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Hólmavík village in West Fjords Hólmavík is a small village located in the Steingrímsfjörður fjord. It is the only village on the remote east coastline of the Westfjords, called Strandir. For those interested in traveling this road, nr. 643 to Norðurfjörður fjord, it is quite convenient to start the trip at Hólmavík. The road has always been difficult, so I recommend this as a summer tour; I would not recommend driving during winter. The Strandir road is one of few touristy roads and places that you must travel back and forth. But it’s not a ring road or a loop and not part of the main circle whereby you can travel around the Westfjords. It offers, on the other hand, a spectacular scenic drive through fjords, mountain passes, and valleys. An old village that developed late Hólmavík old houses and church Hólmavík is not an old village and settlement on the lowland around the Steingrímsfjörður fjord was never fertile or particularly good for farms and agriculture. The first settlement in the Hólmavík area was in the late 19th century which developed around a small trading post set up for the convenience of the relatively few people living there. In the second decade of the 20th century, there were only eight houses forming a small cluster. It wasn't really until the forties and fifties that Hólmavík began to develop as a village. At that time, the Magistrate for the County of Strandir was set up at Hólmavík, as were other government-related services. A typical fishing town with tourist services Hólmavík preschool in town center When the town started to develop in the early fifties, it was mainly fishing and fish processing that formed the base of the village's economy, as in most Icelandic villages on the coastline. The first pier was built from driftwood that had piled up on the shoreline in East Húnaflói through centuries. Driftwood coming from Russia from the Barents Sea through the Norwegian Sea has always been viewed as an extra resource in this area. However, instead of cultivating the traditional halibut and cod stock, Hólmavík moved to prawn catching and processing because of the abundant supply on the Húnaflói bay. Today, the town's economy depends on fishing and fish processing, but the prawn industry is still essential. Government services are still there in the village that serve the larger county located in Hólmavík, and a regional field office of The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration is one of the most important ones. Tourism is also growing, as it is in most places in Iceland, as more and more visitors are interested in traveling to Strandir and some of the most isolated places on the east shore of the West Fjords. A good place to stop before driving to Strandir Swimming pool in Hólmavík Strandir West Fjords Hólmavík offers all the necessary services and facilities for a town to function properly. It has a preschool and a primary and a secondary school, a sports center, and a nice swimming pool. The town also has an excellent camping site, a lovely café, and a fabulous restaurant. All these make it a great place to visit and stop at, whether you plan to drive to Ísafjörður or Strandir. Although transportation and the village’s isolation were common issues in the past, the place is quite well connected today. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Ísafjörður has many interesting old houses Ísafjörður is the center town in the West Fjords Peninsula in Iceland and the largest one with a population of approximately 2,700 people as of January 2022. Like many of the towns and villages around the coastline in Iceland, Ísafjörður was mentioned in the Book of Settlement, which is huge in Iceland. However, from the time of early settlement until the 16th century, there wasn’t much activity in the area, at least not in any historical sense. It wasn't until the second half of the 16th century when merchants started trading that Ísafjörður became the largest trading post in the West Fjords. Ísafjörður is a significant part of Iceland's history There are many wonderful old houses and buildings in the town center in Ísafjörður The town maintained this status during and throughout the Danish-Icelandic trade monopoly, until it was abolished in 1786. The houses the merchants built on the sandbank that stretches into the fjord from the roots of the steep mountains are still standing and have been renovated over time. Soon after the trading monopoly ended, Ísafjörður became a booming and prosperous town, as both trading and fishing laid a solid economic base for the town. Ísafjörður became one of the most interesting towns to live in for decades, operating more decked vessels and doing more trading than most other places in Iceland, with great businesspeople running profitable businesses for many years. Ísafjörður is a victim of the Icelandic quota system Ísafjörður town center a view from the harbor In the 20th century, fishing and fish processing became the most important lines of business and for a large portion of the population, the main livelihood. In the eighties, Ísafjörður was one of the strongholds of the fishing industry in Iceland. At one point, the largest and most