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Valagil is a spectacular ravine, complete with mighty waterfall and made from layers upon layers of ancient lava. You will find Valagil at the landward end of Álftafjörður, not too far from Súðavík. There is a marked footpath to the ravine from the road. Some say the ravine is named after the falcons (valur is Icelandic for falcon) which reported used to nest there. Other people say it is named after a woman called Vala who is said to have fallen to her death in the gully (hundreds of years ago).

The town of Ísafjörðurlies in Skutulsfjörður fjord. The fjord ends in two distinct valleys: Engidalur to the left and Tungudalur to the right. Tungudalur is the playground of Ísafjörður - and a very pretty place to boot. This is where you'll find a small but perfectly formed waterfall, one of the region's best established and maintained forests, a full scale golf course, dozens of beautiful summerhouses, and the town's famous skiing centre. The towns excellent campsite is located in Tungudalur, great camping facilities, a playground and a beach volleyball course.

From the mountan Klofningur is a panoramic view over Breidafjordur Bay, Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Bardaströnd. Viewing dial.

It is possible to hike up the mountain from the farm Stakkaberg.

Arnarnes is the outermost point of Skutulsfjörður and offers fantastic views over Ísafjörður and surroundings. Arnarnes is also an amazing place to capture photos of the midnight sun during the summer months an the phenomenal Northern Lights during winter. The road by Arnarnes continues on through the first tunnel made in Iceland through Arnarneshamar, a steep basalt cliff. The tunnel was made in 1948 but officially opened in 1949 when the road was opened.

One of Europes biggest bird cliffs, a home to birds in unfathomable numbers. This westernmost point of Iceland is really a line of several cliffs, 14 kilometres long and up to 441 m high. And it's as steep as it gets, dizzyingly so. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range. Bird photography for dummies, you might say. The puffins are particularly tame and are the ones frequenting the grassy, higher part of the cliffs. But look out, the edges are fragile and loose and the fall is high.
Látrabjarg is thus deservedly the most visited tourist attraction in the Westfjords. The cliffs are easily accessible by car and when you're there, a walk along the cliffs awaits. The whirling sensation will not fade, and neither will the memories.

Vigur is one of three islands in Ísafjarðardjúp. The island is long an narrow and gets its name from the shape, Vigur means spear. The island's unique wildlife has been a popular tourist attraction.

Puffins, eiders, guillemoths and arctic terns are this island's magnets, and they are all abundant. Indeed, as the puffins, which nest in burrows, have dug through much of the island's soil, travellers have to follow a certain path to avoid falling into one. This small bird, by some dubbed the penguin of the north, is a clumsy flier but impresses visitors by artfully stacking its beak full of sand eel or small fish, carrying it home to its hungry chicks. Being the opposite of the hospitable humans that live on the island, the Arctic terns fight to keep intruders away. Luckily, a stick held above the head does the trick. Eiders and humans share a mutual beneficence; eiders get protecion by nesting in close vicinity of the people, who collect the precious down from the eider nests.

In Vigur you find the smallest post office in Iceland, as well as the only windmill and beautifully renewed houses.

To get to Vigur, there is a daily boat tour from Ísafjörður.

Skálavík is the next creek westwards from Bolungarvík. People lived in Skálavík until around 1960's and since then the creek has been uninhabited. People from the area and people who have relations to Skálavík have restored some of the houses and new summerhouses have been built. In a good summer day the people from the area like to build sandcastles on the beach, take a walk and even swim in the river. Skálavík is a paradise for kids and a perfect place to stop the car and play around. On the way from Skálavík, we recommend driving all the way up to the top of the moutain and take a look at the view from the top.

The most popular visiting point in Bolungarvík is the viewing platform on top of Bolafjall Mountain. The place offers a staggering view over Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir and some people say all the way to Greenland. To get to Outstanding Bolafjall you have to drive up the road from Bolungarvík the way to the radar station on the top. The station was built by the Americans but is now controlled by the Icelandic coast guard. The route is open from the middle of june until august september. After a visit to Bolafjall, or even before, We recommend a coffee break and a nice walk at the black sand beach in Skálavík.

The road up to the mountain is open when situations in the mountain allow it to be. Usually that is from middle of June until the middle of September.

