West Iceland and Snæfellsnes: Gateway to Iceland's Wild Side
West Iceland and Snæfellsnes: Gateway to Iceland's Wild Side
West Iceland is often called "Iceland in Miniature" because it packs glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs into a compact, driveable region. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the crown jewel, but the Borgarfjörður area deserves equal attention. For a broader look at when to plan your trip, see our best time to visit Iceland guide.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The peninsula is dominated by Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped stratovolcano that Jules Verne chose as the entrance to the centre of the Earth. On clear days, it's visible from Reykjavík across Faxaflói bay.
Key stops on the peninsula:
- Kirkjufell: Iceland's most photographed mountain. Read our Kirkjufell guide for safety and gear tips
- Arnarstapi and Hellnar: Coastal villages connected by a stunning clifftop walk
- Djúpalónssandur: Black pebble beach with remnants of a shipwreck
- Búðir: A tiny hamlet with the famous black church (Búðakirkja)
- Stykkishólmur: The peninsula's largest town, with boat tours to Breiðafjörður islands
Our detailed guide to Snæfellsnes towns covers each stop in depth.
Borgarfjörður
The inland region of Borgarfjörður is less touristed but equally rewarding:
- Hraunfossar: Waterfalls streaming through a lava field, one of Iceland's most unique waterfall experiences
- Barnafoss: A churning blue waterfall next to Hraunfossar
- Deildartunguhver: Europe's most powerful hot spring. For more geothermal bathing, see our hot springs guide
- Reykholt: Medieval cultural centre and home of Snorri Sturluson, central to Icelandic literary history
- Krauma Spa: Geothermal baths fed by Deildartunguhver
Wildlife
West Iceland is one of the best regions for whale watching, with tours departing from Ólafsvík on the peninsula. Puffin colonies nest along the Snæfellsnes cliffs during summer.
Getting There
West Iceland starts just an hour north of Reykjavík via Route 1. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula adds a loop of approximately 200 km via Route 54. The entire region is accessible year-round in a standard rental car, though winter conditions require caution.
Photography
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a photographer's paradise. Kirkjufell with its companion waterfall, the black church at Búðir, and the dramatic sea stacks at Lóndrangar are among Iceland's top photography spots.
Recommended Itinerary
- Day 1: Borgarfjörður (Hraunfossar, Krauma, Reykholt)
- Day 2: South coast of Snæfellsnes (Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Búðir)
- Day 3: North coast of Snæfellsnes (Kirkjufell, Stykkishólmur)
The Iceland Blueprint includes a complete West Iceland chapter with driving times, restaurant recommendations, and seasonal tips.