Welcome to the land of fireside and ice, the place majestic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and epic adventures await in small cities throughout Iceland. Nestled amidst the rugged terrain and dramatic fjords, these hidden gems are a haven for nature lovers searching for a dose of jaw-dropping magnificence. From the otherworldly landscapes of Vik to the enchanting appeal of Grundarfjörður, put together to be mesmerized by Iceland’s beautiful surroundings that may depart you breathless – each from its sheer magnificence and the occasional gust of chilly wind and rain! So seize your rain gear, layers, and prepare to discover these small cities and areas that pack an awe-inspiring punch.
I traveled to most of those cities by way of the Star Legend – a small ship from Windstar Cruises. It was an effective way to get all the way in which across the island in ease…and dare I say a bit of luxurious too. The ship primarily moved to new ports at evening which meant that I used to be in a position to actually optimize my time in Iceland to visiting small cities and experiencing the wildlife and panorama as an alternative of driving on a regular basis.
After cruising across the total island experiencing the hard-to-get-to communities, I rented a automotive for a few days to discover Southern Iceland in additional element. The ship itinerary didn’t cease in Southern Iceland – so it was my manner to have the ability to expertise all of Iceland’s small cities and finest cities in 10 days whole. Listed here are my favourite Iceland cities and cities I visited with some concepts of what you are able to do and see there.
What’s the Greatest Metropolis in Iceland?
Reykjavik is the nation’s capital and its largest city. Most guests who journey to Iceland cease in Reykjavik. In truth – some folks hardly ever depart the capital area if they’re on a fast Iceland stopover. Although it’s the most important metropolis in Iceland, it nonetheless solely has a inhabitants of 123,000, but 60% of the Iceland populations lives in Reykjavik.
It’s a brilliant capital metropolis filled with museums, excessive finish eating places, and buying. I’ve frolicked there previously and determined to focus my time within the lesser identified areas and cities. I a lot desire to get out and discover the far corners of a rustic, away from the place everybody else goes. And that’s precisely what I did.
Issues You’ll discover in Each Iceland City and Metropolis
After spending per week touring by the small cities in Iceland, there have been a number of issues that caught out to me; issues that just about each city had. After seeing this stuff a number of occasions, I concluded that they have to be part of the Icelandic tradition.
Church buildings
In all places you look, you’ll discover a church steeple level up out of the Iceland panorama. They are going to be present in large cities, fishing villages, small cities, and probably the most distant rural settings. Some are fashionable, like those in Reykjavik and Akureyri, some are quaint little issues, and a few are blue! They actually have a stave church in Heimaey! The dominant faith is Lutheranism.
Rainbow Streets and Paths
Iceland is overflowing with rainbows…however not within the sky – on the bottom. Practically each small Iceland city you go to can have a rainbow highway or path. It began within the city of Seyðisfjörður in 2014 to indicate their immense help for pleasure, variety, and acceptance. The pattern grew to the far corners of Iceland. So not solely are the cities crammed with colourful buildings, however you’ll additionally discover picturesque rainbows – and loads of road artwork.
Swimming Swimming pools
Don’t overlook to pack your swimming suite when touring to Iceland! Each city, large or small, appear to have a swimming pool. And the locals really go to them recurrently – not like the aforementioned church buildings! Swimming pools are gathering locations for Icelanders and are open daily. They’re usually heated by pure scorching springs – making it nice to go to at any time of yr. So the Blue Lagoon is actually thought of a swimming pool in Iceland tradition. There are a number of native ‘guidelines’ to know in regards to the swimming swimming pools – so make sure you learn up on the Iceland swimming pool etiquette earlier than you leap in!
Sizzling Canines
Rock up in any small village and also you’ll doubtless discover an Icelandic scorching canine stand! I do know that appears a bit bizarre – however scorching canines are a craze there – the final word Iceland quick meals. And after having plenty of them – let me let you know…they’re scrumptious! They’re made with lamb meat, all include a butter toasted bun, a particular candy mustard, fried onions, and ketchup.
A Close by Waterfall
You don’t should go far to get to a waterfall in Iceland cities. It’s mentioned that there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Iceland climate is filled with rain, snow, and glaciers – and all of that water has to go someplace. Practically each port cease we made had a close-by beautiful waterfall to go to.
