The Saefellsnes peninsula can be described as Iceland in miniature. Within a relatively small area, you’ll discover an array of remarkable landscapes, from the iconic volcano and its glacier to its rugged coastlines characterised by black sand beaches and craggy rock formations. Littered throughout the peninsula are landmarks such as Kirkjufell mountain and charming villages such as Stykkishólmur and Hellnar.

The guide will explore the possibility of taking day or overnight tours and suggest the best routes for a self-drive road trip including the most interesting and photogenic places to stop. It also includes some recommendations on where to stay and eat. Let’s take a closer look to get you acquainted with the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Must-see places to visit while exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula

Snaefellsjökull volcano and glacier

Snaefellsjökull’s name means the glacier on snow mountain, which is an indication of the incredible landscape that awaits visitors. It has been a National Park since 2001. The volcano featured in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, though the descriptions are testament to the author’s vivid imagination – he had never set foot in Iceland, let alone on the peninsula.

Currently dormant, the volcano’s last eruption took place 1800 years ago, though its geology reveals numerous bursts of activity over the past 800,000 years. Today, the mountain stands 1446 metres tall. At its ice-capped summit, you’ll encounter a 200 metre deep crater lake. It’s a tough climb; for something more manageable try Saxhóll Crater, where a set of metal steps leads to a fabulous viewpoint.

Búðakirkja

This charming church is a functioning place of worship but also a magnet for photographers. One of only a few black-coloured churches in the country, this one can trace its history back to 1703. The first church to bear the name Búðakirkja was actually a turf construction, but it was demolished in 1816 in response to an order issued by King Christian VIII of Denmark.

A few decades later the church was rebuilt, though it didn’t stand in its present location until 1984. Inside, you’ll find items dating back to the 18th century which officially form part of the collection of the National Museum of Iceland. The black coating helps preserve the exterior from the elements, so it’s as practical as it is beautiful, especially in winter when there’s snow on the ground.

Arnarstapi and Hellnar

These two villages are firmly on the tourist trail. People have made their mark in Arnastapi – there’s a small harbour and a lighthouse – but it is nature that gives the place its wow factor. Gatklettur is a striking wave-cut arch which extends out over the sea to the south of the peninsula, while the majestic stone bridge is another reminder of the awesome power of the waves.

From here, it’s a pleasant hour-long hike to Hellnar, following an old trail that winds across a lava field. It cuts through a nature reserve where seabirds such as terns, kittiwakes and fulmars are present in significant numbers. Hellnar was once a sizeable fishing station and its historic houses are a nod to the past.

Djúpalónssandur beach

This extraordinary bay is one of Iceland’s finest, flanked with gnarly cliffs and lined with black sand and pebbles. Like notorious Reynisfjara, near Vik on the south coast, the beach is prone to dangerous sneaker waves. This isn’t a place to go for a paddle, so content yourself with simply admiring the remarkable view.

The bay is also home to the Dritvik Stones. These four ancient lifting stones were used as a test of strength for those who came to work at the fishing station that existed here centuries ago. Each weigh a different amount; they were traditionally heaved onto a plinth on the sand. The smallest, called Amlóði (weakling), is a barely manageable 23 kg, but as you rise through Hálfdrættingur (half carrier) and Hálfsterkur (half strong) to reach the 155kg Fullsterkur (full strong), the challenge increases. Watch your back if you think you’re up to it!

Lóndrangar basalt cliffs

Together with Svalthufa hill behind, the dramatic cliffs you see at Lóndrangar are what remains of an ancient volcanic crater. Today, they’re home to nesting seabirds such as puffins and fulmars. Twin pillars of rock, the tallest 75 metres high and the other not much less, rise from the churning surf. Over the centuries, these sea stacks have been battered by the ocean. Ravaged by time in the most beautiful way, they remain one of the peninsula’s most iconic landmarks.

