3 Best Sights in Flateyri, Westfjords

Every July, crowds flock to Holtsfjara Beach for the annual sandcastle-building competition. The white-sand beach—a rare sight in Iceland—is a local favorite for those warm-blooded enough to jump in the chilly water.

This nearby valley is great for walking or, when there's snow on the ground, skiing. If you're traveling on Seljalandsvegur and pass Fosshestar on your right, you'll find that the road splits, so you can follow Seljalandsvegur or head left on Skutulsfjarðarbraut. Stay on Seljalandsvegur for a third of a mile before taking a slight right onto a gravel road. From here, there is a parking lot where you can leave your car and head into Seljalandsdalur.

Flateyri has an unfortunate history of frequent (and frequently lethal) avalanches, and a protective wall has been built to better protect the town and its residents. Located directly above the city, you can see it from most spots in town. A relatively easy route leads up to the wall where there are some spectacular views.