One of the most picturesque routes in Iceland is from Reykjavik to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This drive takes you through stunning landscapes, charming fishing villages, and some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. It’s a stunning place that showcases so many of Iceland’s natural wonders in one area. It’s also referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” because of the diverse range of landscapes you can see there, including waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, beaches, and even a famous volcano that featured in Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.
Despite the extreme weather conditions on the day of my trip on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, I felt a rush of excitement as the snow and howling wind added a sense of adventure to my journey. The mountains and landscape were covered in a thick blanket of white, creating a winter wonderland. This trip was full of unique experiences, many of which were firsts for me, and I will cherish these memories forever. Here are some tips and useful guide to plan your next trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Looking to visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula but unsure of the best time to go?
Fear not, as this stunning destination offers something special no matter the season! If you’re after sunshine and longer days, June to August is your best bet but be prepared for crowds. I visited in the winters (February) and it was incredible. For a quieter experience with cooler temperatures and a chance to witness the first snowfall on the mountains, winter is perfect.
Don’t forget to pack accordingly – check out my guide TIPS FOR TRAVELING ICELAND IN THE WINTER for some handy tips.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Map
I have bookmarked some of the beautiful locations on Snæfellsnes Peninsula and if you are planning to visit Snæfellsnes Peninsula, keep this map handy and thank me later 😛
Self-drive adventure or a guided tour to explore the beauty of Snæfellsnes Peninsula?
Driving yourself allows for more flexibility in your schedule and the ability to stop at off-the-beaten-path locations. You can rent cars at Keflavik Airport and plan to drive.
Alternatively, if you prefer to sit back and relax like I did, a guided tour from Reykjavik may be a better option. You can enjoy the company of a knowledgeable guide with not having to worry about any planning and driving especially when the weather is extreme.
Below is the tour I went on and you can also book yours here:
Unmissable Experiences: What to Do in Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Our Snæfellsnes tour began in Reykjavik where we were promptly picked up from the designated pick up location. Although the weather was not in our favor, we were optimistic that our plans would remain intact. While on the trip, especially in an expensive country like Iceland, the thought of missing out on a day of exploring this stunning location was simply unacceptable. We breathed a sigh of relief when we received word that the tour would go ahead despite the harsh snow and winds.
Undeterred by the weather, we wrapped ourselves in layers of warm clothing and set out to explore the peninsula with a sense of excitement and determination. To be honest, the challenging weather added an element of thrill and made the experience even more memorable.
Selvallafoss
Our first stop was Selvallafoss. Selvallafoss is a stunning waterfall located in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of Iceland. The waterfall cascades down a beautiful rock face and is surrounded by picturesque snow-covered mountains. The area around Selvallafoss offers beautiful trails through the rugged Icelandic landscape. The sound of the cascading water combined with the natural beauty of the area with snowfall created a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Kirkjufell Mountain
One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the majestic Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain. It’s located on the northern coast of the peninsula and is known as “the most photographed mountain in Iceland.” It’s easy to see why, with its unique shape and stunning surroundings. Also, Kirkjufell was featured in the popular TV series “Game of Thrones.” The Snaefellsnes peninsula tour, I highly recommend to anyone visiting Iceland.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss is waterfall located right in front of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. The powerful waterfall and the majestic mountain provide a stunning views, and the area felt very magical as seen in the picture with all the snow covered landscape.
Lóndrangar cliffs
The Lóndrangar cliffs are another natural wonder of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which we stopped at. These two towering basalt rock formations rise dramatically from the sea, creating a stunning and unforgettable sight. You can explore the area around the cliffs, including hiking trails and a birdwatching area.
Saxholl Crater
This natural wonder is over 4,000 years old. As you ascend the staircase to the top of this magnificent crater, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lava fields below, complete with the stunning Snæfellsjökull glacier looming majestically overhead. It’s incredible to think that we’re standing on something so ancient!
The hike to the top of the crater was surprisingly easy, and once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Looking down from the top of the crater, it’s hard not to feel like you’re at the end of the world – the view is simply awe-inspiring. I couldn’t help but feel goosebumps as I gazed out over the rugged terrain and took in the full grandeur of this incredible geological formation.
Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint
The Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The viewpoint provides panoramic views of the rugged coastline, including the Lóndrangar cliffs and the surrounding mountains.
Bardur Saga Snafellsas Statue
This status is located right infront of Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint. As per our guide, the statue depicts Bardur, a legendary hero who is said to have protected the people of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from evil spirits. It looked marvelous standing against the white snowy backdrop.
Djupalonssandur Beach
Djupalonssandur beach is famous for its unique rock formations, which offer a stark contrast to the black sand and the bright blue sea. Since it was snowing on the day we visited, the whole place looked unreal. You can also explore the nearby caves and take in the stunning views of the coastline.
Finally, our journey ended with a visit to the Samkomuhúsid Arnarstapa cafe, a charming and cozy café that offered much-needed respite from the harsh weather conditions. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with a cup of hot soup, was the perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.
Some photos taken during the journey:
Despite the extreme weather conditions, my trip on Snæfellsnes Peninsula was an experience of a lifetime – an adventure that I will always cherish and remember with fondness.
Other Iceland Blogs:
- DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ICELAND’S BLUE LAGOON: A GEOTHERMAL OASIS
- TIPS FOR TRAVELING ICELAND IN THE WINTER
- EXPLORING THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ROUTE
- EXPLORE KATLA ICE CAVE: UNCOVER ICELAND’S HIDDEN BEAUTY
- SWIM BETWEEN TWO TECTONIC PLATES: SNORKELING IN SILFRA, ICELAND
- EXPLORING ICELAND’S BREATHTAKING SOUTH COAST