Shortcuts
Visit the locals
West Iceland is a home to a majestic nature and a rich history. But those who know that best are the locals residing in West Iceland. You could say they are the charming factor of West Iceland. They have different backgrounds but share the love which they call home here. This is a great way to get a glimpse at the locals, and their daily lives. So grab the unique opportunity to meet and visit the residents of West Iceland who are friendly and hospitable people and will welcome you with open arms. You will get the chance to see and experience on how to be an Icelander and to get involved with the Icelandic culture and with its locals.
Come and visit West Iceland's residents.
Kári Viðarsson The Freezer
The Freezer is a unique social hostel and cultural centre, situated in a renovated fish factory in Rif on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. All year round we offer cheap accommodation and regular events and entertainment for our guests and the local community.
Ingi Hans Storyteller´s Lodge
In the Storyteller´s Lodge in Grundarfjörður, Ingi Hans, one of Iceland´s best known storytellers, welcomes guests and tells stories for the whole family. Hear about the birth of an Icelandic fishing village, glimpses into the history of toys, and be prepared for a surprise story or two.
Guðrún The yarn house
Hespuhúsið (The Yarn house) is an open plant dye studio where people can visit, see the dye pots and get information about the old coloring traditions. In Hespuhúsið you can also buy plant dyed yarn and yarn kits for various projects with patterns in Icelandic, English, German and French.
Erpsstaðir farm
The traditional skýr, as well as ice-cream and various other dairy products which the "Cream Shop" at Erpsstaðir processes, are all for sale.
Fagridalur Farm
Halla Sigríður Steinólfsdóttir raises lambs with her husband, Guðmundur Gíslasson, on the farm Ytri-Fagridalur. During the summer months, the lambs are reared on the plant Angelica, which changes the taste of the meat. Halla takes an active part in social activities in the country and is a representative on the local council.
Bjarteyjarsandur farm
At Bjarteyjarsandur in Hvalfjörður, the main activities are sheep farming and tourist services. Emphasis is placed on the environment, culture and education.
Páll in Húsafell
Born and raised in Húsafell, Páll Guðmundsson is a local artist who sees pictures in rocks and makes them visible to the rest of us by carving them out using various methods.
Lighthouse keeper, Hilmar Sigvaldason
Akranes is just a stone's throw away from the capital largest town in West Iceland with the population 6630.
If you are into photography or just interested in exploring new things in Iceland you need to look at Akranes lighthouses. Down by the harbour you will notice two lighthouses. The bigger one that is currently in use is open to the public so you can go up and enjoy the view from there and there is even a photography exhibition to enjoy in there.
The family-run shark museum
At Bjarnarhofn visitors are welcome to the little shark museum all year round. At the museum you can learn about the Greenland shark, its habits, biology and of course taste the shark which is produced on the farm. Open daily from 9-18.
