Iceland review - 2013, Page 94

92 ICELAND REVIEW
travel
Wonders of the West
With glaciers, volcanoes, rhyolite mountains, lava fields, spectacular rock formations, white sand beaches, fjords, islands, rivers,
lakes and green valleys, as well as a rich historical heritage, West Iceland really has it all. Just an hour north of Reykjavík, the region
is within easy reach and filled with activities in both summer and winter. Also don’t miss out on a visit to Snæfellsnes National Park.
StykkiShólmur – Nature aNd Culture all iN ONe

Stykkishólmur, on the Snæfellsnes Circle, is a beautiful
town on the shores of Breiða fjörður Bay. Among its at-
tractions are the islands, shaped by rough seas and with
the exception of Flatey, inhabited only by flocks of sea-
birds. Two museums are dedicated to the primal forces
that dominate Icelandic nature: fire and water. The Vol-
cano Museum features artifacts and objects from the col-
lection of volcanologist Haraldur Sigurðsson. The heart
of town is a living museum of historical houses and home
to the heritage museum The Norwegian House. Outdoor
activities include a swimming pool and golf course. The town
was named a European Destination of Excellence in 2011.
westiceland.is
GruNdarfjörður – fjOrd Of meadOwS
The small coastal town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfell-
snes Circle is embraced by a tall mountain range and a sce-
nic fjord. The breathtaking and majestic Kirkjufell mountain
and the wild Atlantic provide an escape to an idyllic world
of rural serenity. The town is vibrant with activities such as
golf, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. There are also
shooting grounds and an exhibition featuring relics of child-
hood from an impoverished past to prosperous modernity in
Eyrbryggja. A Viking Village in the town center is the venue
for Viking plays and a market. westiceland.is
SNæfellSbær – daNCiNG aurOraS aNd Nature
extraOrdiNaire
The Snæfellsbær municipality covers an area of 684 km2
(264 mi2) across the Snæfellsnes Circle and includes the
charming fishing communities of Ólafsvík, Rif and Hellis sandur
and the surrounding countryside. Attractions include sever-
al museums, whale watching, glacier tours and spectacular
nature. The one-street village of Rif is perhaps a peculiar
place for a theater but it has proven popular among visit-
ing theater groups and artists. The most spectacular sight,
though, is the northern lights as seen in the close vicinity of
the imperial Snæfells jökull glacier. westiceland.is
Snæfellsnes Circle
Stykkishólmur harbor
Kirkjufell mountain.
Snæfellsbær.