6 Best Sights in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

The waterfall Bæjarfoss (pronounced “bye-yar-foss”) is within walking distance from town. It's an easy hike on a somewhat hidden path—walk toward the back of town from Hotel Ólafsvík. You can also pick up the trail at the edge of town, but you will have to scramble over some fenced areas. The waterfall is small but incredibly scenic, and you won't find the crowds that you will at some of Iceland's larger falls.

You'll find the Glanni Waterfall after hiking from a parking lot near a golf course. At the end of your walk, you'll also see Paradise Hollow, the perfect place for a picnic breakfast or lunch.

The best thing about Glymur Waterfall is that you have to take a nice, long hike to see it. Along the way, you'll walk through a cave, cross a river, and head into a stunning mountain valley. The south side of the waterfall is said to have better views, so keep that in mind as you get closer. Expect to spend between 3–3½ hours round-trip.

As opposed to stronger, more intimidating waterfalls like Dettifoss, Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls) is a series of delicately flowing rivulets over the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Located about an hour's drive north of Reykjavík, this is a great (and less crowded) alternative to the waterfalls you'll find along the Golden Circle. Don't miss the nearby Barnafoss, another waterfall, which is located a quick walk down the Hvitá River.

If you're looking to beat the crowds and find a waterfall to call your own, head to Svöðufoss (pronounced “svuew-thoo-foss”). This 32-foot waterfall spills over a set of basalt columns, and on particularly clear days, you can see Snæfellsjökul glacier behind them.