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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.

Bjargtangar is the westernmost part of Látrabjarg and Iceland Látrabjarg is not an easy place to describe, and one must experience it to really understand its scale. It is a vast natural wonder consisting of multiple layers of hard rocks formed in repeated eruptions over millions of years. And ever since, it has been battling the ocean and its strong and unforgiving currents to defend this remote part of Iceland. Currents here are so unpredictable and strong that no captain in his right mind dares to come anywhere close to the cliffs. If the current grabs your vessel and brings it to the cliffs, you can be sure that it will be smashed into pieces in a matter of days and sometimes even hours. It is a monument to the two strong and long-lasting forces that constantly fight each other in Iceland: The magma luring close to the surface contributes to the land with continual eruptions, and the ocean breaks everything apart it can throw its waves at. These are the powerful forces you need to keep in mind when you stand on the top of Bjargtangar cliffs, the westernmost part of Iceland, trying to avoid dizziness amid millions of screaming birds of various species. The landscape’s mere size can make you lightheaded. The highest point of Látrabjarg is measured at 444 meters Altogether, it is a 14 km long cliff along the shoreline from the cove Keflavík westward to Bjargtangar. The highest point is measured at 444 meters. Standing by the edge fills you with a whirling sensation, which doesn't seem to fade even though you stay at the top for a while. It is an intimidating feeling even for people who are not scared of heights. And little do the non-stop cries of birds help fight this feeling. But without a doubt, it offers a stunning sight of monstrous cliffs. When you are at Látrabjarg, you will feel as if you might as well be at the edge of the world. It consists of four cliffs, Keflavíkurbjarg, Látrabjarg, Bæjarbjarg, and Breiðavíkurbjarg. Indeed, the experience will stay with you for a long time afterward. If you are near the edge with a camera pressed to your face, don't move until you have a clear sight and have moved the camera away from your eyes and nose. Unfortunately, Bjargtangar has witnessed some heartbreaking accidents by the cliffs, and at the edge, so it is not as safe as it seems. One of the largest bird colonies in the world Látrabjarg is an excellent place for birdwatching The cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. Látrabjarg is, indeed, Europe's largest bird cliff. The area is free of the very few predators we have in Iceland, like foxes, making the birds quite fearless. In particular, the puffins, frequently venture into the upper, grassy parts of the cliffs, digging deep holes to build their own comfortable living quarters. For centuries, the cliff had been a food source, and people used to be rappelled down from the edge each year, adding birds and eggs to their protein. Látrabjarg is a fantastic place to observe birds in their natural habitat. But please, understand the danger involved if you try to approach the edge. Down at the bottom of the cliffs are seal communities. So, for many living creatures, it is a sanctuary rather than a hostile terrain. Hiking is always the best and most rewarding way to travel in Iceland. Látrabjarg is a large bird conlony Hiking along the edge is like being on top of the world. But, be careful and don't cross the white line painted on the sheer side. The dizziness may result in one fatal misstep. If you want to observe and photograph the birds, lay down on your stomach with only your head over the edge. There are also some hiking trails in the southwestern part of the West Fjords. One of the most interesting among them is the one by the cliff. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Today, Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area in Iceland One of the settlers in Iceland during the settlement era, over 1100 years ago, claimed that the island was covered in a forest from the shore to the mountains, as it is phrased in the Sagas. His claim has always been mind-boggling to the Icelanders who can't help but wonder what happened to their trees. Some say the wind swept them away. Others argue the sheep gnawed them away when the farmers had their livestock roaming the heaths and moors and mountains all summer long. At some point, it was concluded that the cold little island had almost no trees. The few that had survived since the settlement were on a farm called Hallormsstaður in the East Region. At the turn of the nineteenth century, the farm was fenced, and livestock was banned, most importantly sheep. Around the middle of the century, Icelanders started to plant new trees at the farm. All kinds of trees were imported from other countries to test their survival skills in Icelandic weather. The size of the farm has increased, and it is now the most extensive wood in Iceland. It is difficult to define it as the 800 hectares (2000 acres) can hardly be labeled as a forest. So, trees are not something you travel to Iceland to see unless you are looking for the smallest forest in Europe. East Region on map of Iceland After our trees had disappeared a new plan was