Despite being full of geographical excitement, Western Iceland often goes unnoticed by the flocks of tourists that visit the country each year. Did you know that only approximately 10% of Iceland’s visitors will visit the Westfjords? But those adventurers who trek off the beaten path into this rugged landscape are in for a real treat. We catch up with Geography Tours Development Manager, Cath Rule, who gives us her run down of this dramatic side of Iceland.
Despite being full of geographical excitement, Western Iceland often goes unnoticed by the flocks of tourists that visit the country each year. Did you know that only approximately 10% of Iceland’s visitors will visit the Westfjords? But those adventurers who trek off the beaten path into this rugged landscape are in for a real treat. We catch up with Geography Tours Development Manager, Cath Rule, who gives us her run down of this dramatic side of Iceland.
I’ve always loved Iceland, ever since my first visit, many years ago. I was instantly captivated by the stunning scenery and spectacular landscapes and fell under its spell completely.
I’m lucky enough to visit Iceland several times a year and I’m always excited to return, never tiring of the experience. I didn’t think I could love Iceland anymore, and then I went to the Westfjords ……!
The Westfjords, a remote corner of northwest Iceland. It is awash with dramatic landscape, featuring waterfalls, mountains and not forgetting the fjords themselves. The scale of it will stop you in your tracks, the beauty will take your breath away.
“The journey is part of the adventure”
“The journey is part of the adventure”
It takes a long time to get anywhere! As you wind your way around the fjords or travel across treacherous mountain passes on unpaved gravel roads. There are even parts that are only accessible if you hike or take a boat. The journey is part of the adventure, the views are spectacular and you can drive for hours without seeing another person. The challenge is not to stop every five minutes to admire the scenery.
Isafjordur
Settlements are few and far between. Isafjordur is the largest town with a population of about 2,500. It is easy to find solitude in a region that is much less travelled and lacks the usual tourist traffic.
Dynjandi
The Westfjords are home to my new favourite waterfall – Dynjandi. (Everyone has a favourite waterfall, right?) I won’t lie, there was a tear in my eye when I first caught sight of these thundering falls. Tumbling over ancient volcanic rock, part of a series of stepped falls, the white foaming water contrasts with black basalt and green moss covered mountain slopes, the tremendous power was overwhelming. It is a magical place and it was hard to tear myself away but I still had to go in search of my favourite fjord.
Drangajökull
Drangajökull, Iceland’s fifth largest glacier, can also be found in the region. It is the country’s only glacier that hasn’t decreased in size in recent years. You could teach the entire glaciation course in one day from the vantage point offered by the mountain summits; fjords, glacial troughs, misfit streams, pyramidal peaks, aretes, corries and mounds of moraine are all easy to observe.
If you’re a little bit of a geography geek and yearn for untouched nature and awe inspiring landscapes, far from the trappings of the tourist hoards, you should definitely add this place to your bucket list.