In West Iceland you will find a rich variety of nature, history and culture. Here you can enjoy some of the country?s most popular fishing spots in the rivers and lakes that grace the West?s landscape. Come and visit the historical stage on which many of the most famous Icelandic sagas were played. The West offers you a chance to relax and enjoy yourself in beautiful, peaceful, natural surroundings ? rich in history, alive with culture. The diverse vegetation provides a colourful backdrop for the numerous hiking trails in the area. The trails vary from an easy amble over the berry-rich heaths to a vigorous climb up the many mountains. Of course, a stroll along the western coastline has never disappointed anyone. In fact, there is something to suit all tastes in the West.
Snæfellsjökull, the magnificent landmark of West Iceland and pride of Snæfellnes, beckons the incoming tourist at Keflavík airport from a distance. On a clear day the splendid Snæfellsjökull provides a focal point to the view from Reykjavík. This powerful glacier has long been a source of interest and inspiration to many, and it is no coincidence that Jules Verne chose this mysterious area as a setting for his work, ?Journey to the Centre of the Earth?.
Occupation in the West varies considerably, ranging from farming and tourism in the countryside to fishing, industry and services in the towns. The geothermal activity in Borgarfjörður has given rise to a well-developed green-house farming industry, growing products such as cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers, etc., all year round.
The West offers its visitors a natural environment that is pristine, wild and bountiful ? beautiful mountain ranges, forested valleys, crystal clear waters brimming with salmon and trout. The old lava fields provide a silent irregular terrain eerily resembling that of moonscape. Caves, huge pillars of rock, beaches and marshes all have their place in West Iceland.
Transport is good to the West. Scheduled buses operate daily and organized tours to most tourist areas are available. A ferry sails daily over Breiðarfjörður from Stykkishólmur to the West Fjords. It makes a stop at the island of Flatey on the way, giving the passengers a chance to experience some time in the peaceful historical village there. Organized boat trips to many other places of interest run regularly over the summer. It takes no more than three hours to drive anywhere within the West Iceland area. The entire West area is also within three hours? drive from Reykjavík, taking only half an hour to the nearest town of Akranes ? thanks to the new tunnel under Hvalfjörður. The Hvalfjörður route, however, is a spectacular trip with its winding road, high mountains and open view. It provides a lovely drive to or from the West and is well worth the extra time of one hour.