If you've ever visited the town of Ísafjörður, you will certainly have noticed the immense rim of flat-topped mountains which surround the fjord. A notable feature of the mountains is a massive depression, like half a bowl, just over the road from the airport. This is Naustahvilft - often known by its nickname: 'the troll seat'. The story goes that a troll was hurrying home before the morning sunlight could turn her to stone. Having run fast and got back early, she sat and rested with her aching feet in the fjord. What was left was the peninsula of Ísafjörður town between her feet, the deep harbour where her feet had been, and the "seat" where her backside had been. Either that or it's a hanging valley left over from the last Ice Age. It's a short but challenging climb, so why not go up there and decide for yourself and don't forget to sign the guest book.

Breiðafjörður is the second biggest fjord in Iceland as it stretches 70 km where it is widest. Where the fjord gets more shallow there are almost uncountable number of islands but if we would have to guess a number, they would be around 2800. Many of those islands were inhabited few decades ago but now almost all are uninhabited. Flatey is the one exception. Flatey is the biggest of the islands in Breiðafjörður. It also is the only island in Breiðafjörður where inhabitants live the whole year round. The inhabitants count as many as 6 persons but during summertime the population multiplies. Many of the other islands in Breiðafjörður used to be inhabited not so long ago like Hvallátur, Svefneyjar and Akureyjar. All the islands have one thing in common. They are all made by the force of glaciers in the ice age. The islands are mostly flat and the geological layers are similar to the ones on the Westfjords. In most of the islands there are many plants and the birdlife is diverse with puffin, eider and black guillemot being the kings of the fjord along with the White-tailed-Eagle. The history tells us that the people that lived in Breiðafjörður never had to deal with shortage of food because of the plentyful gifts of nature such as birds, fish and shells. When there were bad conditions and food shortage was common in Iceland, people fled to Breiðafjörður bay where there was plenty of food for everyone.

In Patreksfjörður fjord there is a small beautiful waterfall.

Hornbjarg is the signature sea cliff towering at the top of Hornstrandir nature reserve. Green lush hills suddenly cut off by sheer cliffs dropping over 500 meters straight down into the ocean below. Kálfatindur is the highest point of the cliff at 534 meters altitude, Jörundur, another peak follows at 429 meters altitude. The northernmost part of the cliff is Horn, and from there the nature reserve draws it name, Hornstrandir. The cliff is a uniqe and intense site to visit in the nature reserve Hornstrandir. The cliffs are known for their birdlife as it is a popular nesting ground for various bird species. To get to the cliffs you have to travel by boat from Ísafjörður.

Haelavikurbjarg, between coves Hornvik and Haelavik, is a 521 m high sheer cliff. It is named after Haell, a freestanding rock in the sea just off the coast. Above the brink is a valley called Hvannadalur. Below the valley are two beautiful freestanding dikes, Langikambur and Fjol, in the sea, with a small cove named Kirfi in between them. Not far away is the third dike, Sulnastapi, standing in the sea close to the cliff.

Fossfjörður is one of the the offshoot fjords of Arnarfjörður, it is the westernmost of the so called "Suðurfirðir" the Southern Fjords. These are Bíldudalsvogur, Fossfjörður, Reykjarfjörður, Trostansfjörður and Geirþjófsfjörður. In Fossfjörður is a farm called Foss and also a waterfall carrying the same name, wich actually means waterfall. So in waterfall fjord you will wind a farm called waterfall aswell as a waterfall called waterfall. Confusing ? Maybe a little. In Fossfjörður you will also stumble up on the so called A-house, wich has been a popular pitstop among travellers and photographers. This abandoned house is unique for its shape and location.

One of the most impressive and least-talked-about natural features in all ofIceland, Drangaskörð are a series of seven rocky peaks jutting out into the sea in the Árneshreppur municipality. Like a jawful of jagged teeth, the peninsula emanates from Skarðafjall mountain and into the water. Named after ghosts, the rugged rocks project spooky shadows which have been capturing imaginations for a thousand years.

Near to Steingrímsfjörður and the village of Hólmavík, you find Bjarnarfjörður fjord, on Route 643, in the municipality of Kaldraneshreppur.

Not many people live nearby, but four things mark this small fjord out as special: first the Gvendarlaug hot pool, the water in which was blessed by Bishop Guðmundur Góði Arason in the 1200s - today it is a protected national monuement. Second is the excellent Arctic char fishing in Bjarnarfjarðará river. Thirdly is Hótel Laugarhóll, a modern and comfortable country hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant and a museum on site. And finally Bjarnarfjörður is home to the Sorcerer's Cottage, an offshoot of Hólmavík's famous Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery.