implemented Hallormsstaðaskógur is situated by the lake Lagarfljót Whatever the reason for the disappearance of trees, a plan was launched, and forestation became the new rave. Trees were planted in crucial locations in addition to Hallormsstaður. It became an official policy in 1899 when the Parliament passed a law to protect what was left of forest in the area. The locals were instructed to shape up and plant trees. Today, Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area in Iceland. Although we became almost obsessed with the idea of planting trees in the seventies and the eighties, the step towards renewing our former tree glory is far from being reached. The policy has been disputed in recent years, and some would claim that one of our advantages is not having many trees but, instead, a beautiful view of mountains and valleys. A great location for a forest Atlavík camping at Hallormsstaðaskógur On the other hand, Hallormsstaðaskógur is located south of the town of Egilsstaðir. It is situated by the lake Lagarfljót and has recently become popular as an outdoor paradise. The climate in the area is quite convenient. It is breezy rather than windy. Summers are usually warmer and sunnier than the rest of the island. When I traveled through Hallormsstaðaskógur in the summer of 2021, it was the warmest day recorded at 29 centigrade. In winter, the snow covers the entire flora, sheltering the roots from any frost damage. Hallormsstaðaskógur is a beautiful place to visit with many interesting hiking trails and among the most beautiful camping sites in Iceland, in Atlavík cove by the lake. Here, you can also see many samples of trees that grow in Iceland and get the best information about what trees survived and which are the most popular. You can also form an opinion if Iceland has a forest? To find Hallormsstaður, you need to take road nr. 95 south from the town of Egilsstaðir and then turn east on road nr. 931 and you can't miss it. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

The beautiful and interesting destination Krossneslaug geothermal pool Iceland has many natural pools because of the abundant hot and cold water in the ground, blending in places out in nature. There are also pools where boiling water emerging from the ground mixes with cold spring water before it is streamed into the pool. Icelanders have tapped into these wonderful natural resources for centuries. Sometimes the pools are in natural surroundings, such as Landmannalaugar and Strútslaug in the Highland, and sometimes we construct nice swimming pools and hot tubs. The natural pool at Krossnes on the east coastline of Strandir in the West Fjords peninsula is one of the most interesting pools in Iceland. It is a remote location; the surroundings are stunning, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The pool and dressing rooms are well-maintained; showers allow for a long shower, and the whole experience near the Arctic Circle is just a joy. Although rare, sometimes whales from the pool are spotted swimming by in the ocean. Not often, but when it happens, it is dreamlike. Krossneslaug and the drive to Norðurfjörður Krossneslaug pool is a great place for relaxation The geothermal pool at Krossnes on Strandir is a bit north of the fjord Norðurfjörður near the Arctic Circle. It is one of Iceland's most spectacular and unique destinations. It is a very peaceful and relaxing environment with beautiful landscapes. However, the drive is rather long and challenging, and the gravel road nr. 643 is both grueling and, at some points, a bit scary. It is a 90-kilometer drive from the small village of Hólmavík and the road nr. 61. Unfortunately, you need to drive the same road back, as there is no possibility of a ring road option here. From the middle of May until the middle of September, it is accessible by most cars, small and large, and anyone can drive this road, but caution is needed, especially if you find yourself enveloped in a dark fog that often lays its dark hand over the area. But if you get a clear day, the whole drive is exquisitely scenic by the beautiful coast, through stunning fjords, enormous mountains, and steep slopes consistently towering over your car. But if you want something remote, exotic, and different, Krossneslaug is the place. The pool is, of course, very relaxing and drains the stress of your drive. It is also an excellent place to prepare for a good night's sleep in a tent, a caravan, or hotel, not to mention preparing you emotionally for the drive back. A two- or three-day stop in Norðurfjörður is recommended. Setting up the flag in Krossneslaug pool in West Fjords If you choose to take this challenge, you should consider a day or two in the land. It offers exciting hiking trails and a beautiful landscape. The stronger your car is, the more you can see, so I would recommend an excellent 4X4 car here so you can drive to the more remote areas and hike to your heart’s content. It is a stunning place for photographers with its stacks and pillars by the shore and incredible mountains and valleys. It is a paradise for birdwatchers also, with a large variety of species. Convenient accommodation is available at Urðatindur and a good campsite. You can even dine at a nice restaurant and enjoy some delicious Icelandic cuisine at the restaurant/café Kaffi Norðurfjörður. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

