West Iceland is fast becoming just a popular as the South Coast of Iceland. And no wonder, since there are so many great attractions there, including glaciers, incredible waterfalls and soaring mountains.
As a tourist, you are always searching for the best spots to travel. And you probably already know that Iceland has enough nature to offer for a lifetime full of discovering the rough wilderness and the untouched scenery, which the island is known for. In this regard, every region of Iceland has its landmark which it is famous for. The west coast has the Golden Circle, including the geysers. The south coast features a beach of entirely black sand, the notorious Eyjafjallajökull and a crashed airplane going viral in social media. But what if you want to go on a tour outside of the Golden Circle? Is there anything you could do?
The Nature in West Iceland
The Golden Circle consists of three major elements: First of all, there are the geysers. The phenomenon occurs regularly. Second, there is Thingvellir, one of only four national parks in Iceland. The Gullfoss, a waterfall, completes the Golden Circle. While these three sights are definitely worth a trip and the Golden Circle belongs to the standard repertoire of each Iceland tourist, the west has so much more to offer than only these three landmarks.
Man-made Ice Cave in Iceland
While Greenland is certainly not green, Iceland definitely possesses a lot of ice. This is shown spectacularly in the man-made Ice Cave in Iceland, which is located in Langjökull glacier. The glacier is the second tallest of its kind in Iceland. This may seem impressive, but what is inside of the mountain is even more breathtaking for most visitors. Prepare yourself for the perfect balance between the power of nature and the creationism of the mankind.
The Ice cave is, not surprisingly, a cave in ice. But not just one cave. Against all odds, the creators of this cavern have defied the will of nature and have found a way into the glacier. The beauty lies within the white, sometimes almost blue ice which has been there for longer than there are humans on this planet. Sadly, due to the climate change the Ice Cave and the glacier will be gone in approximately one decade, so now is the right time to visit this natural sight!
Hraunfossar waterfalls
Hraunfossar waterfalls in Borgarfjordur area in West Iceland are another incredible sight to behold. You will see where waterfalls sprout forth from beneath a massive lava field, surrounded by birch, making the setting seem complete unreal and alien. This is an attraction without compare in Iceland and one of the most popular one in this area.
Krauma spa
Deildatunguhver hot spring is one of the most powerful hot springs in the world. Close by you will find the luxurious spa Krauma, which is one of the best spas in West Iceland. Taking a good bath in the beautiful spa is simply wonderful, especially after a long day of hiking through ice caves and exploring breathtaking waterfalls. This is a stop we fully recommend.
Snaefellsnes peninsula
Snaefellsnes peninsula is just a spectacular and breathtaking as the South Coast of Iceland. You have great waterfalls, soaring glaciers, black sand beaches and incredible scenery of lava fields and fields of green. Even better, there aren’t as great crowds in each of the main attractions as in the South Coast area. The peninsula is a serene and beautiful places, one that you must see if you are paying West Iceland a visit.