technologically advanced fishing vessel in Iceland had its home in Ísafjörður; Guðbjörgin was the pride and trophy of Ísafjörður, but that all ended when the Icelandic government introduced and implemented the fishing quota law in the nineties. As for many or almost all the towns and villages in the West Fjords, this was a huge drawback for development. A town of culture and impressive history Beautiful renovated old houses in Ísafjörður West Fjords Despite all the man-made and government-initiated obstacles, Ísafjörður has always been a highly attractive community. The town has a fascinating political and economic history; it has always been a highly cultural town in the forefront of music, culture, and education. Like most towns and villages, great emphasis was laid on building good infrastructure for the residents. Ísafjörður has good schools for children, a great music school, good sports facilities, and a beautiful library. Since the town is very old in Icelandic historical terms, there are more longstanding and interesting houses in Ísafjörður than in any other town in Iceland of comparable size. Fortunately, people in Ísafjörður have taken greater and greater interest in renovating the old houses. A must-visit tourist spot if you are visiting West Fjords A more recent section of Ísafjörður In Ísafjörður, you will also find one of the best and most original restaurants in Iceland, Tjöruhúsið , which is one reason you do not want to skip the West Fjords if you travel to Iceland. It is a restaurant operated in one of the oldest houses in Ísafjörður built in 1781 by the merchants who operated their business soon after the notorious Danish-Icelandic trade monopoly was abolished. Ísafjörður has a ll the other necessary services for people traveling in Iceland, such as accommodation, a gas station for those traveling in a rented car, a bakery and convenience store, and a fabulous camping site . It is one of my favorite towns in Iceland and easily made it to my list of 10 most interesting towns and villages in Iceland. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Patreksfjörður village in West Fjords Iceland Mentioned in The Book of Settlements, an important text in the history of Iceland, Patreksfjörður fjord has been occupied by people since the 9th century, mostly on farms. Patreksfjörður didn’t grow into a village until the late 18th century and the beginning of the 20th century, like most other towns and villages by the shoreline in Iceland. Due to the proximity of the rich fishing grounds, farmers sought food in the ocean for livelihood, surviving throughout many centuries in this fashion. Later, the fishing post developed into a trading post when foreign and local entrepreneurs became interested in fish and fish products. The origin of several such small towns and villages around Iceland can be traced to the existence of rich fishing grounds right by the shore. Other factors that counted in their growth are the development of boats and vessels, trading with other countries, and laws and regulations defining “who can fish.” Patreksfjörður: A victim of the fishing quota law Old renovated houses in Patreksfjörður village West Fjords Patreksfjörður, like many of the small towns and villages in the West Fjords, is an excellent example of a place that had all the necessary resources to grow and sustain itself as a fishing town. Unfortunately, after the Icelandic Government created the fishing quota system in 1990, Patreksfjörður was deprived of its natural fishing rights and traditions. In 1981, the population of the thriving fishing town was more than 1000; today, the inhabitants comprise approximately 720 people as of January 2022. The decline is, in essence, the effect of the quota system. The fishing industry remains the largest employer The boats in Patreksfjörður vllage are smaller and have limited permission to the rich fishing grounds Although large fishing boats and trawlers have disappeared from the Patreksfjörður fleet along with the quota, fisheries and fish processing remain to be the primary industry. The boats are smaller and have limited permission to the rich fishing grounds, taking advantage of their allowances whenever possible. In recent years, salmon fish farming in the fjords has also turned into a solid base for the economy in both villages in the Vesturbyggð Municipality. Other inhabitants work in the service sector, and as an increasing number of people discover the beauty, fascinating landscapes, and history of the West Fjords, more people have been opting to work in tourism-related industries. Excellent service and growing activity around tourism Patreksfjörður village has a great swimming pool Today, Patreksfjörður is part of a larger municipality, Vesturbyggð, which also includes the nearby village of Bíldudalur and most of the old rural districts in the surrounding fjords and valleys. The municipality offers the standard services provided to most towns and villages in Iceland: a preschool, an elementary and middle school, a library, and a community center. The municipality also collaborates with the Snæfellsnes Peninsula High School, which has a small branch in Patreksfjörður, enabling the people in the community to receive an education closer to home. There is also an adequate sports center and a swimming pool. The service reflects the immeasurable worth placed on education as well as the well-being and care for others reflected in the community. A majority of the houses were built in the fifties, sixties, and seventies, and all homes are heated with electricity. For those traveling in the south part of the West Fjords, Patreksfjörður is an excellent place to stay as the village offers accommodation and boasts of an excellent camping site. The town’s beautiful swimming pool offers a spectacular view of the beautiful landscape, even from the warm and cozy hotspots. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Suðureyri village in West Fjords The tiny village of Suðureyri is located near the mouth of a narrow fjord named Súgandarfjörður in the West Fjords. A fjord is surrounded by steep mountains with limited lowland. This village is only accessible through a tunnel, either from Ísafjörður or Flateyri. When you arrive through the tunnel, you may wonder what made people want to settle here in the first place, let alone start a village in this remote part of Iceland, especially because Suðureyri is a relatively new village that didn’t exist at the beginning of the 20th century. Before that, the not so sizeable inhabitable area in Súgandafjörður fjord consisted of only about dozens of farms for centuries. Access to rich fishing grounds was an advantage, and the farms were scattered throughout the lowland of the fjord, below the steep hills. The fjord has limited reference to the Sagas from the early settlement but has been inhabited for centuries. With this in mind, it is a fascinating place to visit. The development came with motorboats The main street in Suðureyri village West Fjords Iceland Until the last decade of the 19th century, the fjord was always relatively isolated during the wintertime, and the only access was by sea or walking trails to neighboring farms and villages. Then, in the first decade of the 20th century, a village started to grow with increasing fishing and fish processing ventures after motorboats were purchased and a pier improved. However, the fjord didn’t connect to the main road system in Iceland until 1940, when houses were built, and people started to move to the cluster of houses that began to form at a small sandbar by the shoreline. Even at that time, it was only connected with a challenging mountain road on Botnsheiði mountain pass, and the tunnel wasn’t built until 1996. Suðureyri had its booming time located on a sandbank Homes in Suðureyri village West Fjords It only took about three decades for the population to grow to almost 400. In the seventies, the village built geothermal heating with hot water from Laugar, a nearby farm. Unfortunately, the geothermal venture didn’t last, as there were not many geothermal heating plants in the West Fjords, and the village reverted to electric heating. In the fifties and up until the eighties, the village was booming. A small airport was built to enhance communication and transportation. The village also built a preschool, a primary school, a middle school, an excellent sports center and swimming pool, a community center, a health center, and a church. Moving towards tourism along with the fishing industry Church in Suðureyri tiny village As of January 2022, the population is around 260, and most of the people work in the fishing industry. Suðureyri is now part of the Ísafjörður municipality as the distance is not that large and the roads are open all year round. Suðureyri, like many of the villages and towns in the Westfjords, is moving towards tourism, serving people traveling in Iceland. The village offers accommodation and has a small restaurant, a gas station, and a small store. The fjord Súgandafjörður is part of a beautiful scenic drive in the Westfjords and it is absolutely worth taking the turn in the tunnel to visit. There are many interesting old houses in the village, and a stroll through the main street should be a part of your visit to the Westfjords. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The small harbor at Tálknafjörður village in West Fjords Tálknafjörður is a relatively new village in historical terms, similar to many towns and villages that developed around the shoreline in Iceland after the introduction of motorboats. There is little history before the town started to grow in the early twentieth century. It is a typical, tiny village whose existence and development hinged on the easy access to the fishing grounds right outside the coast and the natural conditions ideal for a harbor. In the late forties, a wharf was built, which paved the way for a fish processing plant in the fifties. Thus, from the beginning, everything in this village has evolved around fish and fishing. Most of the residents work in the fishing industry, or their livelihood depends on services related to it. Tálknafjörður is still a separate municipality. Tálknafjörður has the most beautiful church. Today, most of the residents of Tálknafjörður still work in the fishing industry. Unfortunately, the fishing quota system that the Icelandic Government created in 1990 turned growth around for most