Vaðalfjöll are two rocky outcrops sticking conspicuously out a hundred metres above Þorskafjarðarheiði pass, near Þorskafjörður fjord. The rocks are an unmistakeable sight and worth looking out for as you explore Reykhólahreppur municipality - but they are also an easy and rewarding climb with great views from the top, if you choose to stop.

The swimming pool in Laugarnes is a beautifully placed small pool with stunning views over Breiðafjörður. You can either float around in the small concrete pool or lay down in a smaller pool closer to the shore.

A donations box is placed by the dressing rooms, the local youth club owns and looks after the pool.

Vatnsfjörður nature reserve is an area of total 20.000 ha. 80% of the area is rocky and barren but the lowlands is mostly covered with birchwood. From Vatnsfjörður it's perfect to visit most of the Westfjords. It takes you about one and a half hour to drive either to Látrabjarg, to Selárdalur or even to Ísafjörður. It takes you half an hour to drive to Dynjandi and it's a one hour sail from Brjánslækur to Flatey island.

The hot natural pools in Drangsnes are right along the shoreline in the middle of the village easily spotted from the road.

The pots are used throughout the year by locals and visitors. Even after a new swimming pool was built in town the attraction of the hot natural pot has yet to decrease.

The best way to meet the local and talk about everything and nothing is in the hot pots in Drangsnes.

Admission: free donations.

Vatnsfjörður nature reserve is an area of total 20.000 ha. 80% of the area is rocky and barren but the lowlands is mostly covered with birchwood. From Vatnsfjörður it's perfect to visit most of the Westfjords. It takes you about one and a half hour to drive either to Látrabjarg, to Selárdalur or even to Ísafjörður. It takes you half an hour to drive to Dynjandi and it's a one hour sail from Brjánslækur to Flatey island.

Simply enthralling; The Westfjords' favourite front-page model for decades, and is never short of breathtaking. The biggest and widest part of the waterfall is the one that gets all the attention and the photos, even though there are impressive, albeit smaller, waterfalls further down the river.
To enjoy, follow this simple step-by-step manual. 1. Stop your car at the parking lot. 2. Walk all the way up to the biggest part of the waterfall, it takes about 15 minutes. 3. Take a deep breath and enjoy 4. Whenever ready, go back down to the car. 5. Tick off this article and continue working through the check-list.

Rauðasandur (Red Sand) is precisely that: a beach with endless red sand. Well, not endless but 10 km is a lot. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight and weather, and the beach is the biggest pearl in a string of coves with sand ranging in colours from white through yellow through red to black, and in coarseness from very fine to sole-hurting chips of seashells. Just pure sand enlivened by countless seabirds and seals, an oasis with unique tranquility. Forget everything, except maybe getting the perfect shot of the ever-changing hues of yellow, orange and red.

Here's just pure sand and unique tranquillity. You might want to step out of the car, get the camera out and start walking on the seemingly endless beach.

If no, why not enjoy a cup of coffee in the French café and look at the spectacular view were Snæfellsjökull glacier in Sæfellsnes peninsula imperiousl rivets your attention in the background.

On the southern shore of Patreksfjörður fjord you will find beautiful Örlygshöfn - a wide vista of seashore encompassing a thick finger of yellow sand, which makes the fjord water look tropical blue on sunny days. Here you are also very close to the Egill Ólafsson museum, which is a fascinating and eclectic look at aspects of life in the southern Westfjords - including an American plane and a Viking boat! The museum has been there for over 30 years and also features a café and various temporary exhibitions.

Svalvogar is a 49-kilometre circular route between the fjords of Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. It usually starts and finishes in Þingeyri and takes the narrow exposed coastal track around the headland (not to be attempted at high tide) and comes back along the Kaldbakur route, past the Westfjords' tallest mountain in the so-called Westfjords Alps. Sometimes called the Dream Road, Svalvogar is among the most beautiful routes in the country. It is not suitable for small cars and is best enjoyed by mountain bike. Be prepared to get out of breath…or take a 4x4.

If passangers are afraid of heights it is advised to start the route from Arnarfjörður and drive it over to Dýrafjörður, then in case of passing another car yours will be on the right side of the road, not quite as intimidating as driving along side the sea.

Arnarfjordur, 5-10 kilometres wide and 30 kilometres long, is bordered by Slettanes to the north and Kopanes to the south. At its head, it forks at the Langanes promontory to form Suðurfirðir to the south and Borgarfjordur and Dynjandisvogur to the north. The bay of Dynjandisvogur is known for the waterfall Dynjandi, which plummets over the edge of the cliff. Measuring 30 meters wide at the top and 60 meters at the bottom, Dynjandi is about 100 meters high, the most impressive waterfall in the Westfjords and one of the most beautiful in all of Iceland. Below it, a series of waterfalls cascade. Arnarfjordur is one of the most beautiful fjords in the Westfjords because of its diverse landscape, magnificent mountains and the natural masterpieces of Ketildalir and the Dynjandi waterfall.