A view to Trékyllisvík (left) and Norðurfjörður (right) in Strandir West Fjords Both Norðurfjörður and Trékyllisvík are small communities; each comprises a small cluster of houses at Strandir in the West Fjords and part of the same municipality of Árneshreppur. Although this municipality is the least populated in Iceland, it has been around for a long time. A part of Strandir, it is reserved for the especially curious tourists. With a rich blend of history, phenomenal landscape, turmoils, and isolation, the place is simply alluring and magnetic. So, it warrants the attention of travelers from around the world. Norðurfjörður Norðurfjörður tiny hamlet in Norðurfjörður fjord at Strandir Norðurfjörður fjord and the tiny hamlet with the same name are as remote as they can get in Iceland. In the fjord, there is a small cove with very few houses but with a history that goes back as far as the settlement of Iceland. Although the surrounding region is quite large, it is scarcely populated. In the winter, the only public transport linking the area to the rest of the world is one or two weekly flights from Reykjavík to Gjögur—another tiny cluster of houses close by and part of the municipality Árneshreppur. In summer, on the other hand, you can reach Norðurfjörður and Trékyllisvík by driving along the Strandir coastline. While driving, you will pass by many interesting places and at the end of your drive, guesthouses and campsites, a tiny grocery store, a swimming pool, and an excellent café. You can say that the whole place comes alive in the summer. Þrjátíudalastapi (thirtydollarrock) north of Krossneslaug pool in Norðurfjörður fjord Moreover, unlike in the winter, a drive to Norðurfjörður is much less complicated in the summer. The fjord and its surrounding areas have many interesting places of attraction. But the number one is undeniably Krossaneslaug—the most popular geothermal swimming pool in the Westfjords. The swimming pool is located on a black pebble beach near the shoreline. With nothing ahead but the infinite blue of the Arctic Ocean, one may feel like one is sitting on the edge of the world. Urðatindur accommodation and Ferðafélag Íslands huts and camping site With its one grocery store, Norðurfjörður is the last place where a tourist may stop to stock up before heading off on a hiking trip to Hornstrandir, the ultimate hiking challenge in Iceland. Norðurfjörður basically serves as a basecamp for this exotic and difficult hiking adventure. If you are interested in the hike, you can contact the Iceland Touring Association, which is in charge of organizing hikes to Hornstrandir and has a hut in Norðurfjörður. Norðurfjörður is as far as you can get with an ordinary car at Strandir shoreline. But if you have an excellent 4X4, you can drive north to the next fjord Ingólfsfjörður fjord and even farther. However, take your time before heading off. The landscape surrounding the small settlement in Norðurfjörður is very unpredictable. Everything is vast, except us mortals and our buildings. A stroll on the beach north of the Krossneslaug swimming pool to view the sunset is a good idea for a relaxed evening during bright summer nights. Tourists can take a hike during the day to reach up to Mt. Kálfatindur peak to experience a great view of the surrounding landscapes. Trékyllisvík Trékyllisvík birdlife Trékyllisvík is a cove in the south of Norðurfjörður in Strandir. It is surrounded by vast and towering mountains. Interestingly, Trékyllisvík is well-known as the place of emergence of an era of witch craze in Iceland—in 1654, the villagers and the local sheriff burnt three alleged witches at the stake. The people believed them to be responsible for, and then found them guilty of, the scandalous behavior among some women at mass in the Árnes church. Trékyllisvík has a reputation for being the harsh and exposed backbone of the Westfjords. This might be due to the fact that the whole community almost starved to death at the end of the seventeenth century, with at least 120 deaths in two years. This was a massive blow to the small population of Trékyllisvík at the time, and they most likely never recovered. Nonetheless, it has been a thriving fishing community for centuries and at times has generated excellent incomes for its people as compared to other places in Iceland. Today, Trékyllisvík is still a lovely community with a primary school and a church with an old churchyard. The cove is unusual and inhabits a wide variety of wildlife. On any given day, you might spot seals and birds of numerous species in their natural habitats. Creativity is second nature to the locals, quite apparent in Kört with a museum/gallery that sells exquisite local artifacts made of driftwood, stones, wood, and textiles. The museum/gallery also has paintings and drawings that are based on the region’s tumultuous history. Hydroelectric Power Plant or Natural Wonders? Despite tonnes of startup failures throughout centuries, entrepreneurs are still prepared to bet on Strandir for their investments; currently, electricity is supposed to produce the profit. Since the last century, there has been an interest in building a hydroelectric power plant on the backland of the fjord Ófeigsfjörður, north of Norðurfjörður