of the tiny villages in the West Fjords. In the past few decades, their economy has declined and their small population has shrunk further. Even though Tálknafjörður is a small village, it failed to see any advantages in merging with its neighbors into a larger municipality; hence, it remains a separate community. This may seem incomprehensible to outsiders, but it likely feels entirely logical for the approximately 260 residents of the tiny village. The Tálknafjörður community is of interest to people traveling to Iceland. A beautiful swimming pool in Tálknafjörður Owing to the great emphasis Iceland places on education and quality service for its residents, Tálknafjörður, like most towns and villages, has an excellent preschool and a combined primary and elementary school. Moreover, the town also has a library, a community center, a sports center, and the most beautiful swimming pool as well as appropriate social services. Although geothermal heating is uncommon in West Fjords, the swimming pool, sports center, and the school at Tálknafjörður have geothermal heating. Homes and other buildings are heated with electricity. Tálknafjörður, like many other villages, is turning to tourism. Homes built in the nineteen-seventies in Tálknafjörður Today, more and more people are visiting Iceland to explore the stunning landscapes and fascinating history of the Westfjords. Furthermore, the residents are taking matters into their own hands, determined to turn things around. More people are looking to enter the service and tourism sector to sustain themselves so that they can continue to live in the place they love. One of the more exciting ventures one can find in the West Fjords is Iceland Sea Angling in Tálknafjörður. Moreover, fish farming has helped enhance the economic base of this small village in the recent years. Thus, Tálknafjörður has moved toward tourism and has amenities such as an excellent swimming pool, a nearby restaurant, and decent accommodation. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Old church in Súðavík village West Fjords Iceland Unlike most towns and villages around the coast in Iceland that were part of the fishing industry, Súðavík was always more of an agricultural area. It could possibly be due to its closeness to the harbor and fish processing in Ísafjörður that the fishing industry developed late. This was the story until the late 19th century, following which, it had 21 farms, a small estate as well. But even then, not even a cluster of houses could be found anywhere. Then again, land for agriculture was limited in the West Fjords, and the fishing grounds were rich like in other places where fishing towns came into development. So eventually, fishing came to Súðavík as it grew into prominence in many other places around the shoreline in Iceland. It especially started to form and develop into a village when Norwegian entrepreneurs opened a whaling venture and built a whaling station around 1890. The tragedy of the 1995 avalanche Súðavík village street The village had always been tiny with few inhabitants. After the whaling station discontinued its operation, a combination of fishing and fish processing laid the ground for the village's livelihood in the 20th century until 1995. Then, in January 1995, a 400-meter snow avalanche descended on the small village. On that day, the scene was nothing less than devastatingly tragic in the Westfjords. People were buried in the snow, and rescue squads faced severe obstacles and difficulties in bringing aid. The whole nation was in shock. After hours and days of digging and searching, it appeared that many homes had been destroyed. Fourteen people had lost their lives and among them were eight children. Even though the village stands rebuilt and restored in the present day, the area where the snow avalanche struck has never been rebuilt. Súðavík is a tiny village with a difficult past Homes in Súðavík village in the West Fjords In the 20th century Súðavík developed in a similar fashion to most small towns and villages in Iceland. Emphasis had always been on good care for the young and the elderly. In addition to this, access to education and sports facilities had always been high on the priority list in all of Iceland's small villages and towns. The same applied to Súðavík as well. After the avalanche, a part of the town was closed for living in the winter and the town's development shifted to a more secure area. Despite all this, Súðavík offers most of the services expected in any village in Iceland; accommodation, gas station and a café. If you travel to the Westfjords and decide to pay your respects to the avalanche victims, a small garden is open in the village with a shield that has their names engraved on it. Another place to visit in Súðavík is the Arctic Fox Center offering a café and an exhibition dedicated to the Arctic Fox. It is an ideal place to take children as the center often has living foxes at sight. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Although the prospect of viewing the falls from various spots and angles might seem attractive, there is really only one way to witness its true beauty Klifbrekkufossar is the name given to eight small waterfalls, one above the other, at the bottom of the Mjóifjörður fjord in the Eastern Region of Iceland. The waterfalls are spectacular, zigzagging for about 90 meters up the hill like a giant white snake. The lava hills on both sides are covered with unusually lush and bushy vegetation which contrasts beautifully with the river and waterfalls. Although the prospect of viewing the falls from various spots and angles might seem attractive, there is really only one way to witness its true beauty: the parking lot at the bottom of the falls. This vantage point is the best way to see the rising levels of all the waterfalls in the same vista and experience the magical harmony of the flowing water with its eight installments, all similar in height. East Region on map of Iceland There is limited, if any, advantage in getting closer or even climbing around the waterfalls to get a "better" view. This is because, oddly enough, the natural wonder cannot be separated from its spectacular surroundings of lava, hills, rocks, vegetation, and stunning mountains. It is more like a natural concept than a natural wonder. To enjoy the waterfalls to the fullest, you should find a peaceful spot by the river—a few steps from the lowest fall—sit down on the grass, and enjoy. Fed by multiple sources of water on the heath Mjóafjarðarheiði The sources spread out like many branches of a tree above Klifbrekkufossar. The elevated waterbody that feeds the waterfall in the river Fjarðará is a spring fed river combined with direct runoff rivers and streams and therefore rarely contaminated with dirt and various materials like the many glacial rivers in Iceland. The sources spread out like many branches of a tree above Klifbrekkufossar. This makes the river quite clear and clean and gives the waterfalls an incredible feeling of purity. The river accumulates water from many sources in the heath above, which is filled with small springs and lakes and rises to 1100 meters. If you drive farther east in the fjord Mjóifjörður, you will see endless small streams flowing down every slope, all the way to the mouth of the fjord. It is like a leaking water tank. The waterfall only opens in the summer months The name Klifbrekkufossar can be translated as “climbing slope waterfalls”. The slope refers to the Mjóifjörður side of the mountain pass at Mjóifjörður heath (Mjóafjarðarheiði) which leads from the main road in Fagridalur valley (between Reyðarfjörður and Egilsstaðir) on to road 953 to the fjord Mjóifjörður. The drive is 17 kilometers to the bottom of the fjord and from there, 18 kilometers to the mouth of the fjord—if you like to drive a narrow road under a steep mountain slope. Unfortunately for waterfall lovers, the waterfalls are only accessible between June and September as the mountain pass leading to the narrow fjord is closed in the winter. The waterfall should be referred to as a single waterfall I have put it on my list of Iceland's 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Although most often referred to as a series of waterfalls and the name is in the plural, Klifbrekkufossar should be seen as a single waterfall falling 90 meters down a series of ledges. It is by any measure one of the most spectacular sights in Iceland and among the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. I have put it on my list of Iceland's 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Þingeyri harbor West Fjords Iceland Þingeyri, a small village located on the southern side of the fjord Dýrafjörður or Animal Fjord, is one of the few villages in the West Fjords without a tall, almost threatening mountain towering right above with a threat of avalanche during winters. On the contrary, the area around the village is a broad lowland, compared to several others in its surroundings. A former trading post One of the oldest houses in Iceland in Þingeyri West Fjords Although the village was an old trading post for trading companies with permission from the Danish–Icelandic Trade Monopoly, its community didn’t evolve until the late 19th century. One of the oldest buildings in Iceland is at Þingeyri—an old warehouse built in 1734. But it wasn’t until a few farmers purchased a docked vessel in the second half of the 19th century and began fishing in larger quantities that village life began to take root. Later, Þingeyri built a harbor, establishing fishing and fish processing as the main economic base and primary source of income. Þingeyri thrived in the fifties Þingeyri village in the fjord Dýrafjörður (Animal fjord) In the fifties up until the seventies, the village was booming, and most of the single-family houses were built at that time. The community offered excellent opportunities and what seemed like promising permanent employment in a stable industry. After the government of Iceland created the fishing quota system in 1990, much of the fishing industry and fisheries vessels disappeared and the town has fallen to decline. As in many towns and villages in Iceland, it was essential to establish necessary services for the community. A school was built to educate the young, a community center to enhance social life, and a healthcare center for the sick. Þingeyri is part of the Ísafjörður municipality today Town center