Top 12 Must‑See Attractions in West Iceland: Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Hidden Gems

West Iceland is often referred to as a microcosm of Iceland as a whole, the country in miniature, but there’s nothing small about this region. While self-drive itineraries maximise flexibility, chances are you’ll wind up at pretty much the same places as an organised tour, as these feature the area’s standout highlights. Opting for one of our excursions means that you can relax as the scenery passes beyond the window, listen to some music, chat to friends and generally enjoy yourself at and between stops. Our guides will also provide insightful commentary which will enable you to appreciate the processes that shaped the landscape and the contributions made by those who lived and live in it. Both have their merits, so whether you travel with us or go it alone is down to personal preference.

West Iceland tours operate year-round and it’s possible to knock out the Silver Circle sightseeing route and the equally scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a couple of days. As with anywhere in Iceland, however, the longer you spend in this region the more you’ll appreciate its hidden gems and overlooked corners. In that respect, returning for a follow-up visit is something we’d definitely recommend. If you’re fit and up for a challenge, you might also consider summiting Snæfellsjökull, a tricky ascent that shouldn’t be attempted without a knowledgeable local guide to lead you safely up and back down. The view from the top is simply extraordinary.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Streams of water cascade over the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvítá River, forming a broad and photogenic waterfall. It’s especially lovely in early autumn when the surrounding vegetation turns to shades of gold and burnt orange, contrasting beautifully with the vivid blue glacial water below. During our Silver Circle tour, there’s also time to walk alongside the river to reach Barnafoss. Another unmissable West Iceland waterfall, it foams and churns as the river hits the rocks below. It takes its unusual name from a legend that small children lost their lives here while attempting to cross the old stone bridge that once crossed it.

Deildartunguhver hot spring and Krauma geothermal baths

The largest hot spring in Europe is reason enough to stop at this part of West Iceland, but the fact that the water is harnessed to feed Krauma geothermal baths makes it doubly enticing. A mind-blowing 180 litres of water pour from Deildartunguhver hot spring every second. The temperature is around 97 to 100°C when it emerges, and it’s used to heat homes in places such as Borgarnes and Akranes. At Krauma, it’s mixed with cold glacial water from Rauðsgil and channelled into five different pools, whose temperatures range from 37 to 42°C. There’s also a refreshing cold plunge pool at the complex.

Langjökull glacier

The name of Iceland’s second largest glacier translates to "Long Glacier". Its ease of access from Reykjavik and the Golden Circle makes it a popular destination for adventurous travellers keen to enjoy some adrenaline-fuelled activities on and under the ice. We offer super jeep and snowmobiling activities on the glacier, from which the views are breathtaking. It’s also possible to venture inside an artificial ice cave year round, an ambitious feat of engineering that proves that the stereotype that Icelanders think big is absolutely true.

Víðgelmir

Víðgelmir is Iceland’s longest and widest lava cave and one that’s fun to explore. The lava tube runs beneath Hallmundarhraun and has existed for more than a thousand years. Well-lit, a series of boardwalks leads through this subterranean marvel. Crane your neck to see the roof which at its tallest stands almost 16 metres above – no need to stoop here – and wonder at the volume of magma that spread 16.5 metres across at one point. Your guide will also point out the array of lava stalactites and stalagmites which have survived for centuries. In all, Víðgelmir is a jaw-dropping sight and one that you’ll be glad you visited.

Ytri Tunga

Ytri Tunga is one of the best places to visit in West Iceland if you’re keen on wildlife as this beach is a common hangout for seals. Unusually, the beach here has a golden hue rather than the more common black volcanic sand. Both harbour and grey seals haul out onto the rocks and bask contentedly as visitors come and go, which goes some way to explaining why this part of the country is family-friendly. The best time to catch the seals is at low tide during the summer months. Although, as with any potential wildlife encounter, sightings are never guaranteed. Nevertheless, if you’ve signed up for our Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula small group tour, it’s wise to scan the scene for these entertaining creatures, just in case.