fjord. In recent decades, the interest has been translated into a plan. A private company Vesturverk is the creator of this plan and has applied for permission to start the project. This has made Árneshreppur a center of the debate: should the preservation of nature, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls be prioritized over the economic advantages of a power plant? This has split the community of this tiny municipality into two, leaving the project at a standstill. Árnesstapar sea stacks are explained in folklore as trolls with their dog caught up in sunlight and turned to rock Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Reykhólar hamlet played an important role in Iceland's history for many centuries Reykhólar is a tiny hamlet or village in the southeast part of the West Fjords, almost hidden from the main road, and rarely mentioned anywhere today. However, it has a unique place in Iceland’s history. For centuries, the Reykhólar farm was considered to be one of the most valuable estates in the country not only since it was an excellent farmland but also because it owned more than 300 islands in the large Breiðafjörður bay; islands that added huge value to the farm for many centuries. As a result, many chieftains and wealthy families lived at Reykhólar and owned the farm throughout Iceland’s history; some of them with a bigger ego than the estate itself. Generally, it was a part of a farm conglomerate where one family owned many valuable farms. The small village is placed in a wonderful surrounding with a spectacular landscape. Therefore, it is not surprising that wealthy individuals choose the place as their main home. Guðmundur ríki (the wealthy): one of the most famous Houses at Reykhólar hamlet in West Fjords In 1423, Guðmundur’s father drowned and he inherited an unprecedented wealth. In the same year, he married one the wealthiest women of that time. Taking advantage of their combined wealth and resources, he yielded assets by carrying out business with English merchants who were eager to trade with Iceland at the time. In the next two decades, Guðmundur became the wealthiest man in Iceland and is often considered to be the wealthiest Icelander in history. Although he was clever to increase his fortune, Reykhólar farm was always the most important aspect of his venture. So, when you visit Reykhólar, you must look around when you stand in the small hamlet by the church and view your surrounding in the light of a very different historical time—a time when most of the transportation, communication, and trading were carried out via the sea. This will provide you with a better understanding of Reykhólar´s value in the past. It is hard to believe that throughout history it was often considered to be one of the most important places in the entire country. A tiny community providing the basic services The single largest employer in Reykhólar is the Kelp factory Currently, Reykhólar is a tiny village comprising around forty homes and approximately 120 residents. Similar to many towns, villages, and smaller communities around the country, Reykhólar manages to provide good basic service to its residents and the Reykhólasveit municipality, the surrounding rural area. There is a preschool, elementary and middle school, and a library. Since the town boasts geothermal heating, there is also a swimming pool. Like most tiny villages, Reykhólar owns a sports center as well as a community center. A first stop while visiting West Fjords in Iceland During its most glorious times, trading was carried out with vessels docking outside the farm The single largest employer in Reykhólar is the Kelp factory that has operated in Reykhólar for decades. The production from the factory is sold to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industry. Despite its history, Reykhólar never developed into a fishing town or a trading post. During its most glorious times, trading was carried out with vessels docking outside the farm and transactions were made on small rowing boats between the farm and the ships. Others mostly work in the service industry such as schools, care for the elderly, and the growing tourist industry. Reykhólar provides the usual service to tourists traveling in Iceland. It includes accommodation, a camping site, a gas station, a small restaurant, and a café as the bare minimum during the summer months. Therefore, due to these various reasons, Reykhólar is an interesting first stop while visiting the West Fjords. Reykhólar swimming pool Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