in Þingeyri small village Today, the town with its population of a little less than 300 is part of the Ísafjörður municipality, a community that includes four small villages and the town Ísafjörður—the largest in the West Fjords. In the municipality, there are also around 180 persons in the rural area. It offers good quality service in the village of Þingeyri—an elementary and middle school, a sports center, a swimming pool, and a community center in the education sector. A village developing toward tourism Old houses in Þingeyri village Þingeyri maintains restaurants and a café and offers good accommodation, hotels, and guesthouses. If you visit the village, you should most definitely visit the charming Simbahöllin café. Staying at Þingeyri is a good alternative when driving through the West Fjords. The village is a beautiful pitstop, with an excellent camping site to rest your weary limbs and a convenience store and gas station to fuel up before continuing your journey. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Dynjandi waterfall in the West Fjords in Iceland Dynjandi is one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls and natural wonders as well as the largest waterfall in the West Fjords. It is an important part of the West Fjords scenic drive and one of the region's foremost natural wonders and tourist attractions. The source of the waterfall traces its origin to the upland above, to lakes and high-volume spring-fed rivers. When you drive the Dynjandisheiði mountain pass, you drive by the river that is the source. The waterfall consists of seven waterfalls that each have a name and identity. Therefore, Dynjandi is more than just a waterfall; it is a banquet of waterfalls and one of the most beautiful constructions by mother nature that you will ever see. Visiting the waterfalls and hiking the trail is almost like entering another dimension or church. Hiking up to Dynjandi Dinjandi is a waterfall feast with many waterfalls The hiking trail from the parking lot all the way up to the highest, and most impressive part, the Dynjandi waterfall, is pure joy and something no one who visits this area should miss. For anyone visiting Dynjandi, it is crucial to stay on the path and not walk outside the marked track. The uppermost waterfall Dynjandi is 100 meters high. You will recognize it from quite some distance. It is reminiscent of a bridal veil because it is 30 meters in diameter on top and 60 meters in diameter at the bottom. If you walk all the way to the top, you can stand quite close to the beautiful bridal veil as the waterfall has a convenient flow and does not seem intimidating. Another name for this waterfall is “The Mountain Fall” (Fjallfoss). Still, Dynjandi is the original name that has also defined the names of many other places nearby, and no wonder; it means “thunderous”, and indeed, the closer you get, the clearer you will hear its thundering voice. The seven waterfalls of Dynjandi Dynjandi is one of the most interesting waterfalls in Iceland While each of the six waterfalls beneath the main waterfall Dynjandi is breathtaking, the cumulative effect of the seven waterfalls makes Dynjandi so impressive. The sound, power, and sheer volume of water is unbelievable, as you will sense when hiking the trail. The hike up to the bridal veil and back should take about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on how much you enjoy it. Of course, the slower you walk, the more you enjoy it. The names of the waterfalls from the top are; Dynjandi, Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannfoss, Hríðsvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss (sometimes also referred to as Sjónarfoss). Each is a joy to view and photograph. A photographer can easily spend up to six hours by Dynjandi and all the other beautiful waterfalls on a good day. Dynjandi has captivated visitors with its mystical allure, believed by many to be inhabited by supernatural beings Take your time to sense the positive energy Dynjandi is perfectly situated at the base of the majestic Arnarfjörður fjord, offering a delightful respite for travelers exploring the enchanting West Fjords. The trail leading from the car park to Dynjandi is easily navigable for those with moderate fitness levels, featuring a gentle incline with a mix of slopes and stairs. Along the way, take breaks to admire the surroundings and absorb the information provided on the signposts. Throughout history, Dynjandi has captivated visitors with its mystical allure, believed by many to be inhabited by supernatural beings residing within its seven cascading waterfalls. Even today, its mesmerizing beauty brings joy to those who visit. Beyond its breathtaking natural splendor, Dynjandi serves as a sanctuary for joy, contemplation, serenity, and a harmonious connection to the nurturing energy of Mother Nature. The beautiful waterfall Dynjandi in Arnarfjörður fjord West Fjords Iceland Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

