Iceland review - 2013, Page 94

92 ICELAND REVIEW
Lying off the famous Ring Road that encircles the country, the West-
fjords are not as frequented as Iceland’s other regions. However, tour-
ists are increasingly coming to realize that a visit to the Westfjords—
one of the world’s best-kept secrets, according to TIME magazine—is
certainly worth it.
The Westfjords have endless options for tours, activities and outdoor
recreation, tailored to suit everyone’s preferences. Unrivaled hiking trails
can be found all over the region, with tours by bus, jeep, sea, ATV and bike
also being available. The region has some of the best conditions for sea
kayaking in Iceland, where travelers paddle in calm waters while watching
seals or even whales at play in breathtaking scenery.
In winter the Westfjords transform into a magical kingdom of snow and
ice, lit up by the yellowish glow of the Arctic sun for only a few hours a
day in high winter. In clear weather millions of twinkling stars and dancing
northern lights appear in the black winter sky. A paradise for backcountry
skiing, sailing into an abandoned fjord, hiking to a mountain top and skiing
in virgin snow all the way down to the shore is an experience like no other.
Explore the Westfjords on your own or take advantage of all the exciting
options local travel agents have to offer. The region is ideal for an action-
packed vacation, spectacular sightseeing as well as relaxation and solitude
in the untouched nature. Tap into the region’s “palpable supernatural spir-
it,” as described by TIME, feel awestruck by the steep mountains, vertical
bird cliffs, deep fjords and amazing wildlife.
westfjords.is; westtours.is; westfjordsadventures.com;
boreaadventures.com
Vestnorden
ParaDiSe for the
outDoorS
aDventurer
Iceland’s Westfjords is the definition of a destination
off the beaten path.