Arnarstapi

West Iceland sightseeing wouldn’t be complete without including Arnarstapi. Here, the coastline has been sculpted by wave action and the results are impressive. There’s a massive, gnarly wave-cut arch. It’s called Gatklettur and it is formed of basalt. Visitors often spot Arctic terns here; if you have the time to hike to Hellnar you’ll likely see other birds such as kittiwakes as well. Arnarstapi is also of historic and cultural significance. It features in Bardar’s Saga, and this half human, half ogre creature is said to linger as a guardian spirit. Arnarstapi has a long history as a trading post; during the Danish era it flourished, as evidenced by buildings such as the Danish Prefect’s Residence.

Djúpalónssandur

Visitors to Iceland have a habit of nicknaming beaches in English – if you’ve been researching where to go in South Iceland you’ll have heard Diamond Beach far more than Fellsfjara for instance. This one, in Snæfellsnes, is referred to as the Black Lava Pearl Beach because of the way its stones have been worn smooth by wave action and is one of the most attractive parts of the peninsula’s coastline. Two tidal lagoons are found here, though interestingly they contain fresh water as well as salt water. There’s a notable rock formation called Söngklettur, which some claim to be an elf church, and another – Kerling – said to be a petrified troll. But the most fascinating geology-related story associated with this beach is that of the four lifting stones you’ll find here, designed in the past to ensure that anyone who went to sea was physically capable of the work involved.

Hólahólar

Another of our favourite things to do in West Iceland is a visit to Hólahólar, a group of craters that’s a stop on our Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula small group tour. One of them is open to one side, creating a natural amphitheatre; a bench is positioned carefully to offer a super view of Snæfellsjökull. Take a walk that passes an old farmhouse – now deserted – as you snap away and take some great photos. You see, while Hólahólar isn’t as famous as some places on the peninsula, it is said to be the home of a community of elves, so keep your eyes peeled for signs of their parallel world just in case.

Kirkjufell

If you plan some West Iceland sightseeing, then this place should be top of your list. Kirkjufell’s name translates as Church Mountain thanks to its imposing shape. But the high ground isn’t the only attraction: there’s a perfectly-sited waterfall right in front of it that you can admire too. This is one of the most photographed spots in the country, and you’ll immediately see why. By day, Kirkjufell is a highlight on our Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula small group tour. In season, from autumn to spring, it’s also a favourite for Northern Lights hunters in West Iceland as the mountain’s silhouette creates the perfect focal point in images of the aurora.

Stykkishólmur

This charming town on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has bags of character. It’s a popular overnight stop for those looping this scenic part of the west over more than a single day, and also for those who are departing or arriving by ferry that links this place to the Westfjords. Many of the buildings in the downtown area are historic, including the black timbered Norwegian House, built in 1832 using wood imported from Norway. It once housed the Eider Center; though that’s now moved premises it’s still worth calling in to learn more about how the process works. Art lovers, meanwhile, should call in at the unusual Library of Water. Stykkishólmur isn’t the only quaint port on this coast; our tours call in at delightful Ólafsvík where you’ll see colourful fishing boats bobbing in its sheltered harbour.

The Settlement Center at Borgarnes

The Settlement Center is housed in a historic building that was once a warehouse for the neighbouring store. Today, the two properties remain tied together as the former shop is now the centre’s restaurant. The place offers an interesting insight into Icelandic culture, with a permanent exhibition that recounts Egils Saga. It focuses on Egill Skalla-Grimsson, whose father was one of Iceland’s first settlers, using multimedia and theatre to update it and make it accessible for a modern audience. You’ll also learn about those pioneering adventurers and how they created a nation in an isolated spot in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hot springs in West Iceland probably don’t get much better than this. Hvammsvik Hot Springs perches at the head of Hvalfjörður. This serene spot would be worth the lengthy detour from the ring road in its own right but coupled with these stylish geothermal baths you’d be a fool to pass up the chance of a soak. Surrounded by mountains and water, the eight hot pools litter a black sand beach, giving you plenty to look at as you relax in the warm water. We offer Hvammsvik Hot Springs as an option from Reykjavik with transfers included, so it’s straightforward to incorporate this into your capital region itinerary too.

These are just some of the region’s must-see sights. You could also admire the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs which like the Landbrotalaug hot pools are located to the south east of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You might venture further inland to Glanni waterfall, or the nearby Grábrók crater. As you can see, this varied and interesting clutch of West Iceland attractions are a tempting prospect, so why not check out our tours to this fascinating part of the country?