Iceland Waterfall Photograph Suggestions
If you wish to get the cool, easy, lengthy publicity photos (just like the one above), then right here’s a number of Iceland Waterfall Photograph Suggestions.
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Utilizing a DSLR or Mirrorless digital camera, convey a tripod and ND filter
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If utilizing a iphone, you’ll be able to nonetheless get the gradual shutterspeed images..simply do that! Open the digital camera app – and faucet the Reside Photograph button on the high. That nested circle factor within the high proper. If it’s on, the app will briefly show LIVE. Take the image. Discover the photograph within the Pictures app (or faucet the icon within the decrease left of Digital camera, if you happen to simply snapped it now.) You’ll see this “LIVE” indicator within the high left, if you happen to’re taking a look at a LIVE photograph. Faucet the phrase LIVE which is definitely a popup button, which helps you to select from a number of completely different results that may be utilized to a dwell photograph. Faucet “Lengthy Publicity” – this can blur the water. It averages all of the frames collectively, and offers it the blurred impact. Simply bear in mind, in case you are together with particular person within the photograph, simply be sure that they nonetheless fully nonetheless for a number of seconds while you take the dwell photograph.
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Defend your gear from the water with a LensCoat RainCoat. You may nonetheless get to all the controls, however you’ll shield your gear on the similar time.
Iceland Cities to Go to
Heimaey Island – Vestmannaeyjabær
Heimaey is a tough to succeed in as a result of it’s an island off of the mainland, nevertheless it’s properly well worth the sea journey! It’s the one inhabited island of the Westman Island chain and is simply 5 sq. miles. It has a captivating current volcanic historical past that has actually formed the island and tradition. The eruption in 1973 had your complete island evacuated in the midst of the evening. The eruption continued for months. By the point residents have been in a position to come again, most houses have been buried within the ash and the island expanded by 1 sq mile.
Heimaey and the small city of Vestmannaeyjabær was a cease on our cruise, nevertheless it’s also possible to take a ferry over from southern Iceland. Both manner you go, the journey into the harbor across the sea cliggs is epic!
Issues to do on Heimaey Island
See Puffins
Heimaey is the place you’ll discover the most important focus of Puffins in Iceland. Typically you’ll discover them ‘wandering’ by city – however most frequently you’ll be able to drive or take a bus tour to the cliffs and look at them.
Hike Up the Volcano
I took the time to hike up the Eldfell volcanic cone. It’s a fast hike however steep (720 ft up). It supplies one of the best view of city (if it’s not coated in fog). On the high you’ll additionally have the ability to really feel the warmth nonetheless emitting from the mountain. There’s a gap the place you’ll be able to place your hand inside and really feel the heat like an oven. In fact there are additionally many different hikes you are able to do on the island if you happen to keep longer and rent a information.
Volcano Museum
To study extra in regards to the 1973 eruption, see photos, and find out how the city was saved, make sure you try the Eldheimar Museum on the town – it’s fabulous! Open day by day from 11:00 AM to five:00 PM
Seydisfjordur
This charming city in east Iceland isn’t seen…and on my journey I didn’t get to see it both! We had deliberate to cease there, nevertheless resulting from climate, we have been unable to get into the port. This stuff occurs if you find yourself cruising to distant locations and infrequently the Captain has to make choices based mostly on climate. And since I actually solely write about locations I’ve been to – I’ll ship you off to the tourism website to study extra about this little city in Jap Iceland.
Akureyri
That is the most important metropolis outdoors of Reykjavik and is located on the finish of a protracted fjord(Eyjafjörður) on the North coast. Akureyri is named Iceland’s “Capital of the North.” Don’t let its dimension idiot you; this charming city packs fairly a punch! Discover its picturesque streets lined with colourful homes as you strive to not journey over lovable Arctic foxes (okay, possibly simply in my creativeness). There will not be Arctic foxes on the streets, however there are coronary heart stoplights…and that’s fairly darn cool! Each crimson stoplight on the town is heart-shaped…it makes you content that it’s important to cease I assume.
