Thingvellir National Park.
NO single place epitomizes the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Tingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland, with a surface area of 83 km2.
The Tingvellir area forms part of the volcanic fissure zone running right through Iceland. In turn, this zone is part of the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which extend the length of the Atlantic from north to south.
The Lake Tingvallavatn biosphere clearly testifies to the fact that it straddles the border between the continents of Europe and America. The greatest biological wonder at Þingvallavatn, however, is its fish population. No other lake in the world supports four separate species of Arctic charr. The most common species is the small planktivorous charr. The piscivorous charr keeps to greater depths and generally weighs 1-3 lbs but can reach 15 lbs. The benthyvorous charr, typically 2-4 lbs, is a favourite with anglers. Dwarf charr live especially in fissures. Large numbers of stickleback are found in the shallows.

ONE of the most popular mountain near Reykjavik is Esja mountain 851 meters. This mountain is only 15 minutes drive from Reykjavik and is very popular amongst hikers.

Hvalfjordur. ( Whale Bay )
The beautiful Hvalfjordur ( Whale Bay ) branches into the
mountainous landscapes between the points Akranes and Kjalarnes. It is about 30 km (20 miles) long, 4-5 km wide, and quite deep (84m). The innermost part is framed with steep mountains, dropping almost straight into the sea, but further west are extended lowland areas.

The waterfall Glymur is the highest waterfall of the country, 200 metres (660 feet). From the edge of the deep and short canyon, it cannot be observed wholly. The only way to do that is to wade
upriver into the canyon, which is not recommendable for everyone. Mountain Hvalfell and Lake Hvalvatn are
derived from the legend about the red headed whale “Raudhofdi” (Redhead).

Mountain Botnsulur (1095m) is a cluster of peaks of an extinct central volcano between the
Thingvellir area and The Whale Bay in the West.
The view from the peaks is beautiful. The mountain can be climbed through out
the year but the climb requires caution
especially in the snowy areas on the narrow ridges with the steep slopes on both sides.
The mountain is mainly climbed from Hvalfjordur where you start the climb from Botnsdalur or the same
place as you where hiking towards the waterfall Glymur.

The ascent takes about three hours. Between mountain Botnsulur and mountain Armannsfell is an old route
called Gagnheidi. Another such route Leggjarbrjotur just west of mountain Botnsulur connects
the Thingvellir area and the valley Botnsdalur at the end of the Whale Bay in the West.

Lake Hvalvatn has an area of 4,1 km², it reaches a depth of 180meters  and lies 378 m above mean sea level. It is the second deepest lake of the country. Its discharge is Botnsa, which spills into the Bay of Whales (Hvalfiord). The lake's surroundings are beautiful.

Near Borgarnes is the mountain Hafnarfjall  which is a very worthwhile mountain to climb. It is 845 meters high.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
The Glacier Snaefellsjokull is 1446 meters (over 4800 feet) above sea level and one of the world's best-known glaciers. Many people, all around the world, claim it to be one of the earth's seven energy centers.
It has been a prominent theme of authors and inspired the composition of
impressive works of literature. Worthy of mention is the story written by
Nobel-prize winning author Halldor Laxness, "Christianity Under the Glacier,"
which describes the special way of living here in the past. Also, the well-known story, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," by French author, Jules Verne, describes the glacier as the entry used by his characters to travel to the center
of the earth. A drive up on the glacier, on Snow-mobiles or snow cats, between snow mounds, to about 1410 meters (over 4,600 feet) above sea level is fantastic.

More photos from this area can be found HERE.

Hiking and camping in Snaefellsnes peninsula is exciting. After a days walk on the glacier, there are several camping grounds like Budir and at Arnarstapi, both on the southern part of Snaefellsnes.The coast between Arnarstapi and Hellnar is noted for its bizarre rock formations and its huge bird population, the most noticeable being Kittiwakes and Arctic Terns. From the cliffs an occasional Razor-billed Auk may be seen off-shore, and beneath the cliffs Harlequin Ducks, while Red-necked Phalaropes inhabit small ponds. A short distance beyond Hellnar is the bird cliff of Þúfubjarg, the remainder of a volcanic crater, and south of Hellissandur one can take the route to Ondverdarnes to enjoy the bird cliffs there.

Highly recommended is to walk by the south coast from Budir to Skardsvik on the western part of the peninsula. On this walk interesting places like Budarhraun, Hellnar, Breidavik Arnarstapi, Malarrif, and Dritvik are a must see places. The photos on this page are from these places that I have described.

On Snaefellsnes peninsula there are many mineral springs, with the best known ones being at Olkelda and Raudamelsolkelda.

Latrabjarg
Cliff on Breidafjordur is Europe's western outpost, ending
at Bjargtangar at a longitude of 24°32'0" W.
For fishermen, Latrabjarg can provide shelter from northerly
storms, but the infamous Latrarost current stretching out
from it also instills fear, with its swirling waters for miles on end.Formed by the confluence of strong currents, it plays a role in maintaining the marine food chain by stirring up nutrients in the sea.

The Westford's.
This is probably the most exciting part of Iceland when it comes to experience Iceland at its best. Some call it the Wild-West, because of its pure and unspoiled nature.
The area is still the most remote area of Iceland and probably the most exciting.Virtually separated from the rest of Iceland, this region remained in may ways "a world apart". Sparsely populated the regions nature is as wild as
it was a hundred years ago. Majestic mountains, deep blue fjords, millions of birds, seal and air like champagne - all these attributes characterize the Westford's and local people still have a deep understanding for the nature they live in. The "natural" silence is the most impressing event for many travelers visiting the Westford's. The Westford's are a paradise for nature enthusiasts as for those who simply want to enjoy the pleasure of experiencing a place of complete silence.

The Osvör Maritime Museum.  A rebuilt fisherman's hut, along with an open-split shed for the drying of fish, a six-man rowboat, a boat pulley, drying grounds for salted fish and various sheds. Objects and tools from the era of rowboats are to be found both inside and outside the museum premises.

Land and culture.
Geographically the Westford's are divided up into 4 areas: the southern and northern fjords, Hornstrandir nature reserve and the Strandir area. The north of the Westford's consists of the area from the northern part  of Arnarfjordur through to the bottom of the "Djup" including the Hornstrandir area. Several fishing villages lie along the coast but for the large area it is very sparsely populated.
The region of Hornstrandir nature reserve, accessible only
by boat, is a birdwatchers and hikes paradise. The area has been completely uninhabited from the 1950's.
The northern part of the Westford's offers tourists a wide range of services, hotels, guesthouses, camping grounds as well as tours and excursions, boat tours and ferries.
The coastal region of Strandir is traditionally associated with magic and mystery and was formerly known as a place where outlaws sought refuge from the authorities. All this is reflected in the rugged coastline and the mountains which make it easy to believe in elves, trolls and other supernatural beings. For further information's on tours through the Westford's contact
West Tours

Bardastrond.
The Bardastrond area is a fascinating place to visit. When traveling on the road, you are driving the seashore most of the time. There are endless possibilities for outdoor activities in this region. One can start by stopping at the farm in Djupadalur where there is a  swimming pool and a farm guesthouse. From there you can hike up the Djupadals river with its many waterfalls amongst others there is one called Gullfoss. Click HERE to see photos from this place.


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From Isafjordur in the western fjords.

The Osvör Maritime Museum at Bolungarvik.


A view towards Snaefjallastrond north west Iceland.


The Osvör Maritime Museum at Bolungarvik.


From the western fjords.


Oxararfoss ( waterfall ) at Thingvellir Nationl Park.

A view towards Akranes town from Esja mountain.


A view from Hafnarfjall over Borgarnes village.


Good morning ! Puffin at Bjargtangar


Snaefellsjokull -Glacier.


Snaefellsjokull -Glacier.


A view from Botnsdalur in Hvalfjordur.


Hvalskards river in Botnsdalur.


Hvalfell in Hvalfjordur.

Straumfjordur á Myrum.


Autum grass on the beach.


Myrar in Borgarfjordur.


Djupalonssandur at Snaefells.


Arnarstapi -Snaefellsnes.


Thingvellir National Park.


From Djupidalur in Bardastrandasysla.


Hallsteinsnes in Djupifjordur.