Western Region

Hidden Gems of Iceland

Explore Western Iceland’s diverse landmarks, ranging from the historic Snorralaug hot spring in Reykholt, used by scholar Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century, to the contemporary Library of Water installation in Stykkishólmur. This selection features the iconic black wooden church at Búðir set against lava fields, the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum where traditional hákarl is produced, and the multi-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall located near the base of Kirkjufell mountain.

Bromr / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kirkjufellsfoss

Waterfall.

Jon Gretarsson / CC BY-SA 3.0

Búðir

Historic black wooden church rebuilt in 1848, situated within the Búðahraun lava field on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Michal Okresa / CC-BY-SA

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

This farm produces hákarl, which is fermented shark meat, a traditional local dish.

Bromr / CC BY-SA 3.0

Snorralaug

One of Iceland's oldest preserved structures, this circular, stone-lined geothermal pool was used by 13th-century historian and poet Snorri Sturluson.

Library of Water

An art installation by Roni Horn featuring 24 floor-to-ceiling glass columns containing water collected from major Icelandic glaciers.