Easily accessible from Reykjavík but remaining relatively off radar, west Iceland is a microcosm of the country. Here, you’ll find sweeping open farmland flanked by mountains and fjords, saga history, huge glaciers and ice caves, and hiking, riding, birdwatching and whale watching opportunities, all without the crowds. It’s an understated region that receives fewer visitors than the south coast or Golden Circle, and in remote areas you’ll have beaches, lava fields and hiking trails all to yourself.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the star attraction, offering a taste of the whole country in a compact area, with the glacier-capped volcano, Snæfellsjökull, giving way to black-pebble beaches, waterfalls and lava fields. To the south, you can explore steep-sided Hvalfjörður, head inland to the Langjökull glacier to discover manmade caves cut from ancient ice, or simply get a taste of rural Icelandic life.
Our specialists have explored the main sights and the lesser-known ones and can help you plan your trip, whether you want to explore geological wonders, see the region’s puffins or find the best places to dine in Stykkishólmur. They’ll use their first-hand knowledge to guide you on where to go and what to do, carefully planning your trip as an individual tailor-made itinerary to match your preferences.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to West Iceland by contacting one of our Iceland specialists
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Places to visit in West Iceland
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting West Iceland, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Photos of West Iceland
Our expert guides to exploring West Iceland
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting West Iceland, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate West Iceland at its best.
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Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Iceland is shaped by fire, ice and folklore. Whether you’re a summer or winter visitor, you’ll find lots to experience here, from whale watching to hiking through ice caves and even bathing in beer. Iceland specialist Katy shares her highlights.
Read this guide