5 Best Sights in Reykholt, West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver produces enough geothermal energy to heat two nearby cities: Akranes and Borgarnes. Every second, 380 pints of boiling hot water churns through the spring. You have to see it in person in order to comprehend its power.

The main goal here is to give locals and visitors a peek at the lives of a farmer and farm animals. Háafell mainly cares for Icelandic goats, which are endangered, but they also keep sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats. You can visit the farm on a tour or just browse the shop for products made on-site.

Next to the Snorralaug hot spring you'll find Snorrastofa, the main residence of Snorri Sturluson and the site of his grisly murder. Snorri's legend looms large in European medieval history: not content with single-handedly preserving and shaping Viking mythology, he was also a cosmopolitan Renaissance man, poet, lawyer, swordsman, and politician. This simple museum pays tribute to the writer of Scandinavia's most treasured literature, and visitors can also pick up souvenirs and books on Icelandic history and culture.

Located in a valley in the rolling mountain ranges of West Iceland, Erpsstaðir might just be the most scenic farm you'll ever see. People flock here for the award-winning ice cream, but learning about modern Icelandic farm life will keep you coming back. Ask for a tour and, depending on when you're there, you may see calves being fed or get a quick lesson on how the couple who own the farm make their delicious ice cream. They also rent out cottages on the land for those who want to further immerse themselves in the dairy world.

What may well be the oldest hot spring in Iceland was first mentioned in the writings of medieval Icelandic historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, who used to bathe here. The water is often far too hot for a dip, so visit the nearby Snorrastofa instead to learn about Sturluson himself.