Issues to do Close by
Forest Lagoon
Everybody is aware of of the Blue Lagoon, however on the north facet of Iceland you’ll discover the Forest Lagoon. This new scorching spring spa is nestled in a uncommon Icelandic forest which provides it a fairly distinctive setting. I beloved going there because it wasn’t crowded and felt extra native than the touristy Blue Lagoon. They’ve a few bars, a scorching sauna, and a chilly dip pool too.
Whale Watching
The Eyjafjörður fjord is dwelling to many whales species and is taken into account the whale capital of Iceland. There are tons of choices, nevertheless I went on a RIB boat. These boats are quick and may maneuver rapidly so that you’ll have the ability to cowl extra floor, change instructions, and get to the whales faster than many of the different boats. We noticed plenty of humpbacks feeding throughout our morning zipping round out on the fjord whale watching!
Goðafoss Waterfall
It’s mentioned that 1000 years in the past, when Christianity grew to become the official faith in Iceland, the statues of the outdated Norse Gods have been tossed into this waterfall. For this reason it’s thought of the waterfall of the Gods. It kind of seems like a mini Niagra falls because it spreads out broad throughout the panorama almost 90 ft. There are pathways the place you may get near the water and viewing factors on each side of the falls.
Vadlaheidi Tunnel
I employed a neighborhood driver by Get Your Information to take us to the Gadafoss Waterfall – however we ended up getting rather more than a trip to the waterfall. Jonas was a wealth of knowledge, gave us a city tour, offered the historical past and we even did a shock cease contained in the Vadlaheidi tunnel to study extra in regards to the making of the tunnel. I might hardly imagine it when he pulled over within the tunnel and he took us into a bit of room that had photos of the making of the tunnel and the way they overcame the water springs that have been unearthed within the development. It was fairly an engineering feat!
Isafjordur
Positioned within the Westfjords the small, colourful city of Isafjordur is beautiful surrounded by mountains and sea. There are a selection of museums right here such because the Heritage Museum, however undoubtedly try the Museum of On a regular basis Life to study extra about how folks dwell within the space. It’s also possible to take close by ATV excursions, and go mountain climbing.
Issues To Do Close by
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi Waterfall sits within the distant Westfjords of Iceland. It’s the largest and probably the most spectacular cascade within the area. Translating to “the Thunderer” in English, Dynjandi cascades 329 ft over terraces of basalt boulders. It’s made up of a collection of seven completely different waterfalls that spill out into the Fjord beneath.
There’s an important little path to the highest that takes about quarter-hour to hike. On the high you’ll be able to soak up a few of the most superior fjord views! The roar was actual – like thunder!
Jón Sigurðsson Museum
Hrafnseyri, is an outdated settlement that has hyperlinks to Iceland’s independence. Along with studying extra about Iceland’s journey to independance, its additionally an ideal place to discover the normal turfhouses and outdated church discovered within the countryside. As well as, there’s a small espresso store and a museum devoted to Iceland’s independence hero Jón Sigurðsson who was born in Hrafnseyri.
Grundarfjörður
Burndarfjordor might be one of the best identified city on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula a part of the. You’ll additionally see it within the film The Secret Lifetime of Walter Mitty along with the small fishing city of Stykkisholmur.
Issues To Do Close by
Puffin Watching
The fishing village of Stykkisholmur is a good location to see these lovable Puffins that Iceland is understood for. We went on a ‘Viking Sushi tour’ for a half day the place we might sail out to the encircling islands and see the hen cliffs in addition to do some fishing and eat the freshest and tastiest sea scallops I’ve ever had.
Penguins are my favourite hen…however Puffins are a detailed second for me. They’re principally penguins that may fly! They at all times appear like little footballs with wings to me. They flutter their wings wildly to get their rectangular our bodies airborne, which leaves you cheering for them fearful that they might drop out of the air!
Puffins arrive in Iceland in Could and stick round till late August. You may see them in lots of locations round Iceland’s cliffs, however Stykkisholmur was the place we noticed probably the most. Plus, the captain of the boat was in a position to get us so near the cliffs for an unimaginable peek into their smelly world.
