3 Best Sights in Drangsnes, Westfjords

Like most communities in Iceland, Drangsnes has a local hot spring. There are three different tubs on-site of varying temperatures, and they are fantastic—free to the public and each one with a beautiful view of the ocean. Just be sure to follow cultural protocol and shower before entering the water. You won't find large crowds at these hot pots.

In summer months, take a 10-minute boat ride from the Drangsnes harbor to Grímsey for some serious bird-watching. You can even see puffins here if you come in the right season (usually the warmer, summer months). There's also a golf course, bike rentals, arctic snorkeling, sea fishing, and more. It's the perfect day-trip from Drangsnes and the main reason why people find themselves in the area.

You have to know the story to truly appreciate this place: according to local lore, Kerling was a troll woman who, along with two other trolls, wanted to turn the Westfjords into an island. As they started digging, they realized they had nowhere to shelter from the sun as it rose. Kerling did not make it out of the sunlight in time, turned to stone, and sits here still in the form of this cliff. The troll women created many little islands behind them, one of which is known today as Grímsey.