Iceland is known for its beautiful landscapes made up of ice and fire. First-time visitors will quickly notice that every region in Iceland deserves its reputation. With geysers, lava fields, and lakes where icebergs float, various parts of the country provide travelers with many changes of scenery. If you can, try to visit each of the following Icelandic regions – the time spent exploring is well worth it.
West fjords
Iceland’s Westfjords region is a great getaway close to nature. Its isolated nature seduces lovers of hiking and solitude. It is also a privileged area for bird watching. The cliffs and fjords are impressive. Látrabjarg, a long cliff, is one of the westernmost points in Europe. It is home to a multitude of birds (eg puffins, gulls, fulmars and guillemots), and a great show is guaranteed. Continue to Breiðafjörður to visit Flatey Island (from Stykkishólmur). A night in the only town on the island will be a quiet stop on your journey. You will enjoy a feeling of the end of the world and, from the shores of the island, you will be able to see some gray seals.
Ísafjörður, a city located at the bottom of the fjord between towering mountains, is the largest city in this region of Iceland. It serves as a starting point for various excursions. This charming little town (about 2,600 inhabitants) makes its living from fishing. Its harbor is full of trawlers and smaller boats. On Highway 60, you will find the Dynjandi Falls. At 100 meters high, the Dynjandi is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in all regions of Iceland or at least the most beautiful fjords in the northwest.
Hornbjarg, a large sea cliff, was abandoned by the last inhabitants due to the harsh climate. Since then, it has become a great hiking area and a great nature reserve. Large cliffs are the refuge of colonies of seabirds. If you are coming by car, watch out for sheep roaming the road. Highway 60 runs along the fjords, but a few miles on the winding road can be time consuming. Buses also serve the west fjords, especially Ísafjörður.
North Iceland
The northern region of Iceland also has its charms. In the north, natural curiosities annually attract thousands of tourists, particularly Lake Myvatn. The Jökulsárgljúfur section of Vatnajökull National Park, traversed by a long, winding canyon, is an excellent hiking area. As you walk, you will pass through green valleys dotted with strange rock formations before reaching the impressive Dettifoss waterfall. Akureyri, which has many accommodation options, will allow you to radiate throughout the region.
Note that the central and northern regions of Iceland are generally only available in July and August on trails reserved for all-wheel drive vehicles. A hiker’s paradise, there are shelter-to-shelter hiking and trail systems for seasoned hikers. Many guided packages are available.
About islandia
South Iceland is full of unusual natural sites – visit a geyser, waterfall, or mountains covered in cold lava. From Geysir to Egilsstadir, some cities offer good supplies if needed.
In the southwestern region of Iceland, Thingvellir Park is one of the country’s treasures. This park is located at the point where the tectonic plates of the European and American continents meet. The park is traversed by faults, which are visible scars from the tectonic plates. This region of high volcanic activity is also important from a historical perspective: it was the seat of the Viking Parliament from 930 to 1798.
Skaftafell, a section of the Vatnajökull National Park, is near the great Vatnajökull glacier. It has rivers, waterfalls and basalt organs. The whiteness of the glaciers opposes black rock volcanoes before gradually giving way to lush green birch forests.