The Ketildalir valleys are on the southern shore of the fjord Arnarfjordur. The best know of those valleys is probably Selardalur, a very popular destination because of the sculptures and buildings raised by the naivité artist Samuel Jonsson. Samuel is referred to as "the artist with the infantile heart". When he retired at the age of 72 in 1958, he pursued his dreams and became an artist. Mostly he created sculptures from concrete and carried the sand on his back from the shore to his farm Brautarholt. In his backyard, among other things, he has replicated the Lions Court in Alhambra.

Selardalur also offers a wonderful panoramic view across Arnarfjordur, over to the 1000 metres high Kaldbakur Mountain, the highest mountain in the Westfjords.

The large fjord of Arnarfjörður, which lies between the villages of Bíldudalur and Þingeyri, is entirely a nature reserve. the magnificent fjord ends in four small offshoot fjords: Geirþjófsfjörður (north), Fossfjörður and Reykjafjörður (south), and Trostansfjörður in the middle. Thickly vegetated with rowan and birch, Trostansfjörður is a very isolated and peaceful place to explore, and the derelict remains of a farm provide added interest. The fjord is thought to be named after Saint Drostan from Scotland.

Kaldbakur is one of the so-called Westfjords Alps - the tall and pointy mountain range between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. Most Westfjords mountains are flat topped as a result of Ice Age glaciers, but the "Alps" are tall and pointy and look a little bit like, well, the Alps…Kaldbakur is the tallest of them and, at 998 metres tall, it is the tallest mountain in the Westfjords region.

From Kaldbakur is a fantastic view over the Westfjords mountain range. Hiking on Kaldbakur is relatively easy in good conditions, a drive along a mountain road (only suitable for well equipt jeeps) leads to the mountain pass Kvennaskarð that seperates Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. Hiking from there and to the top of Kaldbakur and back takes around 4 hours. Hiking from Fossdalur in Arnarfjörður is also an option.

Dýrafjörður is a fjord in the Ísafjarðarbær municipality. At 32 kilometres long, it is among the harder fjords to miss, and even more so because of what's along its shores. This is where you'll find the village of Þingeyri. Like in most other seaside villages in Iceland, the culture and industry have been shaped by the sea throughout the centuries. Þingeyri has a Viking festival ground, friendly swimming pool, a campsite, and a renowned golf course close by.

Between the fjords of Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður are the Westfjords Alps, so-named because they are some of the region's only mountains which are not flat topped. Driving towards Þingeyri over Gemlufjallsheiði pass, you will almost certainly need more than one photo stop.

Önundarfjörður is a 20 km long fjord, located between Dýrafjörður and Súgandafjörður. The fjord has a few small green valleys and quite a few farms, far out in the fjord stands the village Flateyri. Önundarfjörður is beautiful to look at and it is surrounded by magnificent mountain range. In the fjord is a golden sand beach, Holtsfjara, which is a sweeping golden-sand beach and dune system which curls out into the fjord. On the golden beach stands a large wooden pier, Holtsbryggja.

To get to Önundarfjörður from Ísafjörður, drive through the Vestfjarðagöng tunnel.

Ingjaldssandur is a huge, lush valley facing the sea between Önundarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. Once home to dozens of farming folk, people used to get there by plane or boat. The rough mountain road into the valley is an attraction all of its own: for there are few more exciting or more scenic drives anywhere. These days the mountain-hemmed and beach-ended valley only has one working farm left. And lots of sheep. And a small church with an unusual Celtic cross on top. You may even be lucky enough to buy some of the farmer's excellent handicrafts, jewellery and woollen goods.

Drangajökull is the only glacier in the Westfjords. It is the only glacier in Iceland whose altitude in entirely below 1,000 metres. In addition to this, it is the only glacier in Iceland which is not in retreat (i.e. getting smaller). Drangajökull lies north of the Strandir region and south of the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Kaldalón, meanwhile, is a short fjord into which the glacier calves. The name literally means 'cold lagoon' and it is totally magical. It could be thought of as the Jökulsárlón of the Westfjords - although it is starkly different and visiting is a much more personal experience.

