West Iceland: Waterfalls, Lava Caves and Cultural History

West Iceland brings together a variety of natural experiences and cultural history: water emerges through lava, Snæfellsjökull National Park stretches from the mountain summit to the sea, and places like Reykholt are reminders of Old Icelandic literature. For your trip, you can choose from landscapes, wildlife watching, history and activities such as hiking or a guided cave exploration.

Landscape and Nature

At Hraunfossar, clear, cold underground springs emerge through the lava. The water forms small waterfalls and rapids that flow into the Hvítá River. Hraunfossar has been protected since 1987.

Snæfellsjökull National Park lies at the edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. It stretches from the mountain summit to the sea and has two visitor centers that are open year-round.

On Snæfellsnes, Kirkjufell rises 463 meters above sea level near the town of Grundarfjörður. At the foot of the mountain is Kirkjufellsfoss, a popular foreground for iconic photographs.

Ytri Tunga Beach offers easy access to a seal colony; seals can be seen there year-round. As these are wild animals, specific sightings naturally vary.

Culture and Historical Traces

Reykholt is a historic site where some of the most important works of Old Icelandic literature were written. Snorrastofa offers historical exhibitions, guided tours and talks. You can explore the cultural heritage through an exhibition, a tour or a talk.

At Eiríksstaðir, visitors can try out authentic Viking tools. Storytelling events about 10th-century Iceland are also held there. Hands-on activities and oral storytelling go hand in hand here.

Víðgelmir is one of the largest lava caves in the world. Bones and jewelry from the Viking Age were found in the cave in 1993. You can encounter history in different ways here: through storytelling events about 10th-century Iceland at Eiríksstaðir and through Viking Age finds at Víðgelmir.

Hiking and Trip Planning

Glymur is Iceland’s highest waterfall and lies in the Botnsdalur valley at Hvalfjörður. The hike there takes about four hours round trip, passing a rock arch and crossing a river. Víðgelmir can only be entered with a knowledgeable guide.

The Silver Circle is a scenic route through Borgarfjörður. It connects waterfalls, hot springs, lava caves, rural landscapes and the world of the sagas. If you want to take in both natural sights and the world of the sagas along one route, this combination offers a useful starting point.

West Iceland is a natural starting point for travelers who want to continue along the Westfjords Way.

Discover more destinations: Akranes, Hvammur, Borgarnes, Hellissandur, Hvanneyri, Skorradalur, Reynivellir, Budhir, Hjarðarholt, Álftanes, Snæfellsbær, Miklholt, Brimilsvellir, Akrar, Kleppjárnsreykir, Snóksdalur, Arnarstapi, Ólafsvík, Stykkishólmur, Hellnar, Búdardalur, Grundarfjördur and Leirá.

To the main travel overview: Iceland.