Snaefellsnes peninsula

Snæfellsjökull – national park

This national park was the first one founded in Iceland and is the only park in the country stretching from the coast to the mountains. The most distingent part is the majestic glacier and the Snæfellsjökull volcano. The volcanic system is known as one of the seven greatest energy centers of the Earth and the starting point of “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne. Trips to the glacier can be booked at the town of Arnarstapi. In the park you can admire craters of extinct volcanoes, caves, lava fields covered with moss, beaches and coastal cliffs full of wild birds.

Gerduberg – basalt columns

Traveling towards Arnarstapi it is worth stopping to admire the amazing formations of basalt columns. Their perfect proportions can put a person into a state of wonder. This creation of nature looks like the remains of fortification of a castle. While driving further down the curved road magnificent lava fields and a small waterfall hidden in the rocks can be found. From this place there is a beautiful view of the area.

Observation of seals – Ytri Tunga

The beautiful “yellow” beach near the abandoned Ytri Tunga farm is known for its seal colony. The seals are friendly and interesting. They climb the rocks near the sandy beach and are often happy to pose for photographers. Sometimes you have to be patient and wait for a moment. The best time to watch seals is in June and July but also during the winter months you can meet them here.

Budir – black church

This beautifully located small, black wooden church is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland. And for a good reason. The Budir church is a beautiful and minimalist object located in the rough nature of Iceland. Its black color is a great contrast with the often cloudy mountains in the background. Next to the church there is a cemetery and a path which leads to a magnificent sand and stone beach.

Arnarstapi

This charming village on the south of Snæfellsjökull captivates with its amazing basalt columns, caves, cliff formations and beautiful natural harbour. From the village you can see the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier and the neighboring Stapafell mountain. During the breeding season the nearby cliffs are home to countless bird species including the impressive gray tern. Visitors to the region can walk along the path from the small marina along the coast or take a 2,5-kilometer-long trip through the spectacular lava fields between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Look out for the sculptures of Bárður Snæfellsása, the defender of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, who watches over the cliffs of Arnarstapi.

Londrangar Troll Cliffs

Moving along the coast, about 12 minutes drive from Hellnar, we come across the basalt volcanic rocks protruding from the sea which resemble two Trolls with their appearance. Londrangar and the Svalthufa hill are the remains of a crater that has been eroded to its current shape by the sea. The hills here have never been inhabited nor have crops have been grown there because it is believed that this place is the home of elves living in the area. Younger lava fields surround the ruins of an old crater. The higher rocks (75 m) was first conquered in 1735 and lower (61 m) in 1938. Below the hill is the cliff of Thufubjarg where according to legend the poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald had a meeting with the Devil. Several birdspecies have their nests on the cliffs.

Vatnshellir Cave

Not far from the Londrangar cliffs, about a 10 minute drive from Hellnar there is an amazing volcanic cave which is over 8,000 years old. Visiting Vatnshellir-cave will take you for a 1.5 h tour and a descent of 35 m below the surface of the earth. In the cave you can admire the amazing colors and lava formations. The deepest accessible part of the cave can be reached via a long, spiral staircase. I definitely recommend a visit Vatnshellir if you want to experience an incredible journey into the depths of the earth. The cave can be visited with a guide from May to October for a small fee.

Djupalonssandur – black and white beach

Djúpalónssandur is a wonderful black sand beach at the foot of Snæfellsjökull. In ancient times this place was a small haven for fishing boats but currently the bay is uninhabited. While walking to the beach, you can come across 4 huge stones. These stones were used by fishermen to check the strength of men willing to qualify for work on fishing boats.
All stones have a name. The largest one is called Fullsterkur (“full force”) weighing 154 kg. Hálfsterkur (“half power”) weighs 100 kg, hálfdrættingur (“weak”) weighs 54 kg and Amlóði (“useless”) 23 kg. Hálfdrættingur was the minimum weight that the man had to lift to the shelf on hip height to qualify for the fisherman’s job.
On the beach there are also the remains of the wreck Grineby Epine (GY7) which crashed there on March 13, 1948.

Volcanic crater – Saxholl

Saxholl is a volcanic crater – one of many in this part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is an easy climb because of the comfortable metal stairs leading to the top of it. The climb is rewarded with a magical view of the area, full of craters and endless infinite lava fields.

Skardsvik golden beach & Saxholsbjarg cliff – Skalasnagaviti lighthouse

Skardsvik is a beautiful golden beach with yellow soft sand. On warm sunny days you can meet Icelanders enjoy the sun here. This is also a good place to encounter arctic foxes as sometimes they like to visit this beautiful spot as well. Close to this beach in 1962 archeologist found the graves of vikings. The well preserved skeletons and all belongings were moved to the National museum of Iceland where you can learn more about the Viking history.
Driving a bit further via a very bumpy road the beautiful orange lighthouse at the top of the cliffs can be reached. It is one of our favourite spots with amazing views over the cliffs . There is a viewing platform and occasionally it is possible to spot Whales and observe birds playing in the water. If you will look closer, the lonely rock standing in the water looks like a stone mermaid troll.

Kirkjufell mountain

Widely known as the “church mountain”, this iconic attraction is reportedly the most photographed object in the country and one of the most popular destinations in the region. The mountain is located near the tiny town of Grundarfjörður, on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. In the area you can see a beautiful waterfall and take a trip on one of the picturesque trails around the mountain. Due to the fact that the mountain itself can be a difficult and dangerous challenge, people who want to climb it are recommended to hire a local guide.

Charming town – Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur is a beautifully situated town in the north of the Snaefellsnes peninsula about 172 km from Reykjavik. In the city center there are beautifully preserved old houses and a church. The town of Stykkisholmur is also known as the gateway to the innumerable islands of the Breidafjordur bay which is famous for its natural beauty and extraordinary nature. The city is also the first municipality in Iceland which began to separate the waste and the first place in Iceland which received the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label for the port located here. From the cliffs at the harbor there is an amazing view of the bay of Breidafjordur. A ferry leaves daily from the port which takes you to the south coast of the Westfjords. In the summer you can also admire the beauty of the nearby islands and puffins from the deck of the ferry.