The Most Photographed Spot in Iceland
Grundarfjörður Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall are the emblems of the city, towering over the ocean dramatically with steep peaks and a three-pronged waterfall beside it. Sadly whereas we have been the highest was coated with moody clouds.
Vik
Vík í Mýrdal is the southernmost village in Iceland, and is a favourite cease on many Ring Street Itineraries. As a result of it’s on the Ring Street, be warned, you gained’t be alone. The little city was bustling with vacationers after we have been there. It’s a pleasant cease for lunch and a stroll on the seaside, however ensure you additionally head up into the city close to the church the place you’ll get spectacular views. Plus, Close by you’ll discover a few of the hottest vacationer stops in south Iceland.
Issues to Do Close by
Black Sand Seashore and Sea Stacks
The South Coast is understood for its volcanic exercise. In truth the day we left the area one other volcano erupted! You’ll discover plenty of black sand seashores in and round Vik created by the gradual erosion of lava and different volcanic supplies, most of that are black or darkish in colour. When you merely park in Vik and stroll out to the ocean you’ll encounter a protracted black sand seaside. To your proper you’ll additionally discover intricate sea stacks which simply add to the great thing about Vik.
Church and Cemetery
You may’t assist however discover the church in Vik. It sits excessive atop a hill peering down on the little city. You may drive up there and park to get an important view of the city. Plus, you’ll be able to hike up the hill additional on a footpath and soak up sweeping views of a wildflower crammed valley in addition to the cemetery. I really like visiting cemeteries as I journey – and this one additionally has an unimaginable view.
Native Wool Store
The little sandwich signal on the nook learn Woolen Store, so I made a decision to pop my head in. Usually all these outlets have some native older Icelandic girl sitting and knitting large chunky wool sweaters by hand. Nonetheless, once I walked into this store within the basement of somebody’s home it was a mini manufacturing facility! A machine was weaving a wool rug, there have been bindles of colourful wool thread sitting on cabinets, and a girl and younger boy have been busy placing remaining touches on come wool mittens.
Although there have been machines – this undoubtedly wasn’t a contemporary operation. The proprietor eagerly walked us by the setup and defined the outdated machines that use thistles from the fields to brush the wool. Within the again you’ll discover a store with completed merchandise you should purchase. I beloved studying extra about this industrial piece of the Icelandic tradition. It’s open to anybody who needs to cease in, study extra, and store. It’s situated simply down the hill from the church.
Solheimajokull Glacier
Solheimajokull is nestled between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull and may simply be reached by automotive. There’s a giant car parking zone and a brief stroll will get you out to the terminus. We noticed little ‘icebergs’ floating within the water in entrance of it and watched as scores of tour teams hiked on high of the glacier. It was nice to see because it gave you an thought of simply how large the glacier was.
Skógar
That is actually extra of a small village (inhabitants 25) that occurs to be bookended by two waterfalls – one well-known, and one not so well-known.
Issues to Do Close by
Waterfalls
Skógafoss waterfall is the simplest to get to – and subsequently probably the most crowded. Nonetheless, it’s price a cease as this 203 ft waterfall is a powerhouse. There actually aren’t any tiers to Skógafoss so nothing to decelerate the water – it’s only a stable, highly effective circulation. I wore my waterproof gear and waterproof footwear and was in a position to stroll out into the stream a methods to get an image with comparatively few folks in it.
Kvernufoss waterfall is a bit more off the crushed monitor on the opposite facet of city. It’s not as large, nevertheless it’s seclusion is the half that makes it lovely. We visited early within the morning at 6:30AM and have been the one ones round! You’ll have to observe a a straightforward path into the canyon (a 15 minute stroll) to get to Kvernufoss. The canyon stroll is gorgeous, and the waterfall even higher. You may even stroll behind this waterfall and pear out by the canyon.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one other extremely popular vacationer vacation spot. As soon as once more, we went at 6 AM and there have been solely 3 different folks there – it was pleasant! The waterfall is common as a result of you’ll be able to stroll completely behind the waterfall and be protected beneath the overhanging cliff. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless need your full waterproof gear on as you’ll get moist relying on which manner the wind is blowing. When you wait till the afternoon, it’s be illuminated by the solar, nevertheless it is going to even be filled with folks full with a gradual line of individuals ready to go stand behind the waterfall.
