Towns & Regions

Akranes is just a stone's throw away from the capital largest town in West Iceland with the population 7.421. The Museum Area at Gardar is without a doubt the cultural centre of Akranes and a popular destination for tourists. Not far from there is the highly-praised 18-hole Gardavollur golf course and, likewise, the Gardalundur outdoor area with a playground for children of all ages. The swimming pool at Jadarsbakki are also just a few minutes from the Museum Area. 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. At Langisandur beach you can bathe in the ocean, build sandcastles and enjoy the view. You can also bathe in Guðlaug, a hot pool located in the rockgarden of Langisandur. From Reykjavik City Centre to Akranes 49 km. There is a regular bus service from Reykjavik to Akranes several times a day. Guesthouses, camping site, restaurant, café, museum, swimming pool and an 18- hole golf course.

Bifröst is a university village that is 30 km from Borgarnes.

Borgarnes lies in the middle of West Iceland about 75 km from Reykjavík City Centre.In Borgarnes you can create an unforgettable holiday: breakfast and a beautiful view at Geirabakarí, Relaxing in the Skallagrímsgarður public Park, Visiting the bird and photography exhibition at the Borgarfjörður Museum, watching the saga exhibits at the Settlement Centre. hiking in Einkunnir Country Park or climbing the Hafnarfjall mountain. Shopping in the local stores, take a dive at the Borgarnes Swimming Pool, eating delicious meal made from local products in the restaurants, and resting in one of the town's hotel, guesthouse, or B&Bs. And don't forget to take a walk along the beach or stop at the playground Bjössaróló were children of all ages can play for hours. 

Búðardalur is the largest town and the main administrative in Dalir region.

Home to Mt Kirkjufell.   Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town situated on the fjord of Breiðafjörður. The town is located right next to Kirkjufell mountain which is certainly one of the most famous mountains in Iceland, if not the world. Mt. Kirkjufell is the landmark of Grundarfjörður and visible from all angles in town. It is not unusual for photographers from all over the world to make their way to Grundarfjörður for the sole purpose of photographing this unique mountain which has even starred in a number of films. But there is a lot more on offer in Grundarfjörður than merely magnificent mountains. Nature abounds, with vibrant birdlife, spectacular waterfalls, great hiking trails and exciting marine visitors such as seals and whales putting in an appearance every now and then.   During the long summer days, there are daily boat trips where visitors can go deep sea fishing, see puffins and other beautiful birds and perhaps even catch sight of a whale or two. Grundarfjörður is the perfect location for people who wish to stay for one or more nights in the area. It is conveniently located in the middle of Snæfellsnes and provides easy access to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsbær and the Snæfellsnes National Park.   There is a great selection of accommodation available, with hotels and hostels, home guesthouses, and a campsite by the swimming pool.   The swimming pool with its hot tubs is just one of a number of exciting services around the town. There is also a golf course, family restaurants, a coffee shop, an information centre with some interesting exhibits, horse rentals, a pharmacy, a liquor store, a dry cleaning and laundry service and a well-stocked grocery store. Nice walking and hiking trails are marked up to the mountains and give spectacular view over the Kirkjufell mountain where it stands separated from the mountain range.   Though most visitors to Grundarfjörður arrive by road, there are also thousands that come by sea. Grundarfjörður Harbour makes every effort to make a cruise ship's visit comfortable and memorable for passengers and crew alike and as a result the number of cruise ships visits have increased from 2 in 2001 to no fewer than around 50 in summer 2019.   During summer the town truly comes alive in a number of different ways. During the town festival, “á góðri stund”, which is held the last weekend in July, the town literally changes color when inhabitants and their guests decorate their houses in red, blue, yellow and green and indulge in a range of activities for all the family, from art exhibitions to concerts on the pier

Hellissandur and Rif are two small but lovely towns. Hellissandur was once a major fishing town while Rif was one of the main trading ports on Snæfellsnes penisula.

One of the heroes of the Settlement Sagas, Grímur hinn háleyski, founded the rich farm of Hvanneyri at the time of settlement.   Today the Agricultural University of Iceland, which is very engaged in the protection of the environment, is located in Hvanneyri as well as the Acriculture Museum of Iceland. One can also find the Wool Center in the center of the town and the town's church.   For centuries Hvanneyri has been a church centre and a small comunity of 250 inhabitants formed around agricultural organizations. The main one is the Agricultural University, which traces its roots back to 1889.   The little church now standing in Hvanneyri was built in 1905.   The Agricultural Museum exhibits antique tractors and farming tools and Wool Centre is a woollen and handicrafts workshop. In the spring and autumn a lot of White-fronted Goose stay around the village, they are under protection in the area as well as other species that live in the area.   From Reykjavik City Centre: 80 km.

Ólafsvík is a town on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes penisula, a charming village close to the magnificent glacier.

Stykkisholmur is a very beautiful town and is the largest one, situated on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Reykholt in Borgarfjord is a small village and one of the greatest historical place in Iceland, mainly because of Snorri Sturluson, a famous writer, poet and scholar that lived there 1206-1241. He is believed to be the author of some of the Icelandic Sagas. In Reykholt are many things to see and to be discovered for travelers, like history, outdoor activities, ancient time, food and drink or music.  The pool of Snorri (Snorralaug) is an ancient protected pool, named after Snorri Sturluson. A geothermal water from the hotspring Skrifla is used there.  In Reykholt have been churches for centuries. Now there are two, the older made out of wood and the new that also has served as a musical hall.  Reykholtswood is great for hiking and enjoying outdoor activities and enjoy the peacful environment.  In Snorrastofa is a visitors reception that provides service, education and guided exhibitions.  Fosshotel is located in Reykholt.   

Rif is a small village at the North of Snaefellsnes peninsula. It's older name is Havarif or Háarif, but nowadays always called Rif. In the village there is a café and a guesthouse in 120 years old house.  At Rif is a very good harbor nowadays but wasn't always so since the river, Hólkelsá, ruind it some decades ago.  Close to Rif the Arctic tern has its homeland when laying eggs, it's worth to visit and have a look. Just keep in mind that the bird can be aggressive when getting to close to the nests.