The color of the beach, derived from scallops Rauðisandur (Red Sand Beach) is a ten-kilometer stretch of a shell beach on Iceland's south coast of the West Fjords (Vestfirðir). The color of the beach, derived from scallops, is indeed red—at least in certain conditions. When the living organ in a scallop dies, the shells are broken down to bits and pieces by the ocean's strong current and thrown to the shore. It is quite a sight to see on sunny days, as it glitters like a coast covered in diamonds. Sunny days are by no means the ruling weather in this part of Iceland, but don't let that stop you from going to Rauðisandur. This fantastic beach is like an instrument being played by high and low tides and lights and shadows. The sands are equally impressive on rainy days, constantly changing colors from red to yellow to white to red to black—with striking hues ranging throughout this magnificent display. Rauðisandur has many qualities that we love to experience on our travel. It is also a peaceful and photogenic place: Photographers, don't hesitate to bring your gear. Although it takes only a few hours to drive from Reykjavík today, it was a very isolated place a few decades ago. First settlers were on a Christian mission in a land of paganism At the time of settlement, walruses lived at Rauðisandur Rauðisandur, like many lowland stripes by the shore, fjords, and valleys in the West Fjords, is mentioned in the famous Book of Settlement (Landnámabók, written in the 13th century in Icelandic). Many of the settlers in the region came from the Hebrides in Scotland and were on a Christian mission with Örlygur Hrappsson, who first arrived at and named the Patreksfjörður Fjord. For centuries, people have farmed this land and provided their families with food from rich fishing grounds in the Breiðafjörður Bay. At the time of settlement, walruses lived at Rauðisandur, and one could produce valuable commodities from hunting them. Although isolated, it was a good place for survival in Iceland and always far away from the difficulties caused by volcanos. Take care on the steep road down the slope to Rauðisandur One great way to enjoy Rauðisandir is the outdoor seating at the wonderful café You need to take extra care when you drive the road from the Patreksfjörður Fjord. On the south side, the gravel road leading to the beach goes through a steep and narrow mountain pass, with 180° turns and no rails. Take your time to drive down the slope and even stop to enjoy the spectacular view. On reaching the lowland, you will find one of the most wonderful cafés on the beach when you turn west. Rauðisandur is also a place of inflammatory folklore and stories. Apart from tales of trolls and ghostly figures, Rauðisandur is the area where Iceland's most legendary act of crime, The Murders at Sjöundá, happened. It is a true story of brutal murders, darkness, intrigue, betrayal, adultery, and passion. The whole tragedy was described in one of the best novels written by an Icelandic writer: Svartfugl , by Gunnar Gunnarsson. A literary masterpiece, it was first published in Denmark in 1929 and was a best seller for months all over Europe at that time. It is probably one of the first Icelandic crime novels that became a hit. Take a stroll on the beach to enjoy the magnificent Rauðisandur beach From Rauðisandur you have a view to Látrabjarg cliffs Taking a stroll along Rauðisandur is an experience. You can walk to the sand from the café and the Melanes farm, which is probably better. The soft sand and coarse seashell fragments often veil precious objects washed ashore by the sea, even Whalebones or a bottled message! But remember to follow the flow of the tide, as there is a significant difference between low and high tides. Rauðisandur is part of the West Fjords drive and road trip, if you want information about getting there and when to travel to Rauðisandur. The ruins at the farm Sjöundá Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Museum at Örlygshöfn valley in West Fjords Örlygshöfn Cove is one of Iceland's golden beaches that you only see in the West Fjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. These beaches are unlike the many black beaches and black sandy coastlines that most tourists find interesting to visit around the island. The cove is at the mouth of a valley with the same name on the south side of the Patreksfjörður fjord. With golden sands stretching for miles, the sight is stunning, especially on a sunny day. The fjord's waters take on a hue of royal blue and display spectacular scenery. It is an excellent spot for photography, as the lagoon that stretches into the valley is often calm. Located across the fjord from Patreksfjörður town, Örlygshöfn Cove is scarcely populated and has only had three farms in the valley for many centuries. Early settlers that gave the valley its name Örlygshöfn, mentioned in the book of settlement, was first settled by Örlygur Hrappsson more than eleven centuries ago. Örlygur also gave the Patreksfjörður fjord its name in honor of the holy bishop Patrick in the Hebrides, a foster brother of his father. Bishop Patrick provided him with blessed earth and wood for a new church and plenarium. It is a reminder that although paganism was the main religion in Iceland at the time of settlement until the year 1000, many of the settlers were Christian. However, Örlygur did not settle in Örlygshöfn himself: Four of his fellow travelers who did include his brother and foster brothers. Among them were his brother and foster brothers. The valley has been inhabited since. A great stopover when visiting the West Fjords Minjasafn Egils Ólafssonar at Örlygshöfn West Fjords In this small valley, you will find guesthouses, a museum, and a small café. The museum Minjasafn Egils Ólafssoar at the farm Hnjótur is a must-see pit stop. Egill Ólafsson, a farmer at Hnjótur, started gathering artifacts, like clothing, fishing gear, boats and much more, from various places and times around the region from an early age. His efforts developed into a museum. Today, the museum