{"id":62,"date":"2024-08-01T14:52:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T14:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hm-travels.com\/?page_id=62"},"modified":"2024-08-01T14:52:15","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T14:52:15","slug":"go-to-the-centre-of-the-earth-in-vesturland-western-region","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hm-travels.com\/?page_id=62","title":{"rendered":"Vesturland, Western Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Go to the centre of the earth in the Western Region! The Western Region is quite a big place, with a lot to do and to see. One of the most well known peninsulas is here. This one has the, presumably, most photographed mountain in all of Iceland, Mount Kirkjufell. The name of the peninsula is The Sn\u00e6fellsnes peninsula. In this region, you can also have a culinary shark meat tasting, without the Brenniv\u00edn though. You can enjoy some natural hot pools with some history and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and try to see some whales.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sn\u00e6fellsnes peninsula<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot to do in the Sn\u00e6fellsnes peninsula. You can easily fill 2 or 3 days here and have a comfortable trip. The big mountain, that forms the round part of the peninsula, is called the Sn\u00e6fellsnes. You might recognise this name if you have read the book To the center of the Earth, by Jules Verne. This is the crater in which they descend. The journey on Iceland started from the town of Stapi, I read that as Arnarstapi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arnarstapi<\/strong> & Hellnar<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This town is home to the statue of B\u00e1r\u00f0ur Sn\u00e6fells\u00e1s, the half troll and protector of the Sn\u00e6fellnes. If you walk past the impressive stone statue, you go towards the cliff’s edge. If you take the left path, you can see Gatklettur. A wild rock formation in at the sea. And these formations keep going as you can walk over the stone bridge. During the nesting seasons, many fulmar and kitwakes. If you would continue this path, it will lead you to the Arnarstapi harbour. The right path will lead you alongside the cliffs for a while and give you a beautiful ocean view. If you continue on the 574 the next town would be Hellnar. At the end of this town you will find the Hellnar cliff points. These have gorgeous wild rock in wild slamming waves. There are multiple accommodation and restaurant options in both Hellnar and Arnarstapi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur & Dritvik<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur is a beach that consists of two beaches. The first one, the one you start on, is Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur. This is a sandy to rocky beach with scattered parts of the founded Epine GY7 Fishing Trawler Brotaj\u00e1rn togarans. The English ship hit the rocks in 1948 and all 14 members of the crew unfortunately died. The wreckage of the ship is still visible on this beach. It has two tidal pools, with one the size of a small lake, Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur lagoon. Besides the fact that this is a beautiful beach with a history, it is also special in another way. It has an Elvish church. You have to look a bit for the correct rock formation, but there is one, and you have to treat it with respect, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"This<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Drivik<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The beach in the extension of Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur is called Dritvik. You can walk around the cliffs if you are sure that it is low tide, and stays like that for a while. Otherwise, there is a path on the cliffs you can follow. We took about 15\u201320 minutes to get there. This beach is a bit different, I noticed instantly. The beach is made of big smooth pebbles and sometimes even smooth rocks. It is covered in fish remains, which is kind of cool if you are into anatomy. It also had a lot of washed up kelp, (boat) floats and buoys. On the left side of the beach, when you arrive at the beach, are some big basalt structures. These are not that stable and are crumbling into sharp pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"This<\/figure>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In this area there is a troll church. On the right side is another rock formation which is called B\u00e1r\u00f0ars’ boat. In this area there is also a mysterious hidden labyrinth. You walk back over the lavafield back to Dj\u00fapal\u00f3nssandur. On your way back to the parking lot you should try out the fisherman’s ancient lifting stones, just to see if you are\/were a worthy fisher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00d3lafsv\u00edk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On the coastline of the peninsula is a village called \u00d3lafsv\u00edk. It is a nice town with a few accommodation options and gas stations. At the back of the town is a waterfall named B\u00e6jarfoss, which means townfalls. If you are in the area and want to do some whale watching, this is the spot. In the harbour of \u00d3lafsv\u00edk is L\u00e1kitours<\/a>, with whom you can book a tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00d6lkelduvatn Mineral Spring <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever had sparkling water out of a natural source? If you haven’t, this is your change. Next to a farm, a little of the main road there is the \u00d6lkelduvatn Mineral Spring. The water has been tested and appears to be very healthy and safe to drink. If you want, you can fill your waterbottle for a few ISK, so bring some cash. I am not sure if I liked the taste, but hey, I am still alive and well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your interest in this peninsula has been sparked, and you want to know more? Then here is a map with a few good spots to put on your wish to visit spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Silver Circle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just like the Southern Region and the Northeastern Region, the Western region has a highlighted circle. This one is named, The Silver Circle. The shape is not really a circle but you have to keep an open mind for this one. The Silver Circle actually ”only consist” of a few steps, so I added a few steps so you don’t miss them. I would recommend doing this circle in 2 or 3 days, depending if you want to do the tour stops as well. It has a bit of everything, a thermal spa, waterfalls, lava tube and a glacier. What more could you wish for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Natural hot tubs, bath like a Viking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone needs some relaxing time every once in a while. In the Western Region, you have a few options to relax. If you drive north you will pass the gorgeous mountain Esjan, which is a mineral-rich place and available for hiking. Going around Esjan will lead you to Hvammsv\u00edk hotsprings<\/a>. Hvammsv\u00edk hotsprings are multiple hotsprings at different temperatures. There is a steambath, outdoor showers and the Atlantic Ocean is near, so if you feel the need to really cool down between warm baths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, try out the H\u00fasafell Canyon baths <\/a>and bath like a Viking. The baths are in a canyon between two old volcanoes, but this is still the heat source for the hot springs. You will be driven there by a guide who can get you a drink while you’re soaking the pools. If you feel adventurous, you can take a dip in the cold stream. This is melting water from the nearby glaciers, and probably around 2 degrees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay in the Viking vibe, you can visit Eir\u00edkssta\u00f0ir, a Viking longhouse<\/a>. This is a replica of a Viking long which was found on the same grounds. It was made with the help of archaeologists and can be visited with a guided tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the foodies<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Someone<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you are like me, and want to try different types of local or locally produced food, there are at least two different places you should visit. The first one is also a museum, the Bjarnarh\u00f6fn Shark Museum<\/a>. Here you can learn about the history behind the famous fermented shark meat. Included in the admission is a shark meat tasting, which is highly recommended. You can’t get it fresher than here. The second spot I would recommend is the Erpssta\u00f0ir Creamery. This is a beautiful farm with a shop that presents home-made products like cheese, meat products, ice cream and Skyr. You can enjoy some delicious food, if you are lucky, in the sun while looking at the farm animals. After that, you can continue your journey, maybe with some snacks for later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waterfalls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are numerous waterfalls in this region. Some of them are easier to find and or to reach than others. I personally liked L\u00edsafoss a lot because of the beautiful surroundings and the crystal-filled river bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in other waterfalls<\/a> or would like to learn more about the other regions of Iceland<\/a>, checked out my other pages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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