10 Best Places To Visit In Snaefellsnes Iceland

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 7 minutes
By: Shaun

Snaefellsnes is a peninsula located in western Iceland. Also written as Snæfellsnes, this destination is home to a variety of geological features, including mountains, glaciers, and beaches. The region has a long history, dating back to the Viking Age. Today, visitors can explore the remains of Viking longhouses and mediaeval churches, providing a glimpse into the past.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is about 135 kilometres (80 miles) from the capital Reykjavík, and the drive in good conditions by car typically takes about 2 hours.

Let’s go through the 10 best places to visit in Snaefellsnes.

What are the best places To Visit In Snaefellsnes?

1. Bjarnarfoss

Bjarnarfoss

Further west from Bjarnarfoss, one then gets to the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which is located on the outskirts of the Snaefellsnes National Park. The glacier sits atop a stratovolcano, meaning that it is a type of volcano that is composed of layers of ash, lava, and rock and it is visible from many parts of the peninsula.

The volcano gained popularity after being featured in Jules Verne’s epic tale “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. In the story Professor Otto Lidenbrock believes the volcano will take him to the centre of the world and ventures inside it to start his amazing journey.

As with other similar sites, the site offers a number of trails that lead to the base of the glacier. From there, it is possible to climb to the summit, which, on a clear day, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Snaefellsjokull Glacier

Snaefellsjokull | Image by Axel Kristinsson on Wikimedia Commons

3. Arnarstapi

Kirkjufell | Image by Eric Kilby on Flickr

Located to the south of Snaefellsjokull Glacier is the small fishing village of Arnarstapi.

Arnarstapi main draw is the natural stone arch known as Gatklettur, or “The Arch Rock”. This impressive formation is a popular spot for photography and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. It is easily accessible from the main road and can be reached by a short hike.

The village and its surroundings are also home to other attractions like the Vatnshellir cave, the Stone Bridge and the Arnarstapi lighthouse, all of which provide spectacular views of the ocean.

4. Hellnar

Hellnar | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr

Further south from Arnarstapi is another small village called Hellnar. The history of Hellnar dates back to the 9th century, when the first settlers arrived in the area. The village was originally a centre for fishing and farming, and it remained a predominantly rural community for many centuries.

Despite its small size, Hellnar offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural history and is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquilly of rural Iceland.

5. Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs | Image by Ævar Guðmundsson on Flickr

Driving further around the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, we get to the Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs.

These are a pair of impressive basalt cliffs that rise up to 75 metres (246 feet) above the ocean and are composed of basalt columns that have been shaped and eroded over time by the harsh weather conditions of the region.

The basalt columns that make up the Lóndrangar cliffs were formed about 5,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. The lava cooled and solidified as it flowed into the water, forming these distinct columns.

The Lóndrangar cliffs are accessible by a hiking track that begins at a nearby parking lot. The trail takes about an hour to complete and gives stunning views of the cliffs and the ocean. A viewing platform at the summit of the cliffs provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

6. Djúpalónssandur Beach

Djúpalónssandur Beach | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr

Next up, we get to Djúpalónssandur Beach. The beach, which stretches for several kilometres, gets its name from the deep lagoons that are found along the shore. These lagoons, which were formed by lava flows from nearby volcanoes, are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, and birds.

One of the most notable features of Djúpalónssandur is a group of four large stones that are located on the beach. These stones, known as “The Four Greats,” were once used by fishermen to test their strength. Fishermen would attempt to lift the heaviest stone, which weighed over 100 kg (220 lbs), as a test of their strength and endurance.

Close by and accessible through a short trek of about 1 kilometre (0.6 miles), one can visit Dritvík Cove. The path is not that flat, so make sure you are wearing good shoes.

7. Saxhóll Crater

Saxhóll Crater Beach | Image by Eric Kilby on Flickr

Saxhóll is a small but impressive crater that is part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park and is known for its unique geological features and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The crater was formed around 4,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption. The eruption caused a massive explosion, which blasted a hole in the ground, forming the crater you see today. The crater is around 100 metres (328 feet) across and has steep walls that reach up to 50 metres (164 feet) above ground.

At the heart of the crater is a small lake that is filled with melted glacier water. The water has a beautiful shade of blue and offers a stunning contrast to the dark volcanic rocks of the crater.

8. Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell | Image by razvan casian on Pixabay

Probably the most iconic and photographed landmark in the country is Kirkjufell Mountain. The mountain is shaped like a tall, slender pyramid, with a sharp peak and steep sides. It is famously portrayed as the Arrowhead Mountain in seasons 6 and 7 of HBO’s hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Complementing Kirkjufell is the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which makes this place a must on any Icelandic itinerary.

9. Grundarfoss

Grundarfoss | Image by Bromr on Wikimedia Commons

Grundarfoss is a beautiful waterfall named for the nearby village of Grundarfjörur. The waterfall is formed when the Hvtá River rushes over a series of rocks and falls into a pool below, which then flows to the ocean.

The waterfall is divided into two separate streams, which create a “V” shape as they fall into the pool. This distinctive shape has made Grundarfoss a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

The area around the waterfall has been inhabited for centuries, and it has a number of historical sites and landmarks. A small museum with exhibits about the history and culture of this region may be found in the village.

10. Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur | Image by Patricia van den Berg on Pixabay

Travelling further from Grundarfoss is the town of Stykkishólmur. The town is situated on the shore of the Breiðafjörður fjord, providing a beautiful and scenic setting. The surrounding landscape is a mix of rolling hills, open fields, and forests, providing a beautiful backdrop to the town.

Stykkishólmur has a rich history, dating back to the Viking Age. The town was founded in the 13th century, and it has played an important role in the region’s history ever since. Today, visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings and cultural attractions, like the Norwegian House and the Library of Water. One can also walk up from the harbour to the lighthouse for amazing views across Breiðafjörður.

From Stykkishólmur one can take the ferry Baldur, which crosses the Breidafjördur Bay daily to Brjanslaekur, a good starting point for exploring the Western Fjords.

Conclusion

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a hidden gem in Iceland that is worth exploring. From stunning landscapes to charming villages, this destination has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, you will find plenty to do and see in Snaefellsnes. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the Best Places To Visit In Snaefellsnes Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located about 2 hours from Reykjavík. Visitors can rent a car or take a bus tour to explore the area.

When is the best time to visit Snaefellsnes?

The best time to visit Snaefellsnes is from June to August when the weather is mild and the days are long.