Take me down to Paradise Hollow – best place in West Iceland for a picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Sit down in a beautiful place, eat and drink, talk, and relax. There are many good places for a picnic in Iceland although you must be ready for changeable weather. Viðey Island, just outside of Reykjavik, is a fantastic place for a picnic. But what is the best place for a picnic in the West of Iceland? I submit that Paradísarlaut is that place. The translation for Paradísarlaut to English is Paradise Hollow, and I suppose that can work although it sounds a little like a mediocre song by Guns’n’Roses.

Near the lovely town of Borgarnes

Paradise Hollow is not far from the charming town of Borgarnes. Just one thing about Borgarnes. If you are hungry or craving coffee, be aware that you have options for the truck stops near the highway. N1, Olís, and the rest are great for fuel, soda, candy, hamburgers, hot dogs, and such. But consider Kaffi Kyrrð (where you can book a homestay accommodation) or the restaurant Englendingavík (where you can also book homestay accommodation) for something cosier.

Waterfall Glanni complements Paradise Hollow

But I was talking about Psradísarlaut It is a short distance from the highway, close to the photogenic waterfall Glanni. I think this might be why we rarely come here. When we are driving there, we are on our way somewhere else!

One translation of Glanni would be ‘reckless.’ So before you enjoy the calm oasis that is Paradísarlaut, you can check out Glanni. We visited last May. It was a brisk day, but the sun was shining. Getting around is easy as there pathways to the Paradise Hollow and the waterfall. Down in the Paradise Hollow, we were shielded from the wind, so it was cozy there. Unfortunately, we did not have a picnic there, but that is on our to-do list.

How to get to Paradise Hollow and Glanni

Drive on highway 1 (ring road) and turn on the road no. 50. Then turn on the road no. 527. Paradise Hollow is about 34 KM (21 miles) from the town of Borgarnes.