This territory of the Arctic fox has been uninhabited since the 1950s. As isolated as it was then, it attracts the casual half-day visitors and serious gore-tex hikers alike. Its main attractions are three. First, the bird cliffs surrounding the bay of Hornvík, are a magnet of gigantic proportions. On the eastern side of the bay the cliff reaches a height of more than 500 metres, and the birds are teeming. Second, as there are no infrastructure and the tourists few in relation to the sheer size of the area, the sense of remoteness is strong. You can hike days on end without seeing a single person. The nature is pure and the tranquillity unmatched. Third, as the area is a haven for the Arctic fox (think hunting-ban and bird-packed cliffs), the chances of spotting one are high.

Most tours, especially day tours, depart from Ísafjörður. Hikers wanting to go on their own can also take boats from Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður.

For further information on the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, please visit https://ust.is/english/visiting-iceland/protected-areas/westfjords/hornstrandir/ . The Hornstrandir Visitor Centre is located in downtown Ísafjörður.

Breiðavík is situated on the way to Látrabjarg. When you drive over the mountain pass from Örlygshöfn you will come down in the creek of Breiðavík. In the creek there is a church and a Hotel, named Hótel Breiðavík. We recommend that you should stop there on the way to or from Látrabjarg and walk down to the beach. It's also quite unique to see the sand that the wind has blown all the way to the mountaintops on eiter end of the beach.

Hellulaug is a geothermal pool, located just off the highway, close to the beach in Vatnsfjörður. It is quite lovely to chill out in the pool(38°/100,4 F) while looking out over the fjord.
The pool cannot be seen from the road, but there is a parking lot next to the path that leads to Hellulaug. The pool is 60 cm deep.

In Reykjarfjordur a full-size swimming pool is visible from the main road. The water is warm all year round due to geothermal energy. Just above the pool, a cozy natural pool lies almost hidden. A real gem in Arnarfjordur. Facilities for changing of clothes is next to the swimming pool.

The saga of Gísli Sursson spans a large area of the fjords and the historical sites are described there with skill and accuracy. Until the 20th century, employment practices in these areas were the same as in the days of Gísli Sursson. By the time modern technology made its way into the Westfjords, some places were already deserted.

As a result, some of the historical sites look almost identical to what they did while Gísli Sursson walked around.

Because of the untouched nature that you can enjoy in many places in the Westfjords, you have the opportunity to get in touch with the area's historic past. At Þingeyri, a Viking area has been built up with an outdoor recreation area consisting of a stage, benches and tables and barbecue facilities and the facilities are formed from a circular load of stones.

Then it is ideal to take the group on a cruise with the Viking ship Vésteinn.

Hvítanes is situated between Hestfjörður and Skötufjörður fjords in "central" Ísafjarðardjúp. As you arrive you should check the rocks at the shore. Hvítanes is one of Iceland most easily accessible seal colony, where large numbers of Harbour seals can be found relaxing on the rocks just meters from the shore.

The farmers at the Hvítanes farm have made the area more accessible by making a car park and putting up benches. At Hvítanes you can also borrow a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at these fun and playful animals.

The garden was officially opened on August 7th 1909. In 1992, a group of people decided on their own to restore the garden, and on August 18th 1996 they formally returned the garden to its owner - the Ministry of Education. In November of the same year the Ministry handed over the garden to the town of Ísafjörður to own and care for. The formal aim of the garden is to be a memorial to itself and to the concept of school gardens where the sustaining of nature's bounty and environmental education are linked to the operations of public schools. The garden is also an example of successful horticulture in such northern climes, and as such, a notable part of the country's horticultural history.

Önundarfjörður is a particularly pretty fjord, even by Westfjords standards. This is partly due to Holt beach, which is a sweeping golden-sand beach and dune system which curls out into the fjord and is a bit like Spain for a few hot days of the year. The rest of the time it's a great walk and the dunes are a protected eider duck nesting area.

Syðridalur in Bolungarvík is known for an old lignite mine which is situated in the valley. Lignite was mined from the mine in the years of 1917 until 1921 or while and after the first World War. The reason why the mining was shut down is because coal from Europe became more accessible after the war. Lignite in Iceland is worse than coal due to the fact that volcanic ash is one of the main contents. Lignite in Iceland only includes 60% carbon but European coal includes 70-80% carbon. The mine in Syðridalur actually consist of two mines, one on either side of the river. Gilsnáma is the one that's more known but Hanhólsnáma is the lesser known mine. Gilsnáma is more than 100 meters long but the other is around 10 meters. Inside Gilsnáma you can see some of the equipment that was used to mine, including a few hammers and a scale. To get into Gilsnáma you almost have to crawl, but once you're in the ceiling gets higher and you can stand upright. The walk up to the mine takes around 20-25 minutes on a marked trail and it's well worth the stop.