Superstitions and myths are intertwined with the area’s physical geography. As you hike over mossy lava fields to the clifftop, you might be in the company of huldufólk – some believe this to be the home of elves. In a popular folklore tale, poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald ran into the Devil up here, and the Icelandic Book of Settlement refers to a troll perched on the taller pillar.

Stykkishólmur

This delightful port makes a lovely overnight stop, whether you’re keen on catching a ferry to the Westfjords or simply extending your time on the peninsula. Aside from taking a boat trip or watching the colourful boats bob in the harbour, the town has plenty of attractions to keep visitors amused.

It’s hard to miss the black-painted Norwegian House, built in 1832. This is Iceland’s oldest two-storey home and was constructed using wood imported from Norway, hence its name. It’s now a museum. While you’re there, buy a ticket for the Library of Water, an unusual art installation housed in a former library.

Kirkjufell mountain

Kirkjufell translates as “church mountain” and it’s one of the most recognisable landforms not only on the Snæfellsnes peninsula but across Iceland as a whole. Located close to the village of Grundarfjörður, it stands 463 metres tall, making it visible over a wide area. You shouldn’t climb it unless you are accompanied by a qualified guide; the mountain is completely off-limits during the winter months for safety reasons.

One of the reasons for Kirkjufell’s popularity is the waterfall that cascades over a fault in the landscape right in front of the mountain, making this one of the most photogenic spots in the country. The river Kirkjufellsá descends from the volcano Helgrindur splitting into multiple streams that draw a regular crowd. During the darker months, the area is also a favourite spot for Northern Lights hunters.

Wildlife-spotting

Wildlife spotting opportunities abound on the Snaefellsnes peninsula; if you’re really lucky you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Arctic fox. Whale watching trips depart from February to September from the port of Ólafsvík; this is the best place in Iceland for sighting orcas (killer whales), usually up to early summer. Sperm whales are also frequent visitors. Later in the season minke, humpback and pilot whales show up.

At Ytri-Tunga, the focus is on seals. These marine mammals are frequently sighted swimming just offshore and haul out on the rocky shore year-round. If you’re keen to watch them, remember to keep your distance – at least 50 metres, but double that if there are pups. You might want to bring binoculars or a long lens to get a closer look. Stay calm and quiet at all times, never approach pups and never get between a seal and the ocean.

Suggested routes for a Snaefellsnes peninsula road trip

Snaefellsnes is a peninsula, which means it’s surrounded on three sides by water. Therefore most road trips, if they originate from the ring road or the capital region, are likely to take the form of a loop using route 54. This road doesn’t quite reach the western tip of the peninsula; for that, you’d need to continue on the 574 which passes places such as Arnarstapi and Ólafsvík.

Let’s assume you start just after Borgarnes, where you would leave route 1 (Iceland’s ring road) behind as you make a left turn onto the 54. You could follow the Snaefellsnes coastline all the way round as far as Búðardalur ready to pick up the ring road and head north. To complete this loop you would need to allow around four hours of driving time plus stops – lots of stops!

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However, it’s also possible to begin your road trip around the Snaefellsnes peninsula from the port of Stykkishólmur. A car ferry shuttles back and forth from here to Brjánslækur in the southernmost part of the Westfjords. To reach the southern shore of Snæfellsnes from here drivers can cut across the peninsula on route 56 which runs broadly north-south.

If you’re an adventurous driver, then in summer F570 opens up across the Jökulháls mountain pass. It runs from close to Arnastapi and skirts Snaefellsjökull on its way north to the coast at Ólafsvík. The road quality deteriorates the further north you go, so you might consider driving only as far as Sönghellir (Singing Cave) and then turning back. Regardless, you’ll need a decent 4x4 to tackle this route; don’t risk invalidating your insurance.

How much time should you allow for a visit to the Snaefellsnes peninsula? It’s possible to see the highlights of the Snaefellsnes peninsula in a single day. As it’s tiring, we’d recommend taking a tour. They depart from Reykjavik first thing in the morning and you’ll return back to the capital that evening. It’s a good way of getting a flavour of this part of West Iceland if you don’t have a lot of time or you prefer to stick to a single base and take day trips rather than move around a lot.

