CTW Explores
West Iceland
Country: Iceland Language: Icelandic Currency: Icelandic krona (kr)
Iceland is a remarkable island in the North Atlantic Ocean. The island is full of spectacular natural scenery; all you have to do is follow the Ring Road, which will take you around the entire island! Iceland is volcanically and geologically active, with a plethora of lava fields, volcanos, glaciers, and waterfalls to explore! Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway to explore nature or an action-packed hiking trip, Iceland is the perfect place to visit. In the summer months, enjoy the midnight sun, where the sun never sets. In the winter, watch the dark skies light up with the incredible Northern Lights and explore one of the many ice caves.
CTW Must See
Reykjavik
Reykjavik the capital and largest city in Iceland. It is full of charming colorful buildings, fine dining experiences, and narrow laneways to get lost in. Visitors can explore the variety of museums, go to the top of the Perlan glass dome for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and visit the striking Hallgrímskirkja; one of Iceland’s tallest structures!
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
GPS POINTS N64° 42' 10.076" W20° 58' 39.780”
The two most iconic waterfalls in the area are Hraunfossar & Barnafoss. The milky blue water against the cliff face makes for an extraordinary experience visual. The drive to the falls is an easy one, with little traffic, and the carpark is quite large. The falls can be seen from the base of the carpark, however, there are a number of pathways for further exploration, if you choose!
Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring
GPS POINTS N64° 39' 47.058" W21° 24' 40.348”
As Europe’s most powerful hot spring, this one certainly is a must see! The water temperature is roughly 100°C and shoots out about 180 liters/second. The water from the hot spring travels over 60 kilometers to Borgarnes and Akranes, two coastal towns! The geyer erupts quite frequently, so you will likely not have to wait too long! As time grows, the crowd gets anxious with anticipation; everyone seems to stand still with their cameras ready to snap a photo of the quick burst!
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a gorgeous drive. It has impressive and dramatic landscape, a seal colony, a couple traditional fishing villages, and one of Iceland's most iconic sites, Kirkjufell. For a more detailed guide to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, see our guide!
Westfjords
A drive around the Westfjords will reward you with many unexpected sandy beaches, tall, lush mountains, and some of the most beautiful vistas in the country. The Westfjords are almost completely inaccessible in the winter, but during the summer months, most roads are open for visitors! Note, however, that roads go from paved to gravel suddenly, without any warning. On the gravel roads, be careful and cautious!
Dynjandi Waterfall
GPS POINTS N65° 44' 11.214" W23° 12' 31.185”
This incredible waterfall is slightly underrated. The scene is perfect; three tiers of falls, a great rushing water sound, and incredible green grass all the way up the mountain. While it is slightly more difficult to get to than other Icelandic hotspots, the carpark is large, and there are plenty of restrooms and places to enjoy a picnic! We highly suggest a walk up to the highest part of the waterfall. You’ll find rewarding views of the waterfall and the fjord behind you. However, this is a good spot to bring your waterproof jacket, as the spray is serious!
More Icelandic Adventures...
West Iceland is one small portion of the Ring Road. Check out our other Iceland Guides to keep your adventure going!