In the year 1975 was put up a memorial stone for Þuríður Sundayllir, the first known settler of Boungarvík. The stone, which is called Þuríðarsteinn or the stone of Þuríður is situated in Vatnsnes where people think Þuríður's settlement was in the beginning.

Sæunn the wonder-cow is a special cow which saved her own life from getting slaughtered by swimming over the cold Atlantic ocean fjord of Önundarfjörður in october 1987. The cow lived sex years after the big achievement but when it died this wonder-cow was buried near the ocean where it reached shore. Now this area has the name Sæunnarhaugur or Sæunn burial ground. This swim achievement was in Icelandic news as well as world news because of the rareness of cows willing to swim such a long distance in the cold Atlantic ocean.

Sandafell (362m) is a small mountain south of Þingeyri in Dyrafjordur. Perfect for a hike from Þingeyri, it's even possible to drive up the mountain on a 4x4 car. Whichever means of transport you decide upon, the view is going to be well worth the effort.

Around the year 890, Audur the Deep minded (djúpúdga) from Dogurdara settled the land between the outer edge og Hvammsveit and Skaumuhlaupsa in Hordudalur.

She built her farm at Hvammur and for a long time after her kin lived there. Audur was Christian.

The father of Snorri Sturluson, Sturla Thordarson (1115-1183), lived at Hvammur. He was of the ninth generation counting from Audur the Deep minded. His sons Thordur, Sighvatur and Snorri were born there.

Arni Magnusson (1663-1730), professor and collector of medieval manuscripts, grew up at Hvammur. Priests would remain at Hvammur. Since the Reformation until 1944 only 15 priests held the position.

Skarfasker is a viewing point on the way to Óshlíð. It's nice to stop the car at Skarfasker and take a look at the viewing point and sit down for coffee. After a quick coffee stop it's perfect to walk onwards to Óshlíð.

Gudrun Osvifursdottir, heroine of Laxdaela Saga, was born (973AD) and brought up at Laugar.

It is said that she used the hot water pool there a lot and also met there her followers Kjartan and Bolli.

There is a geothermal area at Laugar and a naturally-heated swimming pool was built there in 1932. The hot water is also used for heating up the buildings at the place. Now there is a 25 meter outdoor swimming pool, with hot tubs, sauna and more.

At about 3 km from Laugar you may find the rocky hill Tungustapi, home of elves.

According to Laxdaela saga, Gudrun Osvifursdóttir used to dwell by a geothermal pool in Laugar in Saelingsdalur. The pool is mentioned in Sturlunga saga and it seems to have been used a great deal.

The pool is believed to have been destroyed in a landslide. In 2009 a new pool was built near to the location where the old pool is thought to have been situated and named Gudrunarlaug.

A changing facility, referred to as a "house of modesty" in Icelandic, was also built at the same time.

Óshlíð is the old road between Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur. The construction of the road started in 1950s and it served the people of Bolungarvík as the only connection to Iceland's roadsystem. Since 2010 the road is not used by cars any more because of the new Bolungarvík-tunnel but people have been using Óshlíð as an outdoor recreational area. The paved road gives perfect conditions to bikers and runners that want to be closer to nature. You feel really small under the enormous cliffs that seem to be hanging by a thread 300 - 400 meters higher. Óshlíð is known for the bad road conditions due to avalanches, rock slides and stone falling. The road has also lost a part of the paved lane in some places due to bad weathers and the sea has been eating it's way into the land. Tourists are therefore advised to take care on the way and leave the car on either side of the pass. If you will drive the road and something happens, neither the car or the passengers are insured. We recommend Óshlíð especially during the bright summer nights, because you will nowhere get a better glimpse of the sunset then from Óshlíð and Óshólar. Information signs are at Hnífsdalur where Óshlíð road begins and there is also a perfect place to stop and have a little coffee after you park the car and start walking into the sunset.

Suðureyri is located in the district of Tálknafjarðarhreppur. Suðureyri is situated on the south side of the fjord of Tálknafjörður and was the location of an old whaling station built at the end of the 19th century by Norwegian whale hunters. The station was on and off operation for around 50 years until the year 1939 and is now deserted. During its busiest times around 110 people lived and worked at the station. Today the great buildings are grand monuments of times past.

