Exploring the Wonders of West Iceland: A Captivating Journey

Iceland is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, where rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking coastlines captivate the senses. Among the many regions in this Nordic island nation, West Iceland is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s stunning scenery.

We’ll embark on an in-depth exploration of West Iceland, uncovering the sights and places that make this region unique. From the iconic Kirkjufell mountain to the thundering Glymur waterfall, we’ll guide you through a journey that will leave you inspired.

1. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellfoss – The icon of (West) Iceland

Our adventure in West Iceland begins with one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country – the stunning Kirkjufell mountain. This iconic cone-shaped peak, with its perfectly symmetrical form, has become a symbol of Iceland’s natural beauty.

As we approach Kirkjufell, we’re immediately struck by the way it seems to rise up out of nowhere from the surrounding landscape. But the true magic of this place lies not just in the mountain itself, but in the breathtaking Kirkjufellfoss waterfall that cascades down its slopes in the foreground of the mountain, creating that iconic picture perfect scenery.

Don’t miss the various view points of the mountain and waterfall for taking an iconic snap of Kirkjufell. The area has good accessibility and is located very close to a well maintained parking lot by the road.

2. Exploring the Dramatic Londrangar Sea Cliffs

From the iconic Kirkjufell, we move on to another breathtaking natural wonder – the Londrangar sea cliffs. These towering basalt rock columns formation, formed by ancient volcanic activity, rise up from the crashing waves of the North Atlantic, creating a dramatic and rugged coastal landscape.

The area is also home to a thriving seabird population, with thousands them nesting in the crevices and ledges of the cliffs, creating loud noises to liven up the dramatic atmosphere. You can admire all these sceneries from a convenient view point by the cliffs.

3. Discovering the Charming Coastal Villages of Hellnar and Arnastapi

From the dramatic Londrangar, we move on to the charming coastal villages of Hellnar and Arnastapi. These two towns are connected by a scenic well-maintained hiking trail that winds along the rugged coastline. These picturesque settlements, with their stunning natural backdrops, offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in West Iceland.

One of the highlights of exploring these coastal villages is the opportunity to hike the trail that connects them. This scenic route, which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete, offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, the crashing waves, and the towering sea cliffs that line the shore. Along the way, visitors can stop to admire the natural rock formations and spot seabirds.

It goes without saying that you should dress properly before walking the trail as the Icelandic weather, especially by the coast, can be very unpredictable.

4. Deildartunguhver – keeping West Iceland warm

In West Iceland, we come across a place that showcases the country’s incredible mastery of geothermal activity – Deildartunguhver. This remarkable hot spring boasts the highest flow rate of any hot spring in Europe.

At Deildartunguhver, we’re greeted by the sight of steaming, boiling water that bubbles up from the earth’s surface. The hot spring’s water, which reaches temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 Fahrenheit), is then distributed through a network of pipes to heat the homes and buildings in the surrounding area.

5. Marveling at the Hraunfossar Waterfalls

From the geothermal wonders of Deildartunguhver, we move on to another of West Iceland’s natural highlights – the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls. The Hraunfossar, or “Lava Waterfalls,” are a series of small cascades that emerge from the base of a lava field. As a result, it forms dozens if not hundreds of small waterfalls tumbling into the blue water below.

This are really unique waterfalls, with its sheer number of individual cascades, which seem to stretch out as far as the eye can see. Do take the time to explore the various hiking trails and viewpoints that surround these natural wonders.

6. Conquering the Hike to the Majestic Glymur Waterfall

As we near the end of our journey through West Iceland, we come to our favourite spot – the Glymur waterfall. At nearly 200 meters in height, Glymur is the tallest waterfall in Iceland.

To reach Glymur, we embark on a 4 hour round-trip hike that takes us through a rugged and scenic landscape, crossing rivers, going through a cave, navigating steep inclines, and ultimately rewarding us with a stunning view of the waterfall and the surrounding valley. It may not be as thunderous or massive as other Icelandic waterfalls such as Dynjandi or Skógafoss, but it carries its own beauty and charm as the tallest waterfall in the country.

You’d need to be in a reasonably good fitness level, but the effort is more than worth it. The sight of Glymur cascading down the cliffs with a rainbow and many birds flying around left a lasting memories for us to treasure.

Exploring the Wonders of West Iceland: A Comprehensive Guide

We’ve been thoroughly impressed by the many wonders of West Iceland, from the iconic Kirkjufell mountain to the majestic Glymur waterfall. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Iceland, we hope that this guide has inspired you to explore the incredible sights and experiences that West Iceland has to offer. From the dramatic sea cliffs of Londrangar to the geothermal wonders of Deildartunguhver, this region is a true gem in the crown of Icelandic tourism, and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s stunning natural landscapes, especially given its close proximity to the capital Reykjavik. Do check out our video on West Iceland below.