Skip to content

Or try searching by Category and/or Location

Scenic routes, easy access

Travel routes in West Iceland

West Iceland is one of Iceland’s most accessible regions for scenic travel. Located close to the capital area, the region is easy to reach and ideal for day trips, short breaks and longer journeys through varied landscapes.

With good road connections, welcoming towns, a wide range of hotels and accommodation, restaurants, local services and memorable experiences, West Iceland makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Close to Reykjavík

West Iceland begins just a short drive from the capital area, making it a convenient choice for both day trips and longer stays.

Good infrastructure

The region offers strong travel infrastructure, with towns, services, road connections and useful stops throughout the area.

Places to stay

Travellers can choose from hotels, guesthouses, countryside stays, campsites and other accommodation options across the region.

Experiences nearby

Scenic routes connect easily with waterfalls, hot springs, museums, walking trails, local food, wellness experiences and outdoor activities.

Explore by route

Borgarfjörður

The Silver Circle

A scenic route through Borgarfjörður, bringing together waterfalls, powerful hot springs, countryside and rich saga heritage.

Highlights include Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and the landscapes of Borgarfjörður.

Iceland in miniature

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A dramatic peninsula where glaciers, lava fields, fishing villages, beaches, mountains and coastal views come together in one unforgettable route.

Ideal for travellers who want a rich variety of Icelandic landscapes in a compact area.

Close to Reykjavík

Scenic road of Hvalfjörður

A peaceful fjord route with mountain views, coastal scenery, history and access to beautiful nature close to the capital area.

A great choice for a slower drive, short stops and travellers looking for an alternative to the tunnel route.

Gateway to the Westfjords

The Westfjords Way

West Iceland is a natural starting point for travellers heading towards the Westfjords Way, connecting scenic roads, coastal communities and remote landscapes.

Begin your journey in West Iceland before continuing north towards one of Iceland’s most remote and memorable road trips.

Easy to reach, easy to explore

West Iceland offers the freedom of scenic road travel with the comfort of good services nearby. Plan your route, choose your stops and enjoy a region where nature, culture, accommodation and activities are all within easy reach.

Hraunfossar and Eiríksjökull glacier
Deildartunguhver hot spring Víðgelmir lava cave

Waterfalls, hot springs, lava caves and saga heritage in Borgarfjörður.

Borgarfjörður

The Silver Circle

The Silver Circle is a scenic route through Borgarfjörður, bringing together waterfalls, powerful hot springs, lava caves, countryside and rich saga heritage.

Highlights include Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Víðgelmir lava cave and the landscapes of Borgarfjörður.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula landscape
Snæfellsnes coastal scenery Snæfellsnes village, mountain or lava field

Glaciers, lava fields, fishing villages, beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Iceland in miniature

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes is one of Iceland’s most diverse travel routes, often called Iceland in miniature. Along the peninsula, travellers can experience glaciers, lava fields, black and golden beaches, fishing villages, mountains and dramatic coastal scenery.

Highlights include Snæfellsjökull National Park, Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Búðir and the fishing villages around the peninsula.

Hvalfjörður scenic Glymur
Akranes Lighthouse Hvammsvík nature bath

Fjord views, mountain landscapes, coastal roads and peaceful nature close to Reykjavík.

Close to Reykjavík

Scenic road of Hvalfjörður

The scenic road around Hvalfjörður offers a peaceful and rewarding alternative to the tunnel route. Just a short drive from the capital area, the fjord combines mountain views, coastal scenery, history and access to beautiful nature.

Highlights include fjord landscapes, coastal viewpoints, mountain scenery, local history and access to outdoor experiences such as hiking and nature stops.

Eiríksstaðir
Horse riding Guðrúnarlaug

History, countryside, riding experiences and geothermal bathing on the way towards the Westfjords.

Gateway to the Westfjords

The Westfjords Way

West Iceland is a natural starting point for travellers heading towards The Westfjords Way. The journey connects scenic roads, coastal communities, fjords and remote landscapes, making it ideal for travellers who want to continue from West Iceland into one of Iceland’s most memorable road trip regions.

Highlights include Dalir, Breiðafjörður, Eiríksstaðir, countryside experiences, geothermal bathing, ferry connections and the transition from West Iceland into the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords.

Akranes

Akranes

Akranes is just a stone's throw away from the capital largest town in West Iceland with the population 8.500. The Museum Area at Gardar is without a d
Bifrost Borgarfjord

Bifrost Borgarfjord

Bifrost is a university village with a population of 200 but during the winter months 600 - 700 people live there. Bifrost is a direct descendant of t
Borgarnes

Borgarnes

Borgarnes lies in the middle of West Iceland about 75 km from Reykjavík City Centre.In Borgarnes you can create an unforgettable holiday: breakfast an
Búðardalur

Búðardalur

Budardalur is the main administrative and service centre in the Dalabyggd region. Few parts of Iceland are as rich in history as Dalabyggd, where reco
Grundarfjordur

Grundarfjordur

Home to Mt Kirkjufell. Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town situated on the fjord of Breiðafjörður. The town is located right next to Kirkjufell mount
Hellissandur

Hellissandur

Hellissandur was once a major fishing centre but Rif was one of the main trading ports on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Most of the villages' fishing fleet
Hvanneyri in Borgarfjordur

Hvanneyri in Borgarfjordur

One of the heroes of the Settlement Sagas, Grímur hinn háleyski, founded the rich farm of Hvanneyri at the time of settlement.  Today the Agricultural
Kleppjárnsreykir in Borgarfjord

Kleppjárnsreykir in Borgarfjord

Kleppjárnsreykir in Borgarfjord is a small village where many of the inhabitants are greenhouse farmers that use a geothermal heat to grow plants. Som
Olafsvik in Snaefellsnes peninsula

Olafsvik in Snaefellsnes peninsula

Olafsvik is a town on the northern side of Snaefellsnes peninsula, close to the magnificent glacier, Snaefellsjokull. Olafsvik has a large fishing har
Reykholt í Borgarfjord

Reykholt í Borgarfjord

Reykholt in Borgarfjord is a small village and one of the greatest historical place in Iceland, mainly because of Snorri Sturluson, a famous writer, p
Rif at Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Rif at Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Rif is a small village at the North of Snaefellsnes peninsula. It's older name is Havarif or Háarif, but nowadays always called Rif. In the village th
Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur is beautifully-situated on the northern side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. With beautiful and well-preserved old houses in the town cen