Vaðalfjöll, the mountains above Bjarkalundur, and Bjartmarssteinn are beautiful and special rock formations that you can't find in many other places. People in Reykhólar believe that Bjartmarssteinn has something to do with elves, also referred to as the hidden people, and stories say that it is their trading post in Breiðafjörður.

Ólafsdalur by Gilsfjörður, history of 1000 years

Ólafsdalur is a small valley, surrounded by high mountains, where the first agricultural school in Iceland was established in 1880. The beautiful school-building is from 1896. Remains of many other buildings and man made remains from 1880-1900. Recently found remains of a Viking longhouse fom 9-10th century!

the hike to Kálfanesborgir above Hólmavík is quite short and easy. The hike starts at the camping ground and there is a trail that leads you to a small cairn on top of the hill. This cairn is called Háborgarvarða. From this spot you can enjoy the view over Steingrímsfjörður and Grímsey island. This spot is also perfect to take pictures or to rest a bit for the journey home. When you walk again into Hólmavík you can either go the same route, or you can make it a loop by walking towards the ocean on the other side until you reach the old mainroad. This road will then lead you towards the town again and you'll find your way.

Kaldalón is a 5 kilometer long fjord that stretches in from northern Ísafjarðardjúp into Drangajökull glacier. From underneath the glacier comes the glacier-river Mórilla which then spreads around the plains on it's way to the ocean. Two towns were supposed to have been in Kaldalón, but the river has washed them both away. Natural beauty is magnificent in Kaldalón, and even the famous writer Sigvaldi Kaldalón took up the name because of the beauty of the area.

One the way to Unaðsdalur or Bæir it's perfect to stop in Kaldalón. If you have enough time, We would reccommend hiking towards the glacier beside the river, just to be able to enjoy this beauty. he hike to the glacier is about 2-3 hours, but it gets longer every year do to the fact that the glacier is melting.

Hiking trails lead you from Kaldalón to Jökulfirðir and then also over to Hornstrandir if you cross the glacier.

Situated just off shore from Drangsnes in Steingrímsfjörður, the island of Grímsey is a true gem of nature. From Drangsnes there are scheduled boat trips to the island, which take around 10 minutes. In Grímsey there is abundant birdlife and beautiful nature. We recommend at least 2 hours stay on the island to explore the island and it's birds. For more information about the boat trips, contact Malarhorn cafe.

Reykjaneshyrna is a beautiful mountain situated between Ingólfsfjörður and Norðurfjörður. The mountain looks beautiful and stands alone where the fjord starts to scar the land. It's not that high but it gives you magnificent views of Drangaskörð in the north, the whole Húnaflói bay and then the Árneshreppur municipality. Þórðarhellir is a nice cave in Reykjanesyrna. It's situated under a high cliff and it can get quite difficult to get into the cave. The legend speaks that the cave is a hideout for outlaws.

Kerling the cliff is situated in Drangsnes. The story says that this cliff once was a troll woman. This woman, along with two other trolls, had a dream of making the Westfjords an island. The tree of them started digging, one from the east and two from the west. The digging went well at first and the fjords became deeper and the landstrip shorter. When it was up to dawn and the Westfjords were still not an island the trolles aborted their mission and tried to find shelter for the sun. First they looked over the fjord in the west, which had become full of islands from all the land they had dug away. Then when they looked eastwards there was not a single island in the fjord. The two trolles that digged on the west side didn't like the fact that the troll woman didn't make any island so they went their seperate ways. The two you can find near the beach in Kollafjörður and the third one is situated in Drangsnes. When the troll woman realized that she couldn't find shelter she used all her strength that she had left to make one island outside Drangsnes. This island is now known to the world as Grímsey.

Eiríksstaðir is one of most historic sides of Iceland. Step back to the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Eriks the Red's farm which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America. Modern day vikings demonstrate the lifestyle of 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

The route via Klofningsvegur no. 590 runs through Hvammssveit, Fellsströnd, Klofningur, Skarðsströnd and Saurbær. Day-to-day it is called going around the coasts. The boundaries of Fellsströnd and Hvammssveit are around Hólsá and reaches Fellsströnd to Ormsstaðir, where Klofningur takes over.

