 is the real stunner. And while previously it's been less-travelled, the new Westfjords Way touring route means its rugged landscapes are much easier to explore by road come spring. Just remember to pack layers! Rauðasandur is a beautiful 10km beach which changes colour throughout the day The mother of all waterfalls in the Westfjords is the magnificent Dynjandi in Arnarfjörður 1. Breathtaking beaches You will probably have heard of Iceland's Gullfoss, but the mother of all waterfalls in the Westfjords is the magnificent Dynjandi in Arnarfjörður. This beast cascades 100m down the black rocky outcrops and it takes just 15 minutes to hike to the top of the trail. Meanwhile, the incredible coast with its black lava beaches that look like shavings of dark chocolate are where you can spot seals basking all year round. Make sure you stop by Patreksfjörður, which also has the majestic sight of Garðar BA 64 – Iceland's oldest steel ship – rusting into its landscape. Not everywhere is black sand though. Rauðisandur (meaning 'red sand') is a beautiful 10km beach which changes colour throughout the day, from deep orange to hues of yellow and magenta. 2. Incredible hikes The variety of hiking trails on the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the Snæfellsnes peninsula make for invigorating adventures. Spend the night in a rustic camping pod at Melanes – just mind the sheep when visiting the loo! Pods are open May to September and cost from £50 per night (Melanes.com). From there, it's a 15-minute walk to spy the ruins of Sjöundá, an old farm and setting of a famous crime story, then spot haförn (white-tailed eagles) in the skies and minke whales in the fjord. 3. Viking tales Channel your inner Viking at Eiríksstadir living museum in Búðardalur to hear tales from Icelandic warrior){kind=link}
Reykjavík may be Iceland’s best-known destination, with its plethora of cool bars and Nordic metropolitan vibe, but the unspoilt Westfjords peninsula (the region that looks like fingers when you look at the map) is the real stunner.
And while previously it’s been less-travelled, the new Westfjords Way touring route means its rugged landscapes are much easier to explore by road come spring. Just remember to pack layers!
You will probably have heard of Iceland’s Gullfoss, but the mother of all waterfalls in the Westfjords is the magnificent Dynjandi in Arnarfjörður.
This beast cascades 100m down the black rocky outcrops and it takes just 15 minutes to hike to the top of the trail.
Meanwhile, the incredible coast with its black lava beaches that look like shavings of dark chocolate are where you can spot seals basking all year round.