The west of Iceland begins just outside Greater Reykjavík’s northern city limits. From undulating fjords and stretches of idyllic farmland to the rolling fields of Borgarfjörður, to the geothermally active Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Langjökull glacier, and the sprawling Kalmanstunga lava field, it’s an area that contains all the diversity of Iceland. Each region is rich with small towns, tucked-away pools, remote glaciers and historic sites. It’s a wonderful part of Iceland, and we’ve distilled some of the must-see places for you here.
Must See-SpotSnæfellsjökull Snæfellsnes National Park
If it’s a clear day in Reykjavík, you can spot the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier sparkling from your balcony. If it’s not a clear day, well, drive three hours and see it up close and in person. The setting of Jules Verne’s ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, the glacier is a magnificent sight. “The hike up to Snæfellsjökull is beautiful and a good way to see the glacier,” one panel member notes. “It’s not for beginners though. It’s difficult but worth it,” another chimes in. If hiking isn’t your thing, snowmobiling is another popular option. |
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Runner-Up:DjúpalónssandurSnæfellsnes National Park
This black pebble beach, which is supposedly haunted and houses an elf church, was the site of a shipwreck that took the lives of fourteen British sailors in 1948. You can still find rusted metal fragments from the accident scattered all over the beach. “It’s very unique and the soundscape is amazing. The drive is also stunning, through a lava field,” one panel member states. “You might find some troll rock formations.” |
Runner-Up:Háafell Goat CentreReykholt
Icelandic goats, after having been isolated here for 1100 years, are actually the purest breed you can find in Europe. They are also incredibly sweet. Don’t believe us? Check out the Háafell Goat Centre, where you can get up close and personal with the cuddly furry creatures. “You must go in the summer when the goats are all small and cute,” one panel member says with a grin. |
More Best Of Iceland Awards
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city, here.
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