Iceland review - 2014, Page 102

100 ICELAND REVIEW
VesTurByggð – go WesT
The municipality is known for its vast landscapes, unspoilt na-
ture and popular destinations such as the red-gold sand beach
of Rauðasandur. Another is Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff;
home to millions of puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and
razorbills, and the continent’s westernmost point. Activities are
abundant, with hiking, tours by bike, jeep and boat on offer, along
with sea angling and whale watching. The accommodation avail-
able—bed and breakfast, hotels, hostels and campsites—suits ev-
ery need. Restaurants and interesting museums, including the Ice-
landic Sea Monster Museum, can be found in Patreksfjörður and
Bíldudalur. Samúel’s Art Museum in Selárdalur is also worth a visit.
vesturbyggd.is
BolungarVík – hoMe of The seeress
Legend has it that the town’s first settler never left; Þuríður Sun-
dafyllir, who is said to have authored the Eddic poem Völuspá,
watches over the town from the mountain Óshyrna. Having been
built up around the country’s oldest fishing station, Bolungarvík
is home to the unique maritime museum Ósvör, where visitors
can step back in time. The nearby Skálavík cove is a paradise for
outdoor recreation and the town’s landmark mountain Bolafjall is
good for a challenging hike, offering a breathtaking view from the
summit. Afterwards, a relaxing soak in the local swimming pool—
one of the best in the Westfjords—is in order.
WeSTfjordS – paradiSe
aT THe end of THe World
Remote, wild and stunningly beautiful, the Westfjords are truly a paradise for visitors seek-
ing an authentic Icelandic atmosphere in tranquil surroundings. From quiet walks through
slumbering fishing villages to adventurous heli-skiing, the region is waiting to be discovered.
Travel
view from hornbjarg, looking towards hælavíkurbjarg, in the uninhabited hornstrandir nature reserve.
westfjords.is