Be sure to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for a marvelous day trip from Reykjavik. Due to the vast diversity of its dramatic landscapes, you will find a wonderful array of the natural wonders Iceland is so famous for. This includes black beaches, majestic mountains and glaciers, volcanic craters, caves, waterfalls, and intricate folklore. You will quickly discover why Snaefellsnes is called “Iceland in Miniature.”
You can reach the peninsula on a day trip from Reykjavik. It stretches about 56 miles between the Reykjanes Peninsula and Westfjords. A mountain range of both active and dormant volcanoes runs along it. The drive culminates at its western tip with Snæfellsjökull National Park and the stunningly beautiful ice-capped Snæfellsjökull Volcano.
No trip to Iceland is complete without spending a day exploring the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Here are just a few things you will see along the way.
Fishing Villages
You will find several ancient fishing villages dotting the Snaefellsnes. You will find the majority on the northern side where the fishing is best.
Hellissandur and Rif are 16th century settlements that became significant fishing villages and trading posts. Unfortunately, they now have just over 500 residents living between them. Due to a smallpox epidemic, followed by a loss of population due to the industrial revolution, they somewhat merged together. While the villages are still geographically separate, it is more common to hear “Hellissandur and Ríf” than to hear them spoken of individually. Check out the maritime museum when you stop in Hellissandur.
Stykkishólmur fishing village features a 19th-century wood-frame Norwegian House. You might also take a ferry across the Breiðafjörður Bay to the south border of the Westfjords with a stop at the remote Island of Flatey.
At stop at the small fishing village of Arnarstapi has several old and charming houses with interesting stories to attached. This is the home of the famous Gatklettur (Arch rock). This amazing rock formation was created by erosion from the waves.
Mountains and Volcanic Craters
The peninsula is lines with majestic volcanic mountains. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize Kirkjufell Mountain. It is described as “the mountain shaped like an arrowhead” in the hit HBO series. Have your camera ready for this “most photographed mountain” in Iceland.
For a different experience, you can climb the Eldborg crater for incredible views of the peninsula.
Dramatic Cliffs
Don’t miss the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs. These perfectly shaped hexagonal basalt columns run along a cliff on the southern side of the peninsula.
You should also definitely check out the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. These cliffs are uniquely formed remnants of basalt volcanic dikes. They are all that remain of what was once an enormous crater. Keep your eyes peeled for elves. Rumor has it that they live in the lands surrounding Lóndrangar. If you don’t find elves, you are sure to see the more visible nesting seabirds that also call Lóndrangar home.
Svörtuloft is a 2.5-mile-long pitch-black coastal cliff adorned with a bright orange lighthouse. The contrast of the lighthouse to the black lava cliff really catches the eye and makes a wonderful photograph. Visiting Svörtuloft provides a panoramic view of the western coast and great bird-watching opportunities.
Gaze Upon Black and Yellow Beaches
A stop at Djúpalónssandur beach will grant you to opportunity to test your strength! Along the beautiful black, volcanic sands, you will find four lifting stones from another age. Fishermen would use these stones to mark their strength see if they were capable of fishing along these shores. and gauge their suitability to work on the dangerous waves.
Don’t miss the golden sands of Ytri Tunga beach. Here you will find a wonderful colony of seals year-round.
Drive Up Snæfellsjökull Glacier
If weather allows, drive up to Snæfellsjökull Glacier to enjoy the great view over the peninsula. This subglacial volcano towers over all else and has captures the imagination of many an explorer. In fact, Jules Verne began his “Journey to the Center of the Earth” at the Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Hiking and Lava Caving
There are several hikes along the way for those who wish to explore the peninsula on foot. Perhaps you would like to check out Rauðfellsgjá, a beautiful canyon between two mountains. This hike will reward you with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
The National Park boasts two lava caves you can explore in summer. Sönghellir will delight you with the musical qualities of its echoes. If you have accessabiilty concerns, check out the Vatnshellir cave. It has beautiful, rich coloration.
What Aspect of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Most Intrigues You?
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