West Iceland

Snæfellsjökull National Park was established on June 28th, 2001.The Park's purpose is to protect and conserve the area's unique landscape, indigenous plants and animal life as well as the important historical relics. At the same time, the Park is meant to allow visitors easier access as well as an improved opportunities to get to know the area. National parks are amongst Iceland's finest assets and everyone is free to explore them.The Snæfellsjökull glacier lies within the national park, and the park is the only Icelandic national park that stretches to the sea. The geology of Snæfellsnes national park is diverse with formations from almost every era of Iceland’s past. The more prominent formations in and around the National Park mainly date from geologically “modern” times back to the last ice age. The hills to the north of the glacier, around Bárðarkista, are of volcanic palagonite tuff, formed during eruptions under the glacier or below the surface of the sea. Svalþúfa is most likely the eastern section of a crater that erupted under the sea, while Lóndrangar is a volcanic plug.

Hraunfossar - Lava Falls - is a beautiful and unusual natural phenomena. Clear, cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita River. Hraunfossar have been protected since 1987. There is a viewpoint at the car park offering an amazing view over the Lava Falls and Hvita River. Restaurant and souvenir shop open all year round.

The Snaefellsjökull glacier at Snaefellsnes peninsula is 1446m above sea level. The glacier is an active volcano, having been built up through numerous eruptions during the last 800,000 years. Many believe the glacier to be one of the seven main energy centres of the earth and its mystique is noticed by many.

Uniquely-formed remnants of ancient basalt volcanic dikes sticking out from the sea. Londrangar and the hill Svalthufa are the remains of a crater, which has been eroded to its present form by the sea. The farmers in the area never made or make hay on the hill, because it is said to belong to the elves living in the area. Younger lava fields surround this old crater ruin. The higher pillar (75m) was first climbed in 1735 and the lower (61 m) in 1938. Below the hill you may find Thufubjarg cliff where according to a folktale the poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald had an encounter with the Devil. On these cliffs, puffins and fulmars have their nests.

In Hvalfjordur you can stand in awe before Iceland's second highest waterfall, standing by the fall you'll have a good view of the surrounding landcape, which is particularly attractive, as Hvalfjordur is widely considered one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords. Iceland's tallest accessible waterfall, is located in Botnsdalur valley, Hvalfjordur. Leading up to it is a fabulous hiking path that should only be attempted by those not daunted by heights or challenging hikes.

Grundarfjörður's beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) is 463 meters high and visible from all angles in town.Grundarfjörður is the ideal place to enjoy the amazing colours of the sunset behind the mountain.

Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring. It provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water. Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80 degrees when it reaches Akranes. If you take a shower anywhere within a 65 km radius of the spring, you have already bathed in the hot water from this powerful spring!