The ferry from Sæferðir from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur Today, Brjánslækur is best known for its important role in transportation and communication in the West Fjords. For centuries, the road on the Barðarströnd shoreline on the southern part of the peninsula has been difficult to travel as it leads tediously through fjords, mountain passes, and valleys. One way to avoid a difficult drive is to take a ferry. However, for decades, ferries have not been used a lot in Iceland except for ferrying in the Breiðafjörður bay and to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). The Breiðafjörður ferry starts along its scheduled route in the town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, stops at the fascinating small island Flatley in the middle of the large bay, and continues to the southern part of the West Fjord peninsula to Brjánslækur. So, it is a ferrying spot for the West Fjords. The ferry is quite convenient for those who want to skip the beautiful Barðaströnd drive and go straight to the western part of the peninsula. However, it is more useful and beneficial for the local people who are in a hurry to go home to Patreksfjörður of Tálknafjörður. Surtarbrandsgil ravine with “poor man’s coal” Brjánslækur ferry dock in the West Fjords Most of the people who opt for the ferry option, immediately leave the ferry dock for the Kleifaheiði mountain pass to the Patreksfjörður fjord. But exploring Brjánslækur is also a viable option as there as things to see, understand and discover. Apart from being by the beautiful fjord Vatnsfjörður, Brjánslækur has an interesting place which is rare in our complex geological history; Surtarbrandsgil is a place where we mined for wooden coal. Surtarbrandur, wooden coals, is the first stage in the process of forming coals, and thus, has a much lower quality for burning. So, it is a kind of poor man's coal as it is cheaper and has less quality. Here, you will also find the best preserved plant fossils in Iceland which are approximately 12 million years old. These beautiful fossils are geologically a part of the oldest part of the island Iceland. Moreover, a hike to Surtarbrandsgil is short and interesting at times when we speculate a lot about fossil energy. Another fact about Surtarbrandsgil is that it is a nature reserve and was protected as a natural monument in 1975. The Environment Agency of Iceland’s exhibition on Surtarbrandsgil in the old priest’s lodgings in Brjánslækur is open daily throughout the summer. Entrance is free for everyone. In relation to the exhibitions opening hours, hikes to the canyon led by a land ranger are available during these times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 13:00. Flókatóftir from the time of initial settlement in Iceland Brjánslækur information center A short distance away, by the shoreline, you will find the ruins of Flókatóftir. They are believed to be the ruins of Hrafna-Flóki's settlement. In the Book of Settlement (Landnámabók), there are stories of individuals that came to Iceland and stopped for a summer. Flóki Vilgerðarson, alias Hrafna-Flóki (Raven Flóki), and his Viking crew were allegedly the first to stay the entirety of the harsh winter. They discovered the rich fishing grounds and abundant stock outside the shoreline and got kind of lost in their enthusiasm for fishing during the summer. They made the mistake of completely forgetting to prepare for winter, as they forgot to collect hay for the dark and cold months. Needless to say, they ended up almost starving. The ruins of the first houses, built by Hrafna-Flóki and his team around 865 in Iceland, are thought to be close to the ferry dock in Brjánslækur called Flókatóftir. When Hrafna Flóki finally met spring and better weather on this island, which was called Garðarshólmi, he saw ice all over the place. So, he decided to name the island as Iceland. Needless to say, when the ice melted, he went back to Norway and never came back. Brjánslækur harbor and shoreline in West Fjords Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Hellulaug geothermal pool by Flókalundur in West Fjords All over Iceland, especially in high-temperature areas, you come across geothermal hot pots and pools created by the mixing of boiling geothermal water with cold spring water. It is a fascinating creation of nature and something a lot of visitors and tourists are both interested in seeing and willing to dip into. Most of the natural hot pools are pretty small and only accommodate seven to eight people at a time. Some are so small that only two to three can fit in. But you can also find pools big enough for you and a few of your friends to sit out in nature and enjoy the warmth even though the weather is a bit cold or even freezing. This is what makes traveling enjoyable and creates great memories. Even though the West Fjords doesn’t have enough geothermal water in the ground to heat the homes in the region, it has enough hot water to produce hot pools, here and there, around the peninsula. One reason is the geological age of the West Fjords and thus the temperature of the warm water in the ground. Many of these pools are really ancient and have been used by local people for centuries and have become popular among tourists also. A hot pool that has become popular recently is Hellulaug on the southwest shore of West Fjords, a warm and delightful pool to enjoy for visitors and travelers who want to relax in the warm water. Right