Iceland Travel Guide - West Fjords and North

SW & West Iceland | NE & East | South | SE

Travel in the West Fjords: one of the most rugged regions of Iceland with many fjords and bays rising to steep mountains
Excellent for bird life due to the extensive cliff faces.
Paths following the contours make slow progress as they meander along the convoluted fjords, but the scenery is dramatic.

Isafjordur - is a centrally located and visually interesting fishing town for beginning to explore the sparsely populated area.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - north of Isafjordur is the isolated but beautiful Hornstrandir area.
Wildlife is in abundance here [relatively speaking] with the Arctic Fox and Seals making an appearance, and also whales as the peninsula juts into the sea towards Greenland and the Arctic Circle.
Casual observation of the area can be made by boat, otherwise walk from Unadsdalur and Nordurfjordur, well prepared for bad weather.
This area is remote and requires expeditionary tactics with snow travel equipment year round. Take care on the tidal flood plains. There are several emergency huts but you must have portable accommodation even for a modest walk in case you can't make it back.

Mt Vadalfjoll - a pair of volcanic plugs on the south of the peninsula stand proud above their surrounds affording classic panoramic Iceland views.

Latrabjarg Cliffs - the most north westerly point in Europe and one of the largest cliff nesting sites in the world, this is Puffin territory of the highest standing.

Consider also - travelling to Flatey Island, and the other islands of the Breidafiord Bay to the south of the peninsula, particularly for birdwatching; Flokalundur Nature Reserve, worth visiting if you like birds which duck and dive; Dynjandisfoss, the biggest waterfall in the region at over 100m; Sod Farm Barmar - a barmy old sod farm restored and abandoned but makes for a great vista with the waters and highlands behind.

North Iceland: arguably one of the least interesting parts of the country with few must see attractions, though some are worthwhile.

Vatnses Peninsula - this is a good area for casual walking and seal watching, with many green hills and a worthwhile visit to see Hvitserkur, a rock monster in the Huna Bay off the eastern shoreline of the peninsula.

Grimsey - the only part of Iceland which lies within the Arctic Circle is the northern part of this island, worth the travel for some excellent bird watching.

Trollaskagi Peninsula - this mountainous peninsula is good from both a scenic and historical point of view.
Holar has historical interest with its 18thC church, and Siglufjordur is an attractive town.

Akureyri - the central part of this city is attractive with an abundance of well looked after floral features surviving here due to the protected micro climate.
Other than the displays of gardening aptitude there are the usual churches and museums.
The most unique aspect, considering it is in Iceland, is the Botanical Gardens and Kjarnaskogur woods, a welcome break for travellers suffering rock overload.
If urban exploration is your thing then Akureyri is a worthwhile addition to Reykjavik.

Iceland - Central Highlands | Iceland Travel Guide Links

Iceland Travel Guide West Fjords and North

Iceland Travel Guide
West Fjords and North