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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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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 travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring West Iceland
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in West Iceland, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around West Iceland
- Flatey West Iceland
- ³¢²¹²Ô²µÂáö°ì³Ü±ô±ô West Iceland
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula West Iceland
- ¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì 26 miles away
- Golden Circle 40 miles away
- Blue Lagoon 49 miles away
- Southwest Iceland 51 miles away
- South Iceland 74 miles away
- Westman Islands 80 miles away
- South Coast 88 miles away
- Akureyri 131 miles away
- Vatnajökull National Park 134 miles away
- Troll Peninsula 139 miles away
- North Iceland 141 miles away
- Lake Mývatn 154 miles away
- ´³Ã¶°ì³Ü±ô²õá°ù±ôó²Ô 162 miles away
- Dettifoss 176 miles away
- Eastfjords 216 miles away
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
Accommodation choices for West Iceland
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit West Iceland. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hótel Flatey
Flatey -
Hótel Egilsen
Snæfellsnes Peninsula -
Hótel Búðir
Snæfellsnes Peninsula -
Hótel Húsafell
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Ideas for experiencing West Iceland
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting West Iceland, and which use the best local guides.
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Icelandic lamb cooking class Icelandic lamb cooking class
Icelandic lamb cooking class
Get an insight into local life in rural Iceland with a visit to a traditional sheep farm outside ¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì. Here, you’ll meet three generations of the family, tour the farm, learn about life on the land and help prepare roast lamb for lunch.
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