Top Things to do in West Region
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Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in West Region, Iceland
Discover the best top things to do in West Region, Iceland including Orca Sculpture, Eiriksstadir, Londrangar Basalt Cliffs, Akranes Lighthouse, Gatklettur, Rauofeldsgja, Port Arnarstapi, Akranesviti, Saxholl Crater, Ingjaldscholskirkja.
Restaurants in West Region
1. Orca Sculpture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
In 2016, a life-sized model of an orca was erected in the center of Grundarfjörður in Paimpol Park. This piece of art by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson is modeled after a special male orca named “Thunderstorm” that often visits the Snæfellsnes peninsula with his family. Snæfellsnes is the only area in Iceland where orcas are seen regularly and this sculpture shall raise awareness of these fascinating animals.
2. 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.
3. Londrangar Basalt Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Allkuans - Singapore, Singapore
Most people would recommend this hike in one direction or the other. The most useful advice I found was parking at Malarrif and then do a return hike, ie, Malarrif-Londragar-Malarrif. However, I modified this slightly and this is my suggestion (if you are driving from Arnapstapi): 1. Park at Londrangar, walk to the viewing platform to see the basalt cliffs. 2. Drive a short distance further on to Malarrif, visit the excellent Tourist Information Centre. The toilet is open 24 hours. 3. Walk towards Londrangar as far as you wish to view the basalt cliffs, depending on your time availability. 4. Do a walk along the Malarrif beach as well. We
4. Akranes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Ethelred_3
We were very lucky to be the first visitors of the day (Saturday morning, despite tripadvisor said it was closed..) We had a private tour by the friendly guardian, who came to open the gate and went on accompanying us up to the top describing the “musical” features of the lighthouse, its history and the sights. The unique construction of the lighthouse makes it perfect to propagate sounds and it’s used for in promptu concerts . Worth a try of your vocal cords!
5. Gatklettur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By LaurenM557 - Torrance, United States
It is a spectacular rock formation, highlighted by a natural rock arch. Free parking with an easy access from main highway. When we were there in February, it was really windy!
6. Rauofeldsgja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By dr_j_now - Germantown, United States
As some others have mentioned, even just hiking up to the crevice entrance is more challenging than it looks. Since it's just a steady incline with no breaks it can be tiring. You'll definitely want waterproof shoes to go beyond the entrance at all since you'll be walking through a stream of water. There were a decent number of people here on the day we visited, but it wasn't terribly crowded. There were definitely many more people outside than inside.
7. Port Arnarstapi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By margretsam - Reykjavik, Iceland
A must while travelling the Snæfellsnes. Visit Bárður Snæfellsás, the troll-protector of Snæfellsnes, many viewing platforms of the steep sea cliffs with their big waves and bird life, look at Gatklettur which is a spectacular natural rock formation in the sea, take a hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar.
8. Akranesviti
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By itcheetam - Los Angeles, United States
The scenery around this lighthouse is spectacular! With the perfect weather, sunlight, clouds and well planned layout of lighthouse, there are so much photographic opportunities. We just love this place. You can pay a fee to go up to the top, but we skip that route and climb all the rocks, enjoy the surrounding scenery. This is the best presented lighthouse, with display boards telling the stories of the local life and history. Some old relics displayed outdoors, plus some painted rocks by all international travelers. Next to it is a seashell beach which is so different than other beaches. We spent a lot time checking out all the jelly fish and sea shells as they sparkled under the sun and very photographic.
9. Saxholl Crater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By john_carsley - Vancouver, Canada
Right off the highway, handily supplied with metal stairs (not at all steep), it’s a worthwhile stop, both for the crater, and the fabulous views. Wear your windbreaker and hat, it’s always windy.
