Highlights
Myths and Culture
West Iceland is also called The Sagaland, since many of the vivid sagas, folklore and curious tales that give the country much of its heritage stem from the area. Reykholt is very much a centre of Icelandic culture, having been the birthplace of the famed Medieval writer and politician, Snorri Sturluson. As the author of the Prose Edda, his work is one of the most extensive sources of Norse mythology and has inspired many modern works, too, such as Tolkien’s fantasy epic, Lord of the Rings. In Reykholt, the Museum Snorrastofa was founded in memory of Snorri Snorrastofa, while if you want to learn more about Icelandic culture and history, you can head to Akranes to see one of the first fishing villages of the country and a great museum area. Or, visit Eiríksstaðir, the former home of Norse explorer, Erik the Red, and now a living museum.
Bird-watching
The three-thousand islands, islets and skerries of Breiðafjörður comprise the second biggest fjord in Iceland, along with several geothermal sites and beautiful basalt columns. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with around fifty breeding species of diverse birdlife. It’s particularly popular for the puffins that reside in the area, with boat trips on offer to help you see the best of the area. Flatey Island is the largest in the bay with authentic Icelandic charm to absorb as you look out for the birds.
Photography
Photography fans will find plenty of material to keep their camera flashing in West Iceland. Akranes Lighthouse is, perhaps, one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the world, whether you want to shoot it in all its glory, or head up the stairs for the view of the sea from the top. Inside, there is even a photography exhibition to inspire you. The unusual shape of Kirkjufell mountain, one of the country’s iconic sights, also makes it one of the most photographed in Iceland, though you are always likely to stumble upon a photo-worthy site wherever you go.
Natural Wonders
West Iceland has more than its fair share of Iceland’s stunning natural displays. You will find Europe’s second largest glacier, Langjökull, which you can head inside the explore the spectacular hidden ice, plus Hallmundarhraun, which boasts the longest and largest caves in Iceland. West Iceland also reaches new heights with Deildartunguhver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe that shoots waters up to 100°c in temperature, which are even used for the central heating systems of nearby homes! You can also see the waterfalls of Hraunfossar which are formed by underground river, the beautiful mountain of Kirkjufell and the Snæfellsjökull glacier; many believe this active volcano is one of the Earth’s seven main energy centers and it plays a big pat in the Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth.