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Wonderful hiking, spectacular scenery
and abundant wildlife...
The Westfjords is without a doubt Iceland’s most rugged region,
and hence receives few visitors. However this region is hard to beat
if you want wonderful hiking, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.
Travel is difficult and creature comforts sparse but then, with the
bracing air and gorgeous scenery, you’ll hardly notice.
This is Europe’s most westerly
peninsula and lies just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle.
A series of deep fjords cut into the land, and spectacular
cliffs, mountains and beaches are in abundance. The land is
generally rough and inhospitable, supporting fewer than 10,000
inhabitants, most of whom are employed in fishing. Isafjordur,
with 3,500 inhabitants is the commercial centre and few towns
are more spectacularly located. It is built on a narrow spit
jutting into a fjord, of which imposing mountains form a
spectacular wall. The town itself is small and friendly.
Check out the Ice House on Fjardarstraeti with its fascinating
murals and drop into the Westfjords museum in one of the town’s
old traders’ houses. In winter there’s a ski slope nearby and
in summer the hikes along the fjord are simply unforgettable.
Bolungarvik is the second largest settlement and offers a
similarly over-the-top setting. A short distance from
Isafjordur, it makes a pleasant day excursion.
Watch seals basking in the sun or
whales spouting in the bay...
Amidst the overwhelming natural beauty of the Westfjords the
towns are unlikely to make a lasting impression. Exploring the
countryside is often difficult due to the rugged landscape and
harsh weather conditions. However, be well prepared and
persevere, you will be amply rewarded. Enjoy lonely hikes
across the unsullied countryside. Relax in the hot pools
in Flokalundur or at Reykjarfjordur. Trek through Hornstrandir
nature reserve, investigating the vast variety of bird species
and sea mammals. The South-West peninsula has some spectacular
scenery. Try the difficult 15km Fossdalur walk for astonishing
views and wildlife. You might think you’re in the Caribbean due
to the tropical blue tint of the sea and the perfect, sandy
beaches. The sight of an iceberg floating by will ruin the
illusion!
Make the trip out to Hvallatur,
the westernmost inhabited place in Europe. Again the beach is
golden and deserted, and the nearby Latrabjarg cliffs are
breathtaking. Some rise to over 500 metres in height. When
you watch seals basking in the sun or spot whales’ spouts in
the bay, you’ll be glad you made it to this, the very end of
the world.
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