At Hraunfossar, lava and water come together in a remarkable way. Clear, cold underground springs emerge through the lava and flow into the Hvítá River as small waterfalls and rapids. Hraunfossar has been protected since 1987. The springs’ underground origin and their visible course into the river make this a tangible encounter with the volcanic landscape.

Between volcanic landscape and sea

Snæfellsjökull National Park lies on the edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland and stretches from the mountain summit down to the sea. The park’s two visitor centers are open year-round.

Kirkjufell offers a different perspective. It rises 463 meters above sea level near the town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Kirkjufellsfoss lies at the foot of the mountain and is a popular foreground for iconic photographs. Here, the mountain and waterfall are more than two separate sights: the waterfall’s location at the foot of Kirkjufell makes it a striking foreground.

Discover history and culture

The region’s cultural history offers several distinct ways to explore it. 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 lectures. At Eiríksstaðir, visitors can try out authentic Viking tools; events featuring stories about 10th-century Iceland are also offered. Literary history, guided interpretation and hands-on activities are different ways to explore the past.

Víðgelmir is one of the largest lava caves in the world. Bones and jewelry dating from the Viking Age were found in the cave in 1993. The discovery gives a visit to a lava cave a tangible historical connection. Please note: the cave may only be entered with a knowledgeable guide.

Routes, hiking and wildlife watching

The Silver Circle is a scenic route through Borgarfjörður that links waterfalls, hot springs, lava caves, rural landscapes and the world of sagas. It brings together several of these landscape and storytelling highlights in a single route. Unlike a visit to one cave or waterfall, the route’s character comes from the combination of these different features.

Glymur is Iceland’s highest waterfall, located in Botnsdalur Valley by Hvalfjörður. The hike to the waterfall takes about four hours round trip; along the way, the trail passes a rock arch and crosses a river. When planning your time, allow for the full round-trip hike, not just the time spent at the waterfall.

Ytri Tunga beach offers easy access to a seal colony, and seals can be seen there year-round. As they are wild animals, sightings naturally vary. In West Iceland, wildlife watching and the view of a distinct landscape feature such as Glymur offer different kinds of nature experiences.

West Iceland is also a natural starting point for travelers continuing along the Westfjords Way. The region can therefore be part of a trip that goes on toward the Westfjords.

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

For the main travel overview: Iceland.