Everything You Need to Know About Vestrahorn
The Vestrahorn mountain is one of the most iconic in Iceland, with its imposing peaks sprawling along the east coast of the country. If Iceland is known for one thing, it’s the indescribably beautiful and otherworldly scenery. Towering glaciers, sweeping coastlines and of course, dramatic mountains fill the landscape with truly unique beauty.
Standing as a backdrop for various movie and television scenes, including Game of Thrones, the outline of Vestrahorn is recognised across the world. It’s also a popular landmark for photographers hoping to capture the moody vibes the mountain emits on a stormy day. If you’re planning to visit Vestrahorn, we’ve put together all the information you need.
How was Vestrahorn formed?
Iceland is a playground for those who take an interest in geology and volcanology, thanks to the island’s landscape being formed by events taking place over millions of years. While Iceland’s mountains are composed of a variety of minerals, Vestrahorn is a bit different from the likes of the typical basalt and rhyolite formations littering the landscape. Instead, Vestrahorn was formed somewhere between 8 and 11 million years ago by slowly cooling magma and is composed of gabbro rock. This substance is rich in both iron and magnesium, giving the rock its trademark greenish-black colour.
How to Get to Vestrahorn
Mount Vestrahorn is located on Iceland’s east coast, just along from the charming fishing village of Höfn. The mountain is located just a short distance off Iceland’s main Ring Road and will take you about 10 minutes to get there.
If you’re starting out from Reykjavik, you will need to head south and east along the Ring Road. It will take about 6 hours to get to Vestrahorn in total, but we suggest making it a stop along a wider road trip, taking in all that the Ring Road has to offer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Vestrahorn
While Iceland’s mountains and waterfalls are rough and ready to visit on your travels, there are a few things that are useful to know before reaching Vestrahorn.
1. Be Prepared for the Entrance Fee at the Viking Cafe
Once you arrive at Vestrahorn, you will have to pay a small fee at the Viking Cafe. This is because the mountain is located on private land, which belongs to the cafe. The entrance fee is about 1000 ISK or $8, and the breathtaking views are well worth the price. This fee allows you unlimited time to explore the views and tidal lagoon, take photos, and hike on the rugged trails in the area.
2. Tackle the Hiking Trails Around Vestrahorn
There are three trails to explore - red, yellow and blue coded. Red is the easiest, shortest trail, while yellow is more moderate, and blue is suitable only for serious and experienced climbers ready to tackle the unforgiving slopes of Vestrahorn itself.
3. Bring Your Camera
There are plenty of interesting angles and lookout points from which you can take Instagram-worthy photos of the mountain and surrounding areas, including the crisp black sands and a tidal lagoon teeming with wildlife. The beach area is also home to wonderful Icelandic birds and sea life. If you’re keen to see such wildlife, the red hiking trail is the best option, as you’re guaranteed to see birds and possibly even some seals hunting in the waves.
Visiting Stokksnes Beach
You won’t be able to miss Stokksnes if you’re visiting Vestrahorn, as it is the beach at the foot of the mountain. The black sand and looming mountain backdrop make it incredibly picturesque, and it’s known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Iceland.
Fun fact: A NATO outpost was established on the Stokksnes Peninsula during the Cold War, and it’s still in operation today, though closed to visitors!
Visiting The Viking Village
The Viking Village is another curious feature in the Vestrahorn area. Originally built as a set for a film that never happened, the decorative village has been used as a setting for Netflix’s The Witcher series. While a 40-minute walk from the car park, this is worth stopping by during your exploration of Stokksnes Beach, as it’s included in your entry fee!
Vestrahorn FAQs
When is the best time to visit Vestrahorn and Stokksnes?
While fantastic views are possible year-round, the summer months are likely to offer you the best conditions to fully enjoy Vestrahorn. There will be longer daylight hours for you to capture photographs or enjoy hiking trails, as well as better weather conditions to explore the area.
In terms of time of day, this really depends on the photographs or views you’re looking for. Many photographers recommend sunrise or sunset, the golden hour, to capture reflections in the water off of Stokksnes. Both high and low tide offer their photography advantages, so this is no limitation on your visit.
Is Vestrahorn worth a visit?
Of course, your itinerary in Iceland should be totally up to you, but Vestrahorn is known to be one of the most picturesque locations in Iceland. If you are exploring the Eastfjords, or the nearby town of Hofn, and you enjoy hiking or photography, then Stokksnes Beach and Vestrahorn should definitely be on your itinerary!
Where should I stay when visiting Vestrahorn?
After a satisfying day of visiting Vestrahorn and the surrounding area, you’re welcome to continue your Ring Road journey north and end your day with a stay at our Fosshotel Eastfjords location. Make the most of your time in Iceland’s Eastfjords by visiting other wonderful sights like Lake Lagarfljót and Iceland’s only forest, Hallormsstadhaskogur.