4 Best Sights in Borgarnes, West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This brightly colored oasis is for kids and adults alike looking to have a bit of fun. Getting here is an adventure in itself—intentionally so, as designed by the creator of this wonderland. Spend some time playing on the slides, teeter-totters, climbing dome, and swings. Everything in the playground was made from salvaged discarded materials, which somehow makes it all a little more delightful.

There are two main exhibits at the Settlement Center: a breakdown of the Saga of the Settlement of Iceland and a display of Egill Skallagrímsson, both Iceland´s most famous viking and the country's first poet. It's a fantastic place to stop early on in your trip, so you can bring the knowledge with you on the rest of your travels.

If you're looking for a more challenging hike, check out Eldborg Crater. After walking 2½ hours, you'll find a 196-foot crater sweeping up from the lava fields. You can walk around as well as up the crater.

At the edge of the Hnappadalur Valley, north of Borgarnes, you'll find the Gerduberg Basalt Columns, which form an immense wall of striking geometric patterns. You won't be able to see the hundreds of columns from the road, which only adds to the sense of mystery.