Our “Wonders of Snaefellsnes National Park” day tour; costing 21999 ISK for a 12 hour tour it represents excellent value for money, as you’ll visit Ytri Tunga, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Hólahólar, Ólafsvík and Kirkjufell, making this a great introduction to the area.

If you’re keen to delve a little further beneath the surface, then Snaefellsnes is a rewarding place to linger. In autumn, winter and spring, this two-day tour covers more of the peninsula at an unhurried pace. Among the places visited are the Deildartunguhver hot spring, waterfalls such as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the Gerðuberg basalt columns and Djúpalónssandur beach.

Tour participants might also glimpse the Northern Lights above Kirkjufell if they are forecast, and there is also the option of adding on a hike into Vatnshellir, an 8000 year old lava tube, located in the heart of Snaefellsjökull National Park. This more comprehensive tour costs a very reasonable 67900 ISK per person.

Tips for planning your trip to Iceland

lanning, you can prepare for anything an adventure in Iceland might throw at you. We’ve rounded up loads of tips for a planning trip to Iceland, from what to pack and how long to stay to airport transfers and how to get around the island. We’re with you every step of the way.

Read our blog post about planning tips for your Icelandic holiday

Where to stay and eat on the Snaefellsnes peninsula

Stykkishólmur makes a great base if you’re looking to stay on the north coast. Try the characterful Hotel Egilsen, housed in a historic building which dates back to the 1860s. In contrast, Fosshotel Stykkishólmur is a modern, stylish option on the edge of town. A number of centrally-located guesthouses also offer a bed for the night for a reasonable budget. As you’re beside the ocean, seafood is a good bet. Dine in at sleek Sjávarpakkhúsið and cosy Narfeyrarstofa or grab fish and chips from Hafnarvagninn, a seasonal food cart beside the harbour.

The breathtaking scenery of the Snaefellsnes peninsula lends itself to staying in a well-positioned cabin overlooking a stellar view. Try Hálsaból, for instance, which rents out cute cabins in the shadow of Kirkjufell. Nearby Grundarfjörður is another easy choice, with a number of good guesthouses and a HI hostel within walking distance of eateries such as Bjargarsteinn Mathús and the Harbour Café.

Across the peninsula, a variety of accommodation options cluster in and around Arnastapi and Hellnar. Check out Arnarstapi Center, an ensemble which comprises a guesthouse, self-catering huts and a campsite; dine in at its Snjófell restaurant or out at Arnarbær. Further south, you’ll find the contemporary Fosshotel Hellnar, a sophisticated three-star property. Of the area’s cafés, Fjöruhúsið is probably the best located, overlooking the ocean.

In summary, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is a definite must while you’re in Iceland. Whether you take an organised tour or opt for a longer stay, you won’t want to miss out on this scenic corner of the country.

Visit Snaefellsnes on a Carbon-Neutral small group tour

Our Wonders of Snæfellsnes National Park Small Group Tour departs from Reykjavík and takes you around the peninsula, stopping at must-see locations with ample time to explore and take in the breathtaking views. This tour is unique in our selection, offering a quiet and intimate experience as part of a small group, and it is completely carbon-neutral, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

Key highlights of the tour include:

• Borgarnes: A charming town offering a glimpse into Icelandic history and culture.
• Ytri Tunga: Known for its seal colony, providing a perfect spot for wildlife watching.
• Arnarstapi Walk: A scenic coastal walk with dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations.
• Djúpalónssandur: A black sand beach with intriguing rock formations and historical shipwreck remnants.
• Hólahólar: Offering panoramic views of the peninsula's unique landscape.
• Ólafsvík: A picturesque fishing village with a rich maritime heritage.
• Kirkjufell: Iceland's most photographed mountain, offering a striking backdrop for your photos.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Snæfellsnes, where every stop reveals a new facet of Iceland's natural beauty.