Snæfellsnes Peninsula: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
If you have the time (or make the time) before or after you see the Golden Circle and some of Iceland’s other very famous sites, spend at least a day road-tripping around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. We set out from Reykjavik and headed north, tracing the coastline, through rain, fog, and thankfully, eventually, sunshine.
Is Snaefellsnes Worth it?
Absolutely! I say this even though the day we explored the Snaefellsnes Peninsula it was borderline monsooning outside. Fog obscured much of the weird and wonderland alien landscape for a good portion of the day. And yet, I would still recommend heading north from Reykjavik to see its moss-covered lava fields, rocky cliffs, and black sand beaches.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is less popular with tourists, compared to the Golden Circle and other crowded sights. This is my favorite type of place and a real treat if you want to experience an authentic part of Iceland.
How much time do you need?
We only spent a day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula but we easily could have spent two or more days here, especially since we had such cruddy weather on that day. Next time, I would allow for at least two days so we could spend more time at certain sights. I would love to see Kirkjufell at both sunset and sunrise!
Where is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? How Far is Snaefellsnes from Reykjavik?
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is north of Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, it took us a little over 2 hours to reach our first stop of Búðakirkja. From there, we followed the itinerary marked on the Google map above, ending our evening watching the sunset at Kirkjufell.
Where to Stop on the Way to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
It gets a bit remote up here, so make sure you stop for gas, snacks, etc. before you get to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Pumping gas is a whole thing in Iceland (who knew) so if you’re nervous about it / unsure, it’s best to go to a bigger gas station with staff who can help you if something goes wrong. The N1 station in Borgarnes (Address on Google: Brúartorg 1, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland) is huge with clean bathrooms, a gift shop, and multiple food stations for sandwiches and different dishes. So, load up here and you’ll be all set for the rest of this leg of the journey.
Best Things to Do in Snæfellsnes Peninsula
You can’t go wrong with any stops you make along the way, but here are a few suggestions for the best things to do and see on your trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Cultural Sites of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Búðakirkja
The first church at Búðir was built in 1703. The last reconstruction was in 1987 when local people and experts from the National Museum of Iceland rebuilt it the way it was when it was first constructed in 1848. It’s that iconic black church that you see on Instagram, but it’s worth seeing for yourself.
The day we went it was pouring but we bundled up in our rain gear and walked around the outside of the building, and the surrounding cemetery and land. Although the church wasn’t open, it is definitely worth a stop on your Snæfellsnes Peninsula road trip. Búðakirkja is not generally open to the public on a daily basis. However, they do hold special events there like baptisms, weddings, and small concerts.
Gatklettur
Gatklettur (“Hellnar Arch”) is an impressive, naturally formed stone arch. Find “Bárður Saga Snæfellsás Statue” on Google Maps, and park there. Then it’s a short walk to the path along the rocky coastline. Aside from this arch, there are many other beautiful rock formations and viewpoints. It’s pretty open, so just watch your footing as there are steep drop-offs and holes leading down to the ocean.
This could be categorized as a Snaefellsnes Peninsula natural sight too but there’s an important cultural sight here too – it’s right where you parked! This statue, which is difficult to miss, is of Bárður. He is known as the guardian spirit of the peninsula. He even gave it its name after coming to Iceland in the 9th century. Snæfellsnes Peninsula directly translates to Snow Mountain Peninsula in Icelandic.
Bárður is a very important character in the Sagas of Icelanders. He was half-troll, being the son of a human mother and a troll father. You can read more about Bárður and his link to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula here.
Natural Sites of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Lóndrangar
This dramatic and distinct site has earned the name ‘the rocky castle’. After ages of ocean erosion, all that remains of this volcanic crater are two pillars upon a cliff. This area is steeped in folklore. Even the farmers have refused to use the surrounding land due to the rumor that it’s home to elves. From the parking area here, you can follow the walkway up to the main viewpoint, or continue further to the right to hike closer to the cliffs.
Kirkjufell // Kirkjufellsfoss
If you don’t recognize this “mountain that looks like an arrowhead” then you must not have spent eight years of your life sucked into a little-known television program called Game of Thrones. But regardless, anyone would be hard-pressed to not find this mountain impressive and stunning. Try to find your way here for sunrise or sunset, but know you won’t be alone as all manner of photographers flock here to see this striking outcrop against mother nature’s colorful palette.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Many of the sites already mentioned are technically inside this park as it covers 170 square kilometers in the western portion of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Once the rain and fog cleared, we were able to see the Snæfellsjökull icecap. In addition to those already mentioned, you could hike to Saxhóll Volcano Crater, or for the very experienced, you can go with a tour operator and hike the glacier itself.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Waterfalls
Unsurprisingly, this peninsula, like the rest of Iceland is absolutely crawling with waterfalls. As you drive through, you’ll see a new one around every corner. If you’re spending more time on Snaefellsnes, throw a few waterfalls onto your itinerary.
Give Grundarfoss, Selvallafoss, or Svöðufoss a try!
Where to Stay on Snaefellsness Peninsula:
- Hellissandur Campground (Tjaldsvæðið á Hellissandi) – This campground is cheap, safe, and clean. It has nice bathrooms and showers, and a nice little shared kitchen. They charge ~$12 per person per night.
- Hótel Búðir – This hotel is in a great location, with beautiful views. They also have a nice restaurant which makes for a good stop or bathroom break along your road trip. Room prices vary but at the end of summer/beginning of fall, you can find rooms for ~$330+ per night.
Try one of these Iceland hiking tours in Snaefellsness…
Read more about Iceland…
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Post Featured Image – Photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash
