Diverse & Mystical

West Iceland

West Iceland is a region of diverse natural wonders. Flatey is a peaceful island retreat known for its birdlife and historic houses. Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier, offering ice cave adventures and snowmobiling. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature,” with its volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier at its tip.

Why We Love South Iceland

West Iceland is one of those places that feels straight out of a storybook, which is exactly why we love it. From wandering beside “lava falls” and ducking into vast lava caves to following troll trails and forest paths in Húsafell, it’s a region where myth, landscape, and quiet moments of connection blend into the kind of memories you’ll retell for years.

Misty Blue Lagoon

Natural Beauty

West Iceland is where nature feels larger than life. Here, snow-dusted mountains meet glacial rivers, and moss-covered lava fields spill toward the sea. The region’s crown jewel, Snæfellsjökull National Park, is home to the legendary glacier that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Hraunfossar and Barnafoss or soaking in the steamy calm of Krauma’s geothermal baths, every landscape feels like a moment of pure Icelandic magic.

Abandoned Viking boat in foggy landscape, Iceland.

Rich History

This is the land of sagas—the setting for some of Iceland’s most enduring stories. Trace Viking footsteps through the historic town of Borgarnes, visit the Settlement Centre to uncover tales of exploration and resilience, and step into tiny fishing villages where old traditions and modern creativity thrive side by side.

West Iceland embodies the essence of Icelandic heritage: proud, poetic, and deeply rooted in the land.

Paddling on a Paddle North board in Iceland

Endless Adventure

West Iceland invites exploration at your own pace. You can wind down country roads, glacier trails, or quiet coastal paths. Kayak through glassy fjords, hike to hidden craters, or watch seals bask near Ytri Tunga Beach. It’s a place of contrasts and discovery, where every turn brings panoramic vistas and beautiful solitude.

For travelers seeking a balance of adventure and tranquility, West Iceland delivers both in unforgettable measure, offering a microcosm of Iceland’s natural wonders, captivating both nature lovers and those seeking classic “Icelandic” adventure.

person standing on cliff near body of water

Our Favorite Things To Do

  • Explore Hraunfossar “Lava Falls” and the Hvítá River: Watch icy-blue water pour out from beneath ancient lava fields into the Hvítá River.
  • Tour Víðgelmir in Borgarfjörður: Venture into Iceland’s largest lava cave, wandering past colorful rock formations and vast chambers.
  • Do the Troll Walk in Fossatún: Follow a whimsical trail dotted with troll statues and folklore stories.
  • Hike through the forests of Húsafell: Stroll shady birch woods and quiet paths surrounded by mountains and streams.

Plan Your Trip

Our Favorite Places To Stay

A rustic, wooden building with a red roof sits under a bright blue sky. Pink benches line the exterior, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere.

Hotel Snaefellsnes

Set amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hotel Snaefellsnes is a boutique countryside hotel known for its warm hospitality. All rooms have a cozy cottage feel with private entrances into spacious gardens, and offer en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee, and sweeping mountain or river views.

Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a hearty breakfast, and a restaurant popular with both travelers and locals. The hotel is a great base for exploring the region’s natural wonders, from glaciers and waterfalls to the sea.

Two rustic wooden cabins with white trim sit on a grassy hillside, backed by rugged mountains under a cloudy sky, creating a serene, remote atmosphere.

Lysuholl

Lysuholl is a family-run guesthouse and horse farm on the south side of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, renowned for its friendly, authentic Icelandic hospitality. Accommodations include cozy rooms and modern cottages, some with kitchens, featuring mountain, lake, or sea views. Guests can join local horse riding tours on the beautiful black sand beaches and lava fields nearby, take hiking trips, or relax in the geothermal algae baths.

Breakfast is highly rated, and the on-site restaurant offers home-style Icelandic dinners (check seasonal availability). Lysuholl is also well positioned for exploring Snaefellsjokull National Park and other peninsula attractions.

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