It used to be populated on Fellsströnd, but now many premises are not inhabited. Icelandic forest service owns the land Skógar, from where there is almost continuous forest out to Staðarfell. Staðarfell is an ancient manor and church. A housewife school was there 1927-1976, an treatment home from 1980-2018 and there is a community home. Outside Ytrafellsmúli, the lowlands increase and there is some woodland and islands out from the coast. Flekkudalur and Galtardalur go in between the mountains and there lies Efribyggð. From Efribyggðarvegur there is a large and beautiful view of the islands at the entrance of Hvammsfjörður. Kjarlaksstaðir is the settlement land of old Kjarlak. After Flekkudalsá and Galtardalsá merge, it is called Kjarlaksstaðaá. Bjarni Jónsson grew up in Vogur and was called Bjarni from Vogi, after the farm. There is a monument about him by the highway.

Until 1918 the boundaries of Skarðsstrandarhreppur were from Ormsstaðir to Fagradalsá, then the district split into Klofningshreppur and Skarðshreppur. The district boundary held until 1986 that Klofningshreppur split over Klofningur between Fellsstrandarhreppur and Skarðshreppur.

In Dagverðarnes, Auður Djúpúðga ate a breakfast in her search for her settlement columns. The current church in Dagverðarnes was built in 1934. Outside Dagverðarnes lies Hrappsey where the country's first secular printing house was operated.

Klofningur is a natural gap and the road runs through it. At Klofningur there is a sightseeing point and a good view over the islands and out to Snæfellsnes.

One of the oldest manor in the country is Skarð á Skarðsströnd. It is the settlement land of Geirmundur heljarskinn and the same family has lived there since the 11th century. Farmers church is in Skarð and there is, among other things, an altarpiece that Ólöf "the rich" Loftsdóttir is said to have given to the church. Below Skarð is Skarðsstöð. There is a lot of bird life and cultural monuments. Skarðsstöð was the first legalized trading center in Dalasýsla in 1884 and now houses a fishing port.

The community center Röðull is located below the road by Búðardalsá. In Röðull there are often exhibitions related to the life and culture of the people of Skarðsströnd. In the 18th century, Magnús Ketilsson, an magistrate and a great progressive man, lived in Búðardalur and did significant agricultural experiments and wrote a number of scholarly articles. Ytri-Fagridalur is the innermost town on Skarðsströnd and is the settlement land of Steinólfur "the low". Over there you can see Hafratindur, the mountain of Dalir.

Skard is a farm and church site on Skardstrond. Many of the Icelandic Saga heroes come from here. Amongst them were Bjorn Thorleifsson, governor, and his wife, Olof-the-Rich Loftsdottir.

On the death of her husband by Englishmen in 1467, she is quoted as declaring: "shed no tears for farmer Björn, but gather men to avenge him..." This has become a famous quote in Iceland.

The Skard church was the main church of the area for a long time. The church was rebuild between 1914-1916 and there are many old relics to be found in it, among them a preacher´s stool from the 17th century.

Garðar BA is Iceland's oldest steel ship now placed on the beach near Patreksfjörður. The ship is a popular stop for travellers. The peculiar location of the ship and it's industrial and rustic surface makes it an interesting photography location. Originally the ship came to Iceland during WWII and got the name Siglunes SI 89. In 1963 the ship's engine was recplaced and it's name changed to Garðar BA 64. In 1981 the ship was in bad condition and declared unsafe for service. It now lies in Skápadalur in Patreksfjörður in a shallow shore.

In Fossfjörður, one of the offshooting fjords of Arnarfjörður you will find the A house. A small charming house that has been a social media sensation and very popular among travellers and photographers. The abondoned house has a particullar shape and its charming location has caught the eye of many of the people driving the coarse roads of the Westfjords.

Auður djúpúðga ( Auður the Deep minded) was one of the settlers in Dalir. She was a Christian and had a cross raised at Krosshólaborg, where she went to pray. Her descentants considered Krosshólaborg a holy place. Women in Dalir set up a memorial of Auður, a stone cross in 1965. The remains of Auður´s first farm, Auðartóftir, are nearby.

Takes its name "Breakfast Ness" from the fact that Auður the Deep-minded, one of the first settlers, stopped to rest there one morning while searching for a place to make her home.

There is a little church at Dagverdarnes dates from 1934.

Hafratindur is one of the highest mountain peaks in Dalir Region with an elevation of 642 meters. It is considered to be one of the best hiking trails in Dalir and has a panoramic view from the top.

The connection between France and Iceland plays a big role in the story of Þingeyri and Dýrafjörður. What's left of this connection can easily be seen in, the well taken care of, graveyard of the french seamen in Haukadalur. The French came to Iceland to use the wealthy fishing grounds in the 18th and 19th century. The French also had an idea of colonizing Dýrafjörður as a fishing station and a Army station.