on the West Fjord Ring Road Sometimes tourists dip naked into the Hellulaug pool, which is highly discouraged Hellulaug is located only a few hundred meters from the camping site Flókalundur in the famous Vatnsfjörður, where the first settler in Iceland camped for a winter. The small natural pool is always open with its endless flow of warm water all year long. Anyone passing by can take a dip in the lukewarm water at 38 degrees Centigrade and the pool around 3 to 4 meters in diameter. Like in so many hot pools around Iceland, you are on your own with no place to change into your swimsuit. Sometimes tourists dip naked into the pool, which is highly discouraged and something an Icelander would never do and has never been a local custom. Remember that this is a place where you must be at your best in courtesy as you are sharing the pool with other people and often children, so alcohol and vandalism are not appreciated. But it is a place for you to enjoy the warm water and take in the spectacular view of the coast and the Breiðafjörður bay. How to find Hellulaug The view to Breiðafjörður bay from Hellulaug pool You need to walk down a small cliff from the parking lot by road Vestfjarðarvegur nr. 60, which is the southern part of the West Fjord Ring Road, which is part of the West Fjord scenic route that leads you through some magnificent landscapes. Stay alert, as the signboard is barely visible and small but very close to the campsite Flókalundur. There is no admission and no place to take a shower before or after you dip into Hellulaug. There is no service, just the charming natural bath. All at your own risk. Relaxing in Hellulaug geothermal pool in the West Fjords Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Flókalundur hotel and camping site in West Fjords Located in the heart of Vatnsfjörður fjord, one of the most beautiful small fjords on the southern coast of the West Fjords, Flókalundur is a joy to visit and also a service center for tourists. The landscape is gorgeous with the view of the ocean, the shoreline, and the Breiðafjörður Bay. Flókalundur is named after Flóki Vilgerðarson, the first Viking to stop in Iceland during winter who also gave Iceland its name. Like most tourists traveling across the West Fjords, Loki came to Iceland during summer. On arrival, he was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscapes, the abundant food sources in the Breiðafjörður bay, and most likely the long bright nights. However, his main mistake was his lack of understanding of preparing for winter when everything was in reverse. Short days and long dark nights, the cold weather, and everything being covered with snow made catching anything in the bay during winter extremely difficult. Flókalundur is a place to hike and make a stop. There are a number of hiking trails for a evening stroll in Flókalundur During summers at Flókalundur, you will find a restaurant, good camping site, and a small hotel, and you can fill the tank here. It is a great place to stop if you are driving across the West Fjords, and it is ideal both for a scenic stop or an overnight stay. If you accommodate at the camping site, you can relax for hours in the long and bright evening, enjoying the view of the Breiðafjörður Bay. It is located at the intersection of the Barðastrandarvegur road nr. 62 on the southwest part of the West Fjords and road nr. 60 leading up to Dynjandisheiði mountain road. This road up to Dynjandisheiði is a kind of a shortcut when traversing the West Fjords as a tourist, and it bypasses the important southwestern part of the Westfjords. If you take this road, you leave out many fascinating places across the peninsula. Thus, it is not recommended as you would miss out on exciting and important sites in the West Fjords. Hiking trails and incredible landscapes The camping site in Flókalundur and intersection of the road to Dynjandisheiði and southwest part of the West Fjords At Flókalundur, you will also find some excellent, short hiking trails. You can relish an enjoyable walk by the river Penna and the canyon, a short hike along the coast to the geothermal pool Hellulaug, or a walk to the slope above the camping area to enjoy a better view of the Breiðafjörður Bay. Flókalundur offers great evening walks during bright summer nights before you hit your tent, camper, or hotel room. I would specifically recommend taking a relaxing dip in the warm and wonderful Hellulaug pool before your comfortable night's sleep. The Vatnsfjörður fjord and the Vatnsdalsvatn Lake, as well as the Flókalundur area and the surrounding area north up to the hills, is a nature reserve. The area was put on a protection list in 1975 for many reasons connected to geology and culture, and history. Like the East, Fjords have a different and older geological history than the rest of Iceland, just like the East Fjords. And historically, Vatnsfjörður fjord is a significant place. This fjord was the first place where anyone tried to build a settlement in Iceland more than eleven hundred years ago. This is an event documented in the sagas written in the Icelandic language in the 12th century. The view to Breiðafjörður bay from Flókalundur Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.