Westfjords of Iceland - In Harmony with Nature Westfjords travel services have received various acknowledgements for professionalism in connection with environmental protection and travel services. The Westfjords are Iceland's northwestern outpost and Europe’s westernmost tip. They are characterized by rugged landscapes, with deep fjords and majestic mountains. The air is pure, filled with the scents of clean, ocean breezes and wild vegetation. But the Westfjords have long been off the beaten track when it comes to tourism because of inadequate transportation and travel services. This, however, has all changed. The region’s road system has been improved, and much work has been focused on developing leisure activities and other travel services. And tourists are now increasingly discovering the wonders of the Westfjords: dynamic landscapes, beaches, magnificent ocean views, tall mountains, deserted farms, nesting birds, lush vegetation, awe-inspiring silence and much more. In recent years considerable emphasis has been placed on developing self-sustaining tourism in the region: preserving nature always takes precedence over short-term economic gains, as it is nature that will continue to draw tourists for years to come. This policy has attracted attention both in Iceland and abroad, and in recent years awards have been received for work relating to environmental matters. In 1999 the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) presented the Westfjords with an award titled, “Linking Tourism and Conservation in the Arctic.” Last year German publishing company NORDIS selected the Westfjords as Scandinavia’s Best Destination. NORDIS specializes in publishing material concerning travel services in Scandinavia, such as a comprehensive handbook about the region. Last January, Westfjords travel services received an award from UMFÍ (Icelandic Youth Association) and the Commerce Environmental Fund for successfully disseminating information about sustainable tourism, with emphasis on outdoor life and environmental protection, in its marketing of the Westfjords. There have been many innovations in Westfjord travel services in recent years. As tourism in the region has gradually increased new leisure activities have been successfully developed - something for most everyone. The following is a list of several new activities: Sea kayaking trips. Add some of the world’s cleanest seawater to natural, pristine wonders and diverse wildlife and you have the ingredients for a watery paradise. Jökulfirðir Fjords and Ísafjarðardjúp Deep are great places to enjoy a variety of water sports. On offer are trips from one day and up, and training courses. Evening trips to Bird Island - Vigur. The island of Vigur is a pearl of nature situated in the middle of Ísafjarðardjúp deep where time stands still and bird life is abundant. During summer there are evening trips that end with a wonderful dinner in old, Viktoria house. Various new trips to the magnificent Hornstrandir nature reservation. Day trips are available to Hornvík from Ísafjörður, the commercial center of the Westfjords. The small cove is home to majestic bird-nesting cliffs; it is difficult to imagine how people in this area survived, struggling as they did against powerful natural forces. Longer trips are also available. Superjeep and hiking day-tour. The Superjeep departs Ísafjörður heading for Kaldalón where Drangajökull, the only glacier in the Westfjords, slowly creeps forward. On the return trip a stop is made to do a bit of swimming and bathing in a thermal pool situated next to the beach, where it is often possible to watch seals playing around nearby skerries. The Westfjords in all its diversity has plenty to offer nature lovers, where it is truly possible to get away from the usual and relax in a most peacefully exciting environment. Visit the Wild Westfjords For further information: Ferðaskrifstofan Vesturferðir (West Tours) specializes in trips around the Westfjords. Tel: +354 456 5111 www.vesturferdir.is Local Tourism Consultant - provides all general information about the region Tel: +354 450 8000 [email protected] Websites with overall information about the Westfjords www.westfjords.is www.travelnet.is