Top Things to do in West Region
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in West Region, Iceland
Discover the best top things to do in West Region, Iceland including The Freezer Theatre, The Settlement Center, Stykkisholmur Swimming Pool, Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, Akranes Folk Museum, Eiriksstadir, Borgarnes Museum, Cave Vatnshellir, Blomasetrid, War and Peace Museum.
Restaurants in West Region
1. The Freezer Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Freezer is an independent theatre that produces one or two new Icelandic theatre shows each year. These shows are always inspired by stories and sagas from the local area as it is the theatre's goal to rejuvenate these sometimes forgotten tales and make them come alive for a younger audience in an exciting and newfound way. For further details and booking tickets please visit our website. We look forward to seeing you in The Freezer, Kari Vidarsson, Manager and artistic director of The Freezer.
2. The Settlement Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
The Settlement Center is closed until May 13th. Looking forward to seeing you. Settlement- & Egils Saga exhibition offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Center provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past. The exhibitions recreate the fascinating drama of the sagas and the birth of this island nation. They also bring to life one of Iceland’s most important cultural treasures, Egils Saga. The exhibitions at the Settlement Center tell the story of the first settlers and the story of Iceland’s most important saga – Egils Saga. Egill Skalla-Grimson was a famous Viking and poet and his father and was one of the first settlers and his family settled at Borg near Borgarnes. The goal is to make the ancient sagas accessible to all ages.
Reviewed By paulaD1696NV - Toronto, Canada
Getting ready to go to Iceland, we had listened to some of the Sagas. The Settlement Centre had two different audio guided tours, one about the history of the settlement of Iceland and the other a guide through Egil’s Saga, one of the most famous (and longest) of the Sagas. Both were perfect! The information was accessible and the audio guide left you in perfect control of pacing. The staff was helpful and pleasant. Anyone with time in Borgarnes should visit the Settlement Centre. Also, the only gift shop where I actually bought anything in either Iceland or Norway this trip! (See separate but just as glowing a review of the attached restaurant!)
3. Stykkisholmur Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
4. Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum holds a history of generations of shark fishing and processing. The visit includes shark tasting and a live presentation of this history and interesting facts about the Greenland shark. After the museum, be sure to visit the drying house where the shark has to hang to dry.
Reviewed By PinayNicky - Chicago, United States
My finance and I stopped here at the beginning of our Iceland trip in February 2019 (yes, this is LONG overdue). The museum is well off the main road and we were so glad we pushed through the heavy snowfall to visit. For only $12 each, we had the privilege of touring the family-run museum which was filled with a wonderful collection of boats, fishing equipment, fossils and bones, taxidermy animals, rocks and crystals, maps and charts, and other interesting antiques reflective of the family's unique history. The woman who greeted us was kind and attentive. She played a video that explained the processing of the Greenland shark into hákarl (fermented shark), which is an Icelandic delicacy. It's worth a taste with the rye bread to at least say you did it. We really took our time to appreciate the interesting collection. After we finished exploring, we asked a few questions and, as a collector, I expressed my excitement in seeing the crystals and fossils in their collection. She told us to wait a moment...and she quickly returned with a palm sized rock with striations and subtle crystal flecks. She explained that it was a piece from the mountain behind the museum. I was overjoyed by her kindness and excited to add it to my collection! It was a truly memorable, authentic Icelandic experience that we highly recommend for all ages.
5. Akranes Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Akranes Folk Museum offers a unique insight into past times in Akranes and surrounding area. The museum’s exhibition is in several houses, some of which were moved from other parts of town. The permanent exhibition reflects living conditions and life at sea, in rural areas, at work and in play. In the museum there is also a micro-cinema and a space for temporary exhibitions. A visit to Akranes Folk Museum offers something for all senses. The museum is open from May 15- September 15 from 10:00-17:00. Groups can book visits during other times.
6. Eiriksstadir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
In Eiríksstadir you can travel a thousand years back in history, hear a story by the long fire and see how people lived in the times of Eric the Red.
Reviewed By 152sigridurs - Reykjavik, Iceland
We vere so very lucky to be able to visit this historical place recently. We got a private tour since they have not officially opened for this summer because of Covid-19. I am icelandic but still had not been here before. This place being the home of the icelandic Vikings, Eiríkur rauði and Leifur Eiríksson is a living museum. The longhouse restored to show us how the Vikings lived. I found it interesting that the beds were small but apparently people slept in a sitting position during these times. Our guide dressed in linien clothes and wool was very knowledgeable both regarding the history and how the Vikings lived. I totally recommend that you visit Eiríksstaðir, their location is just a short distance from Búðardalur and well marked from the main road.
7. Borgarnes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By FriederikeR32
I went to see the museum at 17:00 one day, not having in mind, that the exhibition was only open until 16:00, but an incredible friendly young male employee of the library let me in. So I had the exhibition all for myself. And if I would have had any questions, I was welcome to come up and ask him. The two exhibitions "Children Throughout a Century" and "Oh to be a bird" are layed out with so much love and care. The stuffed Icelandic birds are extremely well made and showcased in a mirror cabinet. I think I went 3 times around them. The photo exhibition surprises with small and big doors behind several of the photos, showcasing items throughout the 20th century. A booklet leads you through the exhibition and tells more about the Icelandic past. Both exhibitions are connected with a charming reproduction of an Icelandic cabin interior back in the days. Upstairs, next to the library is also a little gallery space, that shows pieces of local artists, that is worth to be seen. I am highly recommending a visit. And don't forget to bring some time!
8. Cave Vatnshellir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Follow the path of the lava flow, about 200 meters into the cave and 35 meters below the surface to see amazing colors and lava formations. The 8000 years old cave is located in Snaefellsjokull National Park, about 10 minute drive from Hellnar.
Reviewed By Ramona_P-B - Bulle, Switzerland
We went there spontaneously and it was just amazing. Walking through the caves with torches and being in total darkness for a short moment (just listening to the sound of the cave) was a great experience. Our guide was funny and very friendly and we would definitely recommend the visit.
9. Blomasetrid
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
In the old town of Borgarnes is a hidden gem. In the house of Skulagata 13 you will find a guesthouse that is located inside of the home of the family that runs the place. You will also find the beautiful and cosy cafe/bar Cafe Kyrrd which offers quality coffee, delicious cakes, light meals and Wi-Fi. In all the house warmth and serenity are key features.
10. War and Peace Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
War and Peace Museum are open from May 15 to Sep 15. Hvalfjördur has an important occupational history that tells the story from 1940 to 1945. At the War and Peace Museum you will find an exciting exhibition of items connected to the war and the history and culture of Hvalfjördur during that time.
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