Waterfalls with No One At Them
Off of Freeway 261 simply outdoors of Hvolsvöllur you’ll discover some hidden gem waterfalls the place you’ll doubtless be the one one there at any time of day. A neighborhood instructed us about these and I couldn’t imagine how tranquil, quiet, and delightful they have been. There’s a signal and car parking zone for Gluggafoss – a multi-tiered waterfall which you could go stand behind.
Additional west alongside 261 you’ll positive Drifandi Falls in Fljotshio – a stunning waterfall amongst a sheltered wooded space – an important place for a picnic! You gained’t discover this on Google Maps, you’ll simply should belief me that it’s there! There’s a tough parking space and signal for it alongside Freeway 261. There was nobody else on this magical little spot – it actually felt like a secret. As well as, look rigorously close to the water’s edge on the east facet and also you’ll discover mini conventional Icelandic houses constructed…so tiny most individuals most likely miss them! I’m fairly certain there was some elf magic occurring there.
Dímonarvegur Street and Hike
For a surprising view of the area close to Seljalandsfoss, the glacier, and the snaking riverbed, don’t miss this brief hike. I actually don’t know what the identify of this hill is, however you’ll be able to’t miss it if you happen to take Dímonarvegur highway (Street 250). It’s a gravel highway however a 2 wheel drive could make it. There’s a hill (I’m probably not certain what to name it…a bump…a hill…a mound…a mountain?) proper alongside the highway with a bit of parking space. When you stand up shut you notice the ‘hill’ is definitely fairly steep and massive, however there’s a path that leads as much as the highest that anybody can take. Simply be ready in your calves to burn and your knees to scream on the way in which down the steep path.
However when you get to the highest, the view is gasp-worthy. You’ll see the snaking river fashioned from the glacier, the mountains, valley, and glacier within the far distance. You’ll actually really feel on high of the world!
The best way to Get To Iceland Cities
On my Iceland journey I used to be in a position to expertise two methods to get out and see your complete island – by automotive (the favored selection) and by small cruise ship (solely 250 passengers). It was attention-grabbing to do each in the identical journey as I used to be in a position to actually see the benefits of every.
Iceland Cruise with Windstar Cruises
Cruising round Iceland on a small ship is an effective way to get past the capital metropolis and out to the small cities and villages all inside one weeks time. For me, that is the Iceland I really like – the distant cities, fishing villages, and lesser visited sights. It’s additionally a technique to actually expertise the ocean tradition that’s so robust in Iceland.
Windstar’s Star Legend ship was the right snug technique to expertise the entire of Iceland. We began in Reykjavik and went south in a counter clockwise course round Iceland. The ship carried 300 passengers, however solely had 250 on board. I loved unimaginable meals and menus from James Beard Cooks, drinks, and lectures on Icelandic historical past. At every port we have been in a position to do excursions that have been organized by Windstar or you would additionally simply organize your individual. I did a bit of of each.
Expertise Windstar’s Cruise Round Iceland – Reykjavik to Reykjavik
I primarily used GetYourGuide to rearrange my very own excursions in ports the place I had extra time or wasn’t within the Windstar choices. They provide brief day journeys and half day journeys that always choose you proper up from ports in Iceland!
One Resort as You Journey Round Iceland
The cabins have been spacious. Ummm – hiya…we had a rest room with two sinks…in a cruise cabin! That was definitely a primary for me. Every cabin additionally has a sitting space and we even had a small balcony. I beloved having the balcony to observe the seabirds glide alongside facet the ship simply skimming the tops of the waves. Plus as we entered the port of Heimaey we might watch the ocean cliffs go by whereas standing on our little balcony.
I believe my favourite factor about cruising round Iceland was the flexibility to remain in a single room your complete time and unpack as soon as. This additionally made it tremendous straightforward to plan this trip since I didn’t have to look throughout for resort rooms which might be notoriously too few of in Iceland. I unpacked, hung up my garments, and was performed…but we moved each evening to a brand new space…pure bliss.
As well as, Windstar affords an ‘all inclusive’ bundle that features all your suggestions, and alcoholic drinks all through the cruise – a fairly large profit in case you are a cocktail nerd like me. And one of the best half…I didn’t should drive…so I might get pleasure from cocktails all evening if I needed to!
