West Iceland Travel Guide - Where to Stay, What to Eat and the Best Things to Do
West Iceland - Travel Guide
West Iceland is not only home to the country's capital city, Reykjavík, but it is also one of Iceland's most geologically diverse regions, offering a wide range of beautiful natural sites.
Here’s my itinerary of my favourite things to see, where to stay and where to eat, from my five day trip through Western Iceland.
Where to Eat:
Viðvík, Snaefellsbaer
This family-owned restaurant offers spectacular views of Snæfellsjökull glacier and serves incredible seafood.
Try the local cod with Icelandic barley risotto and don’t miss the liquorice creme brulee for dessert!
Bjargarsteinn, Grundarfjörður
Dinner here is a beautiful experience - start with a drink on the outside veranda admiring the scenic views, before moving inside to sample the delights of the menu.
Some of my favourite dishes included kelp and skyr and pickled seaweed, red snapper and skyr with melted white chocolate and blueberry sorbet.
Website: http://bjargarsteinn.is/
Sjávarpakkhúsið, Stykkisholmur
With beautiful views of Stykkisholmur and the working harbour - this is the restaurant to come to try fresh local fish.
Must-try dishes include halibut with horseradish, battered cod cheeks served with rhubarb barbecue sauce and smoked mayonnaise, and rhubarb jam with whipped yogurt.
Website: https://sjavarpakkhusid.is/
Narfeyrarstofa, Stykkisholmur
Dine here for the breath-taking three-tier platter of local delights, including sea truffle, seagull eggs, crab, sea snails, whelks and fried cod tongues. This local and cosy restaurant is the place to come to sample some of Iceland’s best seafood.
Website: https://narfeyrarstofa.is/
Englendingavik, Borgarnes
This beautiful restaurant serves a combination of delicious seafood and meat dishes.
I tried their slow-cooked lamb leg which was so perfectly cooked it fell from the bone. The dessert I tried of passion fruit meringue was incredible!
Website: https://englendingavik.is/
Hofnin, Reykjavik
One of my favourite restaurants in Reykjavik, this harbourfront restaurant serves delicious and authentic dishes. Seafood is their specialty and a must-try here.
My favourite was a trio of fish for my starter, including trout, breaded haddock, and salmon, all of which were delicious.
Website: https://hofnin.is/en/
Things To Do:
Visit the Guðlaug Baths
Visiting Iceland’s geo-thermal baths are a must-do activity. The hot pools at Guðlaug Baths are the ideal way to sit back and relax. You can also head down to Langisandur Beach for a cooling swim, or just enjoy the sea views from the warmth of the bath.
Website: https://www.west.is/en/service/gudlaug-natural-pool
Visit Djupalonssandur Beach
Djupalonssandur is a beautiful pebbled beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mysterious rocks emerging from the ocean.
This is a great place to walk the coastline and take in the stunning views.
Website: https://www.west.is/en/place/djupalonssandur-dritvik
Visit Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland and there’s a reason for that. Not only does it offer the ideal views of Kirkjufell and provides a great photo opportunity.
Visit Budir Black Church
The little black church, Budakirkja, is located at Budir amongst a backdrop of beautiful landscape, including the breathtaking Snaefellsjokull glacier. The Church is just a quick 3 min walk away from Hotel Budir.
Website: https://www.west.is/en/place/budir
The Maritime Museum in the Fishermen´s Park
The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to discover the history of the country’s maritime past. The exhibition includes not just the fishing industry but also showcases the local wildlife too.
There is also a small cafe for coffee and cakes onsite.
Visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes
The Settlement Centre showcases the history of Iceland’s earliest days, including heroes of the Icelandic Sagas. It also houses a restaurant, cafe and souvenir shop too.
Website: http://www.landnam.is/eng/
Where to Stay:
Hotel Budir, Snaefellsnes
This is one of my favourite places to stay in Western Iceland. Located just two hours drive from Reykjavik. This luxury hotel offers rooms with stunning views of either the glacier, the sea, the mountains, or the extensive lava field.
The restaurant is also spectacular, serving food with ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and fishermen.
Website: https://hotelbudir.is/
Hotel Fransiskus, Stykkisholmur
Hotel Fransiskus is located in the centre of Stykkisholmur and is the best place to stay when visiting this town.
The hotel was built in the 1930’s by a group of Catholic sisters and still includes a functioning chapel.
The rooms are spacious and practical, with an extensive continental breakfast served to guests.
Website: https://fransiskus.is/
Center Hotels Plaza, Reykjavik
Located in the middle of downtown Reykjavik, this hotel overlooks the city’s oldest square and is ideally located to exploring the area.
This large hotel houses over 200 rooms, all of which are large, bright and modern in style.
I’d recommend staying at Center Hotels Plaza when visiting Reykjavik due to its location, high quality rooms and helpful service.
Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/en/hotel-plaza-reykjavik
What are your recommendations for Iceland? Let me know in the comments below!
My trip was in association with Seafood Iceland - all opinions are my own.
Her Favourite Food & Travel x