tells a fascinating story about the harsh life and circumstances endured at this remote place on our planet. It speaks of survival and joy among the people who lived through it all by cultivating the land and fishing in the fjord. The road through the valley is also the route to one of the most popular natural wonders in Iceland, the Látrabjarg cliffs. Örlygshöfn is also a good place for horse riding, as the beach provides gorgeous surroundings and a good riding field. Even if you are in a hurry to cast your eyes on Látrabjarg, it will be worth your while to linger around this beautiful cove. Evenings in the Örlygshöfn Valley and fjord A viking ship in front of Egill Ólafsson muserum in Wesf Fjords If you are driving back from Látrabjarg in the bright evening on a clear summer day, go slowly, as this place has the most amazing sunsets. During winter, although it is not a particularly great place to visit due to harsh weather, the display of the northern lights is unparalleled. The Örlygshöfn Cove is a great contrast to the imposing beauty of all the steep mountains, sheer cliffs, and raging surges characteristic of the Westfjords. It is a relaxing place, and you don't need a horse to enjoy it. You can walk along the golden sands and listen to the ocean waves gently caressing the shoreline. It is the right place to take a moment to digest all the largeness born of ice and fire thrown at you. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Having retired from farming at the age of 72 in 1958, Samúel decided to follow his dreams of becoming an artist. Selárdalur valley is one of the Ketildalir valleys on the southern shore of the long Arnarfjörður fjord in Iceland; it is one of the few valleys in the area that is a tourist attraction. There is more than one reason why this valley is worth visiting. Most of the valleys of the fjord Arnarfjörður are small and narrow, with high and steep mountains on three sides. Many of these resemble the small fjords that you see all over the West Fjords, except these are filled with sediments at the bottom and have thus become picturesque valleys. The sediments provide good, nutrient-rich soil for farming; they have been providing an adequate livelihood for people for more than a thousand years, right from the time of settlement. Additionally, many of them host good landing spots for boats by the shoreline, allowing one to take advantage of the rich fishing grounds right in front of the valley. It is an interesting comparison between the fjords along which you drive on the southern side of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord on your way from Ísafjörður to the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði mountain pass and the fjords on the southern shore of the peninsula named Barðaströnd. Unlike Ketildalir, where you drive along the coast, driving along the fjords takes you right to the bottom of the fjord and then out of its mouth. Selárdalur was a prosperous community for centuries When you arrive at the valley, it isn't easy, at a glance, to know that the community in Selárdalur actually thrived for many centuries. It had two critical prerogatives to its advantage—good-quality farming land and easy access to the ocean. The farmers and their families would work hard on their land, and then the men would gather in their boats to go out fishing, just a short distance from the shoreline. This provided both food and the possibility of trading fish and fish products. More than one hundred people lived here in the late nineteenth century, and everyone prospered. The valley also always served as a valuable parish and had a church and a priest. Heartbreaking events that changed the course of history On 20th September in the year 1900, everything changed. The worst weather in the region's history hit the area mid-morning, just a few minutes after boats had sailed in calm, beautiful weather. Four boats were lost at sea. Thirteen men from the valley lost their lives, leaving eleven widows and twenty-four fatherless children behind. It was a fatal blow for the community; eventually, the valley was deserted in a matter of a few decades. A valley that had been a center stage for the northern part of the West Fjords for centuries. You can only imagine how incomprehensible it must have been for the people living there. The fjord had always been relatively calm, but the hurricane-like weather changed everything in one day—with disastrous consequences. This event is a reminder of the weather’s role in shaping the history of Iceland. Samúel the remarkable artist and his sculptures His buildings, the church, and the house are also considered sculptures and part of the artwork. In the last decades of the 20th century, Selárdalur valley was left with only a handful of people living there. One of them was the novice artist Samúel Jónsson. Having retired from farming at the age of 72 in 1958, Samúel decided to follow his dreams of becoming an artist. He created sculptures from concrete. He would carry sand from the seashore to his farm at Brautarholt, out of which he would then make concrete. His sculptures are still standing and very well preserved. Samúel managed to capture the heart of the Icelanders who have dubbed him "the artist with the infantile heart." His sculptures portray a grotesque but charming resemblance to the lion's fountain in the Alhambra Palace in Spain. His buildings, the church, and the house are also considered sculptures and part of the artwork. In the recent years, a group of admirers have contributed to restoring his work and making it more accessible. The road from Bíldudalur village is also quite good and a fascinating drive by the mountains. For all its wonderful beauty and rich history, a visit to Selárdalur is highly recommended. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Vatnsfjörður fjord, situated along the South shoreline of the West Fjords, Barðaströnd, is a captivating nature reserve deeply intertwined with Icelandic history. This fjord is not merely a picturesque landscape but a significant part of the country's heritage, dating back to the early days of settlement when Iceland was still uninhabited. According to the ancient Book of Settlement of Iceland, Flóki Vilgerðarson, also known as Hrafna-Flóki (Raven-Flóki), holds a prominent place in Icelandic lore as the first Norseman to venture westward in search of this remote island intentionally. Was Flóki the first individual to stay in Iceland for a year During the 9th century, Flóki embarked on his daring journey with three ravens as his companions, relying on these birds to guide him across the vast ocean. As he sailed from the Faroe Islands towards what was then called Garðarshólmi, Flóki released the ravens one by one. The first raven swiftly returned to the Faroe Islands, while the second soared high into the sky, its destination unknown. It was the third raven that faithfully led Flóki to the island he sought, eventually guiding him to the tranquil waters of Vatnsfjörður fjord within the Breiðafjörður bay. Even if you are interested in history, don't skip geology The geology of this region is not just visually striking but also holds a wealth of scientific interest, offering insights into the geological processes that have shaped Iceland over millennia. The rugged cliffs, pristine waters, and diverse flora and fauna create a harmonious tapestry of natural beauty that has captivated visitors for centuries. Or nature, for that matter As visitors explore Vatnsfjörður fjord, they are not only treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history that permeates this place. From the pioneering spirit of Flóki Vilgerðarson to the tales of early settlement and exploration, every rock and wave in Vatnsfjörður fjord whispers a story of resilience, discovery, and the enduring bond between Iceland and its natural wonders. A location resembling paradise, rich in plentiful resources. Vatnsfjörður fjord view to Breiðafjörður bay Flóki displayed exceptional foresight in selecting Vatnsfjörður, abundant with lush vegetation, flowing rivers, teeming seas, diverse birdlife, and geothermal resources. It was undoubtedly akin to discovering paradise. Accompanied by his family and friends, Flóki settled in Brjánslækur, basking in the idyllic summer conditions. The land provided plentiful food, the weather was serene, and the surroundings were at their most picturesque during the summer months. The group thrived on the land's bounty, engaging in successful fishing and bird hunting. However, their oversight in preparing for winter left them stranded in a stunning yet harsh environment as cold temperatures and severe storms took hold. Despite enduring the winter, they lost all their livestock due to inadequate hay reserves. Come spring, Flóki gazed upon the frozen Breiðafjörður bay from a hill, prompting him to rename the island Iceland from Garðarshólmi. Vatnsfjörður has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries since Flóki's fateful winter stay. Thus, when exploring the shoreline or trekking the lakeside and hills of the fjord in the summer, one is transported to a landscape reminiscent of the one Flóki and his companions once knew. Fascinating, yet a unique geological specimen. Vatnsfjörður fjord has a great variety of birds The bedrock in the area is part of the Tertiary Basalt Formation, dating back 10 to 13 million years. In addition, the landscape has been shaped and molded by Ice Age glaciers as the mountains in the West Fjords clearly display. It is like the East Fjords, the oldest part of Iceland, and you will find glacial dikes throughout the area as well as natural geothermal pools. Unlike the inland, the highland, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the northwest, no volcanic activity has occurred in this area for millions of years. Therefore, this is the oldest part of Iceland. Stopping and hiking in Vatnsfjörður Evening in Vatnsfjörður in summer view to Snæfellsnes Peninsula Vatnsfjörður is a great place to stop and hike in the West Fjords. It is a good place to halt for the night, both at the hotel and guesthouses in the Flókalundur and Brjánslækur areas. The area also offers many exciting hiking trails and places of interest. With a mild climate and warm summers, Vatnsfjörður sports a magnificent bird life. The Eider Duck is a common sight on the fjord and you will undoubtedly spot the Harlequin duck during May and June. Occasionally sighted are the Sea Eagles and the Gyrfalcon; the Arctic Fox roams the area, and Seals inhabit the reef on the Hörgsnes Peninsula. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.