General – in case you are brief on time and don’t have the time to plan each little element of a highway journey, then this Windstar cruise round Iceland is the way in which to go. Plus – you’ll see probably the most complete view of Iceland in only a week’s time, which is nice for individuals who wish to do all of it however have restricted trip time (ahem…hiya fellow People).
By Automobile
The important thing to exploring Iceland’s cities independently is begin your planning early. I regarded for resorts 3 months previous to the holiday and I might barely discover something accessible. For this reason we ended up staying in a shared hostel room with bunkbeds…it was all that was left! As well as, the identical goes for automotive leases – it’s important to get on this early and reserve as there’s a restricted provide.
The place to Keep in South Iceland
We stayed at Midgard Basecamp in Hvolsvöllur – an guesthouse and hostel that was household run, fashionable, welcoming, and useful. I completely advocate it!
In fact, you get the liberty of a highway journey and may cease everytime you need, go the place you need, change your plans at a second’s discover and usually have full management – and there’s a magnificence in that. One large benefit to me was that I might cease every time I needed to take an image. As a photographer – that’s fairly vital to me.
It was a straightforward nation to drive in, nevertheless if you happen to get off the principle roads – you’ll wish to make sure that your rental automotive is the precise sort to tackle the tough roads. There aren’t any resort chains in Iceland outdoors of Reykjavik, so that you’ll be staying in quaint little visitor homes, and small resorts.
I at all times lease vehicles by RentalCars.com – I discover they’ve one of the best costs on the web and are very easy to make use of and work with.
Don’t Go to Iceland With out This Gear
Waterproof is the magic phrase if you find yourself touring in Iceland in the summertime. Between the wet climate and the myriad of waterfalls – you’ll need waterproof all the things…EVERYTHING. As well as, it’s nonetheless fairly chilly in the summertime – so that you’ll additionally need layers. Listed here are a few of the issues I took that labored very well on this wet, chilly atmosphere. And don’t overlook your swimsuit!
Outside Analysis Helium Rain Jacket
This was my ‘Chasing Waterfalls’ jacket in Iceland! I nonetheless cannot imagine how light-weight it’s – making it excellent for journey adventures. Keep heat, dry and visual on and off the paths with the ladies’s Outside Analysis Helium rain jacket. Taped seams, protected zippers – this light-weight jacket is absolutely waterproof!
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Oboz Ladies’s Katabatic Waterproof Mountain climbing Shoe
An amazing mild hiker that’s full waterproof from my favourite shoe firm – OBOZ. The Katabatic line is fairly new nevertheless it’s constructed for mild, quick journey the place that you must keep dry…excellent for Iceland! I used these to hike and chase waterfalls crossing streams to get the right shot!
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07/21/2023 06:02 pm GMT
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Professional
These are nice for fall trekking the place you want a bit of extra heat than shorts. I really like the strengthened knees and butt which makes them sturdy sufficient to take a seat on a rock and eat lunch. Plus – I really like the facet pockets and comfy waist band.
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Ventus Lively Hoodie – Ladies’s – OutdoorVitals
The Ventus Lively Hoodie brings a brand new that means to “ultralight backpacking”. Now not do it’s important to sacrifice heat to get a decrease pack weight! This hoodie is one thing you will have with you whether or not you are backpacking, biking, touring, snowshoeing, or throughout some other a part of your lively life-style!
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LensCoat Raincovers
Do not let the climate cease your images! This modern cowl supplies safety in your digital camera and lens from the weather like rain, snow, salt spray, grime, sand and dirt whereas permitting you quick access to the digital camera and lens controls.
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From the colourful capital metropolis of Reykjavik to the quaint and picturesque villages scattered alongside the coast, to the Westman Islands – every city has its personal appeal and sweetness to discover. Whether or not you’re captivated by the beautiful landscapes, fascinated by the tradition, mesmerized by the waterfalls, or searching for outside adventures, Iceland’s cities have one thing for everybody. So pack your luggage and rain gear and embark on an unimaginable journey by this enchanting land of fireside and ice!
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