MAIN Sights in the West
From the Black House, you can plan memorable self-drive day trips to explore western Iceland and Reykjavík. Here’s one suggestion:
Day trip 1: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
On a clear day, enjoy views from the Black House across the peninsula to Snæfellsjökull glacier. The glacier is sometimes described as one of the world’s seven chakras, and it famously features as the gateway to the centre of the Earth in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
There’s plenty to discover on a drive around the peninsula:
Ytri-Tunga is one of Iceland’s best-known spots for seal watching.
Visit the golden-sand beach and little black church at Búðir.
Explore the picturesque villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, known for their dramatic cliffs, natural rock formations and walking trails.
See the black-sand and pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, with its striking coastal scenery.
At the peninsula’s western tip, Svörtuloft is a dark coastal cliff topped by a bright orange lighthouse.
Stop at Skarðsvík, a favourite golden-sand beach—and a lovely place for children to play.
On the north side of the peninsula, Ólafsvík is a popular base for whale-watching trips. Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, while Stykkishólmur offers boat trips to see puffins and other seabirds.
Day Trip 2: Borgarfjörður — Main Sights
Deildartunguhver (35 km) is Europe’s most powerful hot spring, producing around 180 litres of water per second at nearly 100°C. The water comes from rain that fell about 1,000 years ago.
Krauma is geothermal spa with a selection of hot tubs at different temperatures and two steam baths.
Snorri Sturluson Museum and Reykholt (39 km). Snorri Sturluson was a major figure in Icelandic history and literature during the 13th century. His best-known works include the Prose Edda and Heimskringla.
Víðgelmir Cave is Iceland’s largest lava cave and one of the largest in the world. Visits are by guided tour only. For information and bookings, visitthecave.is.
Hraunfossar (Lava Falls, 55 km). One of our favourite waterfalls in Iceland.
Húsafell (62 km) Near Iceland’s interior, Húsafell has hiking trails, a geothermal outdoor swimming pool and beautiful views of mountains and glaciers. You’ll also find a restaurant, bistro, shop and hotel.
Into the Glacier (82 km). A shuttle from Húsafell takes you towards Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. From there, a vehicle carries you onto the glacier to the entrance of a 500-metre-long, man-made ice tunnel.
Glanni Waterfall and Paradísarlundur (30 km). A short walk from Route 1.
Grábrók Crater (35 km). Just a few kilometres from Glanni, Grábrók has walking paths leading to the crater rim, where you can enjoy magnificent views across the Borgarfjörður region.
Day Trip 3: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes. Although the Black House is in western Iceland, the Golden Circle makes a rewarding day trip. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park (68 km away), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Gullfoss waterfall; the Geysir hot spring area; and Kerið crater. Allow a full day for the tour.
Day Trip 4: Reykjavík City
Reykjavík is only about 69 km away and makes an easy full-day trip. Visit some of the city’s best-known sights, including Hallgrímskirkja, where you can take a lift to the tower for panoramic views; Harpa Concert Hall; and Perlan, home to exhibitions about Icelandic nature.
Other Attractions Near the Black House
Glymur Waterfall (40 km). Glymur is a spectacular waterfall in Hvalfjörður, the “Whale Fjord.” The hike follows the edge of a beautiful canyon to the waterfall and takes at least 3–4 hours round trip. Check local conditions before setting out.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Set in a peaceful location beside Hvalfjörður, Hvammsvík offers hot tubs and steam baths with beautiful views over the fjord, as well as a restaurant. For information and bookings, visithvammsvik.com.
For more information about attractions and travel in West Iceland, www.west.is.