Top Things to do in West Region
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What to do and see in West Region, Iceland: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in West Region, Iceland including Glymur, Hraunfossar, Dritvik and Djupalonssandur, Kirkjufell Mountain, Cave Vatnshellir, Kirkjufellsfoss, Budir Church, The Settlement Center, Grabrok Crater, Londrangar.
Restaurants in West Region
1. Glymur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Leah G - Columbus, Ohio
This hike is not for the faint of heart. When in Iceland, I was using the blog/website "Guide to Iceland" as a reference for all of our hikes, and I quickly realized that she and I did not share the same opinion of what was an easy or difficult hike. This hike was definitely difficult. Obviously it is all uphill (I'm in no way complaining about that!), but aside from that, it is a scary/dangerous uphill trail. The "path's" are extremely narrow, right off the side of a cliff, and a lot of times you are using ropes on pegs that are staked into the mountainside to help yourself climb up slippery wet rocks. I am thankful for whoever put these there as it would be nearly impossible to do the hike without these. I also recommend water shoes or extremely waterproof boots for the many river crossings you will make. TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT ENOUGH! It is also worth noting that there are no restrooms near by. I think the round trip hike took us just under 3 hours.
2. Hraunfossar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 460 reviews
Reviewed By TravelcrazyAntwerp - Schoten, Belgium
Though not the most exceptionally spectacular of all Iceland, these Waterfalls merit a visit because they seep from under the lavafields into the river Hvita.
You can walk on to the Barnafoss falls close by. There are a few explanatory signs about the falls and the legends that surround them.
3. Dritvik and Djupalonssandur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Raymond S - Dublin, Ohio
We visited Djupalonssandur early in the morning and had the entire beach to ourselves, an unusual experience for us with all of the tourists that are usually around. Besides enjoying the black, pebbly beach, it was interesting to be able to still see the remains of the Epine scattered on the beach.
4. Kirkjufell Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
The mountain is near Grundarfjordur, a teensy-weensy town in west Iceland. With a summit 1,500 feet above sea level, Mount Kirkjufell the biggest landmark in the village of about 900 residents. Kirkjufell stands on snaefellsnes peninsula of its own, a stunning backdrop for the multicolored Icelandic sky.
Reviewed By TravelcrazyAntwerp - Schoten, Belgium
Kirkjufell mountain and nearby Kirjufell waterfall are one of the most photographed sights in Iceland.
Coming from Grundarsfjördur Kirkjufell mountain is on the righthand side of the Snaefellsnesvegur or road nr 54, and the Kirkjufellfoss waterfall is on the lefthand side of the same road.
There are parking lots but they fill up quickly, and when we visited the sights, several cars were parked on the main road.
The mountain can be photographed from different angles, but the most popular is the one with the waterfall in front.
You have to be patient to get that one, as many groups try to get the same shot; and the weather isn't always cooperating.
Just wait a moment though, and your patience will be rewarded.
There are warning signs for the (mostly Asian) visitors not to come too close to the rim of the falls, as there have been cases of people falling in; and there is no fast rescue team in Iceland to help if that's the case.
5. Cave Vatnshellir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 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 RaceRider - Regina, Canada
We were treated to an amazing guide who led us into the caves. Gummy was very knowledgeable, both in the cave and in the Icelandic mythology of trolls. He really knew his stuff and made our little tour very enjoyable. The cave is incredible to see and feel, and it helped us in further exploring.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By mjmr - buckinghamshire
We went during the winter months and there was ice formations and snow which looked beautiful. A small waterfall which looks very pretty and there you can get some lovely photographs. I'm sure year round you can get some great photos from here.
7. Budir Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By niksk001 - Philadelphia, PA
This small church is an excellent illustration of the tough Icelandic nature. The church, by itself does not look good, but in the context is amazing. We walked around several times both in Dec'16 and Aug'17, and were impressed every time. Weather permitting, consider to go around and close to the ocean (if it is still OK). The church is not fancy nor it has amassing frescoes, but it has a true amazing Iceland spirit (at least the way I unrstood it). It is a hike from Reykjavik, but it is worth it.
8. The Settlement Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
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. It also houses a cozy licensed restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop. The Center consists of three buildings, the warehouse, the merchant house and the reception hall. 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. There are two entertaining and educational Exhibitions at the Settlement Center. While one tells the story of the first settlers, the other reveals the story of Iceland’s most important saga – Egils Saga. Egill Skalla-Grimson was a famous Viking and poet, and his saga is closely linked to the settlement period, as his father was one of the first settlers.
Reviewed By JHChicago2014 - Chicago, Illinois
The Settlement Center is well worth the stop if in the area to hear about the Viking sagas, the settlement of Iceland, and the development of medieval Iceland. The little gift shop is full of interesting books and material for any bibliophile. The tour itself...MoreThank you so much for this very generous review. And thank you for pointing out that we are just few minutes off the ring road. Best regards and happy new year. Sigridur Margret
9. Grabrok Crater
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Cherie P - Pahrump, Nevada, United States
This is an extinct volcano off the Ring Road. There are steps that would aid in the climbing of the volcano. We went in the winter/January so we needed crampons to climb the steep, snowy, and in places icy hill. The steep climb is well worthwhile with the views at the top. You can walk comp,Evelyn around the crater as well as see other craters nearby.
10. Londrangar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By LibbyH1 - Cincinnati, Ohio
Our driver stopped at one end to let us get out and walk the pathway so we could take a break and experience the beauty of the landscape. The path is a little rough and wet in spots so make certain you have supportive shoes. The wind can really blow as you are along the coast so dress appropriately. The views are stunning. We are so glad we were able to take this hike. It is less than an hour if you are in decent shape. It is mostly flat, but a little tricky as there are stones along the pathway. Just mind your step as you go.
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