A Complete Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland
Read our travel guide on Snaefellsnes Peninsula that will help you plan your trip. Includes tips on best things to do, must-visit places, 1-day itinerary, how to get around, where to stay, how much time you need, or whether it's worth it.
Are you planning your trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula? Not that long time ago, Snaefellsnes was quite an underrated destination, at least according to Iceland's standards.
It has always been popular among locals who have always known about this peninsula's beauty.
Recently, also international travelers have started to appreciate the incredible scenery, and things have changed since then.
It didn't take too long, and the word about the attractiveness of the diverse landscape has spread.
Thanks to its proximity to Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes became one of the best attractions in Iceland.
We already know how effortless it is to include Snaefellsnes Peninsula in your Iceland itinerary, so we can understand why its popularity skyrocketed.
Why Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula
What are the reasons to visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and why is this day trip worth it?
The cool thing about touring the peninsula is that it feels like driving around a small exhibition where the owner, in this case, nature, wants to show you the best of Iceland in one place.
The attractions you can look forward to seeing in this western part of Iceland are waterfalls, volcanoes, characteristic churches, beaches, caves, high cliffs, lighthouses, tiny fishing villages, glaciers, mountains, craters, and lava fields.
There are actually even more things to see, but these are the ones that immediately popped into my head.
Even though the shining star of Snaefellsnes is the iconic and uniquely-shaped mountain Kirkjufell with a Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, don't skip other locations.
Snaefellsnes is genuinely magical so make sure you have enough time for other stunning places.
We primarily designed this Snaefellsnes Peninsula itinerary as a day trip.
Please note that we traveled in Iceland in the summer when days were long, and you might need two days when traveling in the offseason.
Still, some people prefer to travel more slowly and stretch their schedule to two or three days.
All the attractions on our list are accessible by a 2WD car, meaning you don't need to rent some expensive sturdy 4WD.
To make the list of the top attractions you cannot miss when visiting Snaefellsnes easy to read, we sorted them in the same order we had seen them.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
How to Get Around Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located in West Iceland, and even though it is a detour off the iconic Ring Road that is circumnavigating Iceland, it is well accessible.
Some of the towns on the peninsula are even accessible by public transport.
However, you should know that there are lots of must-visit places and they're quite spread out.
Unless you have plenty of time or want to combine public transport and hitchhiking, we recommend getting around either by car or taking a tour.
Car
Obviously, renting a car or campervan has several advantages.
First of all, it gives you plenty of flexibility and freedom. You can stop wherever you want and discover additional hidden gems, not only the typical tourist stops.
It does not matter in which direction you decide to travel the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Most of the attractions are accessible by 2WD. Only a few dirt roads near the coast require 4WD.
We had a small 2WD campervan and didn't have any issues while driving around the peninsula.
However, we would recommend a 4WD car in the winter either way.
The peninsula is dotted with fuel stations, but it is smart to often fill up the gas tank, especially if you have a chance. This rule applies to your entire road trip around Iceland.
Tours
Due to the excellent location near Reykjavik, you can choose from many different tours.
The advantage of an organized trip is definitely the local guide, comfortable bus, and the fact you do not have to worry about which places to visit.
The only disadvantage is that you will visit fewer places than when self-driving.
This Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour from Reykjavik is extremely popular and well-rated.
If you feel that a single day won't cut it, consider taking this 2-Day Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour.
How to Get to Snaefellsnes Peninsula
As we've already mentioned, in case you want to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula independently, the best way to get around by car.
That's why it makes sense to reach the peninsula by car as well. It's simple as that.
We traveled Iceland counterclockwise, and before this day trip, we had visited Westfjords.
Therefore, we reached Snaefellsnes via Road 60 from Budardalur, and there we turned onto Road 54.
For information, Road 54 is the main route that circumnavigates the peninsula.
If you travel to Snaefellsnes from Reykjavik, follow Road 1 until you reach Borganes, and then turn left onto Road 54, which will take you to the peninsula.
It takes around two hours to get from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Public Transport
If you still plan to travel by public transport, a few buses connect Reykjavik's bus station Mjodd with Stykkisholmur or Grundarfjordur.
These are two settlements in the north part of the peninsula.
We still believe it's not worth the effort and time, though.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Honestly, it does not matter if you decide to travel the Snaefellsnes Peninsula clockwise or counterclockwise.
The only important factor to look for is how it fits your Iceland itinerary.
If you travel from Reykjavik, it makes more sense to start exploring the peninsula's south coast first and return to the Ring Road again via the northern exit.
We took the opposite approach and arrived there from Iceland's north (with a detour to Westfjords).
That's why we headed first to Stykkisholmur and toured the Snaefellsnes counterclockwise.
