The small Vestrahorn mountain range on the southeast coast is one of the most photographed places in Iceland. The dramatic and precisely defined mountain range in an orphaned landscape creates a mysterious and magical panorama.
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The highest mountain is Klifatindur, 847 metres high. Due to the close proximity to the sea, the mountains are very steep and there are no official trails leading up to them. However, you can hike up to the heights on beaten paths that offer spectacular views of the black and grey slopes and the ocean.
Stokksnes Black Beach
The most beautiful views of the entire Vestrahorn mountain range can be seen from the nearby Stokksnes beach. This is interesting in itself with its deep black sand and huge tufts of grass.
Viking village
Between Stokksnes beach and the Vestrahorn mountains is an abandoned historic Viking village, but in reality it has nothing to do with history at all.
It was built in 2010 as a backdrop for a film that was in the pipeline, but was never completed. However, a replica of the village remains abandoned on the site to this day and you can visit it during your trip to Stokksnes.
How to get there?
Vestahorn and Stokksnes beach are very accessible by car. It is located directly on the main ring road number 1 above the Almannaskard tunnel.
The nearest town is Höfn, 18 km away, and the road to Reykjavík is 466 km long (route map: google.com/maps).
You can take a well-maintained road right to Stokksnes beach, the turn off the main road is on the right in the direction of Reykjavik about 250 metres before the Almannaskard tunnel and is marked with a signpost.
Accommodation
The area around the Vestrahorn mountains can be an ideal overnight stop during a sightseeing tour around Iceland. You can stay right on the beach below the hills in a small guesthouse Vikingcafe connected to a café, but prices are high and start at about 200 eur per night.
You'll find prices up to half the price and a much wider choice of accommodation in the nearby town of Höfn.
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