Few places in Iceland are as famous among photographers as Kirkjufellsfoss near Grundarfjörður. Rising behind the waterfall is the iconic Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in the country. Together, the waterfall and mountain create one of Iceland’s most recognizable and breathtaking landscapes. Whether bathed in the soft light of summer nights, surrounded by vibrant autumn colours, or illuminated by dancing northern lights in winter, this remarkable location attracts visitors from around the world.

Few places in Iceland are as unique as Hraunfossar. Located in the upper region of Borgarfjörður, these remarkable waterfalls emerge from beneath an ancient lava field and flow into the glacial river Hvítá. Unlike most waterfalls in Iceland, Hraunfossar does not plunge from a towering cliff. Instead, countless springs seep through the porous lava and cascade over a series of ledges, creating one of the country's most distinctive natural wonders. Hraunfossar and the nearby Barnafoss are among the most visited natural attractions in West Iceland and have been protected as a natural monument since 1987.

Standing along Borgarbraut in Borgarnes, the Hlíðartún Houses are a tangible reminder of an important period in Iceland’s settlement and social history. The buildings are significant examples of farming within an urban community during the first half of the 20th century. They tell the story of a time when the boundaries between rural and urban life were far less distinct than they are today.

Winter is coming to West Iceland, bringing snow-covered mountains, dramatic skies, short daylight hours and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. It is a beautiful time to explore the region, but winter travel requires a little more preparation. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, so flexibility and good planning are essential.

Autumn and winter are perfect seasons for slowing down and discovering the literary side of West Iceland. As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, libraries, bookshops, cafés and cultural spaces become inviting places to browse, read, enjoy a coffee and discover Icelandic stories. There is something particularly appealing about travelling through Iceland with a book in mind. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can take your time, step inside somewhere warm and let the landscape outside become part of the experience.

Few garments are as closely tied to the Icelandic identity as the lopapeysa, the traditional Icelandic wool sweater. More than just a piece of clothing, it is a symbol of Icelandic nature, craftsmanship, and the resilience that has shaped life in this country for generations. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single creator or exact origin, the lopapeysa has evolved alongside the nation itself and has become one of Iceland's most recognizable cultural icons.

West Iceland is one of the most rewarding regions for Northern Lights hunting. Its combination of dark skies, open landscapes, mountains, coastlines and low light pollution creates excellent conditions for experiencing the aurora. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is particularly well suited, with several dramatic landscapes that make beautiful foregrounds for the lights.

Every year, Snorri Sturluson Day is commemorated around the anniversary of his death on September 23, honoring one of the most influential figures in Icelandic history. Snorri was a poet, historian, chieftain, and statesman whose works have played an invaluable role in preserving the history, culture, and mythology of the Nordic world. Few individuals have had such a lasting impact on the safeguarding of the Norse literary heritage.

Strong winds and rain are expected across much of Iceland today, with conditions becoming particularly windy in West Iceland as the day progresses. The strongest winds are expected on northern Snæfellsnes.

Icelandic Nature Day, celebrated every year on September 16, is a day dedicated to Iceland’s unique natural environment and the importance of protecting and preserving it. The date marks the birthday of Ómar Ragnarsson, a well-known Icelandic journalist, broadcaster and passionate advocate for nature conservation. For decades, he has played an important role in raising awareness of Iceland’s remarkable landscapes and the need to safeguard them for future generations.

When autumn arrives and winter begins to settle over West Iceland, museums and exhibitions become especially appealing. Shorter days, changing weather and cooler temperatures create the perfect excuse to step indoors and discover the stories, traditions and people behind the landscapes. But museums in West Iceland are not simply places to escape the rain. They offer a fascinating journey through Iceland’s settlement history, Viking heritage, farming traditions, maritime culture, wartime history, local communities and contemporary art. From Borgarnes and Reykholt to Akranes, Hvanneyri, Snæfellsnes and beyond, there is much to discover.

From the earliest days of Icelandic farming, sheep round-ups or leitir and sorting days or réttir have been an important part of rural life and agricultural tradition.