The West & Fjords

On the West of the island the dramatic landscape continues with two main areas. These include both the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which sits on the Western tip and is dominated by the dormant Snæfellsjökull Volcano and the West Fjords. The Snaefellsnes Peninsulais unusual and unique and it offers such a diverse range of landscapes and areas that we often recommend spending a few days here on your luxury tour. It is therefore no surprise that it is often referred to as a mini and compact version of the island, ideally showcasing all the different elements in one place. Collectively it combines a volcano, a glacier, craters, waterfalls, black and white beaches, small fishing villages and towns and outstanding views from rugged rocks and dramatic coastlines. The town of Husafel which is home to the vast and dramatic lava fields of Hallmundarhraun is included in the area and makes for the ideal destination to begin adventure tours to Langjokull which is the second largest ice cap in Iceland and uniquely offers the opportunity to be explored not only from above but also from inside.

Read More

The Westfjords are possibly one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Iceland. The area is 8600 square kilometres and is connected to Iceland by a narrow 7 km wide Isthmus. On the edge of the Arctic Circle everything here is to the extreme but it offers a unique opportunity to witness mother nature at its most dramatic – something we strongly recommend doing as some point during your holiday to Iceland. The Dynjandi Waterfall is commonly referred to as the jewel of the Westfjords and not only one of the most spectacular in the country but also the largest in the Westfjords.

Latrabjarg is one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe and sits of the far western point of the fjords. They are 14 kilometres long and in parts as high as 440 meters. Puffins are in a particular abundance here and as the cliffs are safe from foxes and other predators they are largely friendly and fairly tame should they venture close to you onto the higher grassy parts of the cliffs.

There are various small towns across the Fjords. The largest of which is Isafjordur which has about 2500 inhabitants and includes an ancient church and trading post which dates back to the 16th century. The town itself wasn’t formed until mid 19th century and the community remains reliant on the fishing business – here you have rugged wilderness, culture and history and wildlife – a must see on any Icelandic tour.

Show Less