall
• Gerðuberg Cliffs, formed of strange geometric shapes
• Langjökull glacier, with its underground tunnel.

West Iceland, also known as Western Region or Vesturland, is one of the westernmost regions in Iceland. It sits in the centre of the west coast, with the Reykjavík area directly to its south and Westfjords to the north.

It comprises the area between the Hvalfjörður and the Gilsfjörður, including the whole of Snæfellsnes peninsula.

There are many guest houses across the Western Iceland region. You’ll find concentrations in villages such as Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Borgarnes.

That said, Western Iceland is very close to the city of Reykjavík, and you may find it just as convenient to stay there. That’s especially true if you’re taking a tour of West Iceland. Many of the tours leave from the city.