If you're an enthusiast photographer, you might want to take sunset or sunrise photos of Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall.
Therefore, adjust your travel itinerary accordingly.
How Much Time Do I Need for Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Every trip to this peninsula is highly individual.
As we designed this itinerary for a single day, it is evident that one day is the bare minimum to see the best Snaefellsnes Peninsula has to offer.
Even though the GPS navigation will show you that getting around the peninsula takes three hours, this would be accurate only if you didn't make any stops.
In reality, it really took us the whole day to see the best places in Snaefellsnes.
And we could take advantage of the long summer days.
Had we traveled in the winter or during shoulder seasons when days are shorter, we would either have needed two days or skipped a few stops.
When on the road, we do not mind staying up long and arriving late, sometimes skipping meals, especially when our Iceland itinerary was super-packed.
In case you prefer traveling at a more laidback pace, two days for Snaefellsnes Peninsula is probably the right amount of time.
Best Things to Do on Snaefellsnes Peninsula
A trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula is all about nature.
In only one day, you can see a wide range of natural attractions, and after a while, you will fully understand why is this part of the country sometimes nicknamed Iceland in miniature.
Down below, we share the best things to do on Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
As mentioned earlier, we've sorted the stops in chronological order as you can visit them if you start on the north side.
If you travel in the opposite direction, read the list in reverse order.
Stykkisholmur
The first stop on our itinerary was the biggest town on the peninsula, Stykkisholmur.
Stykkisholmur is a cute fishing town with an extraordinary, modern church and, most importantly, a picturesque harbor, lighthouse, and cliffs.
It is short a detour from Road 54. The town lies about 10 kilometers north of the main route.
You can spot the church when driving to the harbor, and we could not stop wondering how come many of the places such as Reykjavik, Akureyri, and now even small Stykkisholmur boast modern architecture.
When we reached the harbor, we left our car in the designated parking lot and decided to take a short walk to Sugandisey Island Lighthouse, towering above the town on the cliff.
It is a quick but rewarding hike you should not miss as it offers wonderful views of the town and the bay area.
The harbor can get quite busy at times as it is possible to catch here a ferry to Westfjords.
If you are looking for fun things to do, take a Sea Kayak Day Tour from Stykkisholmur, enjoy the views of the rugged coastline, and search for puffins and dolphins.
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss
You will hardly find a more iconic place on Snaefellsnes Peninsula than Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall.
The landscape is so unique that many travelers decide to include the Snaefellsnes in their itinerary just to take a photo of a waterfall with a cone-shaped mountain in the background.
If you are looking for the most photographed mountain in Iceland, this is the one.
We believe you've already seen this iconic photo before, whether it was on posters at the airport, travel brochures, or promotional pictures of Iceland.
To be honest, we found this spot a bit overrated, even though we cannot deny the setting is lovely.
The best time to visit this site is either during the sunrise or sunset to see the scenery in its full glory.
By the way, during the cold Icelandic winters, Kirkjufell is often enveloped by the Northern Lights.
From here, continue towards the western tip of the peninsula. About 17 kilometers west of Kirkjufellsfoss, don't forget to turn right onto scenic Road 574.
Get your camera ready. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Rif
Rif is a small town that does not somehow stand out among other inconspicuous settlements.
Still, it does not mean you cannot visit it and stretch your legs a bit. Don't forget that you still have a long drive ahead.
While Rif might slip your attention, yous should still not leave this area disappointed.
Only five minutes from Rif lies Ingjaldsholskirkja, one of the most photogenic and beautiful churches in Iceland.
It is one of the oldest stone churches in the country, but the main reason why we decided to take the detour was the unbelievable scenery.
The access road to the church is lined with blooming lupins during the summer.
The building itself stands on a small hill, and behind it dominates a mountain range covered with snow.
Truly magnificent view, in fact, one of the best ones in Iceland.
It's a quick stop, so make sure to find some extra time to visit this picturesque place.
Skardsvik Beach
Skardsvik Beach is a small golden sand strip hidden in a charming bay that is well-known due to its golden sand.
You might think it is nothing unusual, but Iceland is full of black sand beaches, especially the South Coast.
The iconic Reynisfjara or Diamond Beach are the best examples of this fact.
Therefore, seeing a golden sand beach in Iceland is relatively rare.
Skardsvik Beach is quite lovely. You can walk on the beach for a while; just be careful during the high tide.
To be honest, we liked the Red Sand Beach in Westfjords a bit more as the scenery was far more impressive.
However, we know not that many visitors travel off the Ring Road, which makes this short detour to Skardsvik Beach much more tempting.
The road to Skardsvik Beach viewpoint is paved, but it turns to gravel one right behind it.
If you have a 4WD car, you can visit two more attractions on this unpaved road, Ondverdarnes Lighthouse and Svortuloft Lighthouse.
Both lighthouses looked quite nice in a picture.
As we had a freshly patched tire on our 2WD campervan and knew there were other lighthouses along the way, we decided to skip it for obvious reasons.
Saxholl Crater
When you enter Snaefellsjokull National Park, which covers the westernmost tip of the peninsula, you cannot but notice Saxholl Crater, a black 100 meters high volcano towering above the surface.
We were intrigued by the steps leading around the edge to the top of the volcano, so we decided to give it a try.
We parked the car right next to the beginning of the trail, and in less than five minutes, we reached the rim of the crater.
Unlike some of the other craters on the Golden Circle or around the Myvatn area, Saxholl Crater is empty, there is no water inside it, so it is not that photogenic.
So the main reason to climb to the top is the 360-degree view of the peninsula.
Views of Snaefellsjokull
One of the highlights of driving around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the opportunity to see Snaefellsjokull Glacier for almost the entire day.
The glacier-capped volcano is one of the most iconic sights of this place, no wonder the whole peninsula was named after it.
When the weather is pleasant, you can see the glacier for the majority of the day, so fingers crossed for good visibility.
It is possible to drive closer to the glacier, but only with an organized tour in the summer in a 4WD car.
We were fine just with the views, but if you are looking for something to spice up your travels, this might be the right activity for you.
Djupalonssandur Beach
One of the best things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is visiting Djupalonssandur Beach.
Djupalonssandur can be easily nicknamed Reynisfjara of West Iceland. The black sand beach and the rugged coastline are stunning, and the scenery attracts crowds.
Once you park your car, you have a couple of options on how to proceed from here.
The easiest one is to simply walk down a flight of stairs to the beach.
Here you can take a stroll to the farthest end and back. Be careful where you step, as there are also scattered rusty remains of an old fishing trawler.
The second option is to hike the trail on the top of the cliffs, from where you can admire the jagged volcanic rocks.
There are several trails to choose from, so you can spend here quite some time if your schedule allows.
We opted for the shortest one, approximately one kilometer long each way.
Vatnshellir Cave
One of the best things about traveling around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is that most natural attractions are free of charge, meaning that the trip is suitable even if you travel around Iceland on a budget.
Unfortunately, everything else is quite expensive. If you need proof, then check out our Iceland Budget.
So the only exception on today's road trip where you need to buy tickets is Vatnshellir Cave.
In fact, you must reserve a guided tour to be able to explore the cave. It's better to do it well in advance in peak season.
What is so special about this cave?
You will have an opportunity to descend into an 8000 years old lava cave, which is not something you do every day.
For about 45 minutes, you will be surrounded only by darkness and strange lava formations. Pretty cool, huh?
If it's your lucky day, you might even get a helmet and flashlight to see its beauty.
In all seriousness, the Vatnshellir Cave Tour is one of the best activities to do on Snaefellsnes, even for families with kids.
Malarrif Lighthouse
Do you remember when we talked about lighthouses accessible only by a 4WD car? Now we have some good news for you.
The access road that connects Malarrif Lighthouse with Road 54 is fully paved, so it's very easy to get there.
And why should this place be your next stop on your trip?
Quite frankly, Malarrif Lighthouse was one of the prettiest lighthouses we saw in Iceland.
It is a simple, high, white structure set in an amazing grassy location with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
As the sun was slowly getting down and there were no other people around, the place felt very serene.
A new visitors center is being built here, so we assume local authorities expect a fresh wave of visitors in the following years.
Londrangar Cliffs
The next stop on our itinerary was Londrangar Cliffs.
It is possible to walk there from Malarrif Lighthouse, but as it was getting late and we still had a few things to check off the list, we decided to drive there.
A new boardwalk and a viewing platform were constructed there, and we appreciated these safety measures.
The views of the cliffs are dramatic, and the basalt rock formations pointing to the sky make this place outstanding.
Add the deafening sounds of crashing waves and piercing cries of hundreds of birds, and you will get an unforgettable experience.
We loved our trip to Latrabjarg Cliffs in the Westfjords, so it's not very surprising when we say that this was one of our favorite places on the peninsula.
By the way, Londrangar Cliffs are also one of the best places for bird-watching on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
If you hiked to Londrangar Cliffs from Malarrif Lighthouse, then you need to retrace your steps to get back to your car.
Arnarstapi
We decided to skip a small settlement of Hellnar and headed directly to Arnarstapi, another tiny but picturesque fishing village on Snaefellsnes.
It seemed quite lively in the evening, especially as the fellow travelers were heading to the restaurants to have a well-deserved meal.
Despite our empty stomachs, we visited Arnarstapi for a different reason.
We wanted to see a unique rock formation Gatklettur, lava fields, nesting birds, and admire Arnarstapi Cliffs.
The coastline is very scenic, especially when the light is soft later in the afternoon.
Bjarnafoss
We all know that there are so many beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Therefore, it would be strange if there were not at least one worth visiting on Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
No, we cannot say that Bjarnafoss was equally impressive as Dettifoss, Skogafoss, Dynjandi, or Gullfoss.
Hadn't we seen these waterfalls before, we would have been much more excited about this one, that's for sure.
Still, Bjarnafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, so it's worth mentioning.
If you're short on time, you can see it just from the window of your car when driving around.
Budakirkja Black Church
By now, you've probably seen many adorable churches in Iceland, and you might be reluctant to visit another one.
However, this one is really worth it, and it's one of the top things to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
And what is the reason behind it?
As the name suggests, it is completely black, except for the door and window frames. It's not that common feature, and Búðakirkja is one of the most iconic churches in Iceland.
We should also say that the mountainous background creates a perfect photo location.
A church stood here in the early 18th century. However, the one you see today was built in 1848.
Some of the original materials were used during the reconstruction in 1987.
The church is still used to this day. The opening hours vary, so you need a bit of luck to get inside.
Budakirkja is very photogenic, and the place gets busy, so be prepared that you won't have the site for yourself during the peak season.
We arrived here late in the evening in July, and only a few people were around.
Nonetheless, we also saw some Budakirkja winter photos and have to admit that the combination of a snowy landscape and black church is arguably even more spectacular.
Plus, there will be far fewer people around during this period.
After exploring most of the top attractions on Road 574, we finally returned to main Road 54.
Ytri Tunga Beach
We were fortunate to see puffins in Iceland - on Dyrholaey, Borgarfjordur, and Latrabjarg, or take a whale-watching tour in Husavik.
We were also hoping to spot seals during our two-week trip around the country.
Ytri Tunga Beach is one the best places to see seals on Snaefellsnes. The best part is that it takes a minimum effort as the parking lot is right next to the beach.
Unfortunately, there were no seals on the day of our visit.
As it was getting really late, we did not want to walk along the beach for several kilometers to search for them.
This experience showed us once again that it's better to lower your expectations to avoid disappointment.
Hopefully, you will be luckier than us when searching for seals in Iceland.
Olkelduvatn Mineral Spring
One of the last stops that day was highly optional, but we decided it was something we wanted to see just for fun.
The site is minuscule, and the only thing you can find here is a pipe with running water.
If you are brave enough, you can drink it as the water has supposedly many benefits for health.
Unfortunately, we did not have time to try it.
When we got out of the car, we spotted a fairly large black barking dog running toward us, and as we remembered our unpleasant experience in Playa de Belen, we quickly got back into the car.
Gerduberg Cliffs
Our trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula was coming to an end, but it seemed that the place still had a few aces in the sleeve.
If you travel in the same direction as we did, you will notice a massive stone wall made of hexagonal basalt columns on your left.
It's not very well signposted, but it's hard to miss. If you still have time, then you can turn left onto a small gravel road and explore the site on foot.
However, this is not a typical tourist stop, and it's perfectly fine to stay on the main road and enjoy the views just from your car.
When is the Best Time to Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The weather in Iceland can be harsh and unpredictable. Still, it is possible to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula year-round.
Summer
The most convenient time to visit this destination is in the summer between June and August when days are long and the chances of higher temperatures are better.
It's the best time to visit Iceland in general.
On the other hand, the chance of better weather attracts crowds, so you can expect parking lots near the top attractions to be full.
Shoulder Season
Because this is a road trip, it is not a bad idea to plan your visit for shoulder season.
Most of the stops are quick, so you don't spend that much time outside unless you really want to.
Winter
Winter is for sure a magical time to visit Snaefellsnes. You just need to be well-equipped and be ready for the strong cold winds and snowfall.
Unfortunately, you won't escape the wind even in the summer.
Even when it snows during the winter, the roads are usually plowed quickly, and you should not experience many troubles in this regard.
Still, road conditions might be challenging, so drive carefully and really consider renting a 4WD car to stay safe.
Also, don't forget to read our guide on Iceland Summer Packing List.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Where to Stay When Visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a wide range of accommodation options.
Usually, it makes sense to stay in one of the villages directly on the peninsula.
However, depending on their itinerary, some people end their trip in Reykjavik or somewhere north of the peninsula.
The accommodations on Snaefellsnes Peninsula are quite pricey, and the best hotels are booked out soon. Don't forget to make your reservation well in advance.
We've hand-selected the best hotels on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its surroundings to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Stykkisholmur | Akkeri Guesthouse - Fabulously renovated guesthouse has a great