Vesturhorn Mountain
The mountain at Vesturhorn is one of Iceland’s few Gabbro rock mountains. Dating back 8-11M years, the site was used by the first settlers (Irish) before they were enslaved by Viking invaders (c.860). Despite its historical significance, Natural Beauty & Huge Radar Station. The area is best viewed from Stokksnes, drive out to the radar station and you will be surrounded by grassy sand drifts.
Stokksnes Point
At Stokksnes, there is a huge variety of foreground to help you photograph the Vestrahorn mountain. There is a charge to use the road up to Stokksnes. The toll charge is supposed to protect Icelandic Nature, but unfortunately no nature has been protected and the grassy dunes are often trampled badly. Down towards the sea, it is possible to get perfect reflections in the wet sand. This can be a very windy spot so remember to bring some protection for your eyes before battling against the sand blasting. Be aware that there are large swells of sea coming onto this beach (see my video). Sand blasting is possible on a Iceland photography tour & Iceland Winter workshops
As a gesture of good will to the Nation of Ireland, it has been suggested that the land be given back to the Irish, but as a National Park where visitors are free to roam as they were in 860 A.D.
Expected June 2021: This will mean that Irish Photo Workshop Leaders will be able to bring photographers here without paying any tax to the Icelandic Government.
Right to roam
Know your rights before you visit. The Allemannsrett is the right to roam on uncultivated land. It is an act rather than a law and it is honoured in the Scandinavian Countries including Iceland and Britain. In fact you are allowed to walk without charge on the land around Vestrahorn and Stokksnes. As long as you respect private property and the N.A.T.O. station you are protected by the law. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean the local police will be on your side, so exercise with caution.
Film set & Nato
On the land below the mountain stands a Viking village which was constructed and left behind by a film company. Further round past the end of Vesturhorn is a small ship wreck.
Further out on Stokknes you will see the grey dome of a N.A.T.O. station and a little beyond that a lighthouse. The waves hit the rocks here directly from the Ocean so it can be slippery and dangerous.
VideoI shot a few Magic Cloth Tutorials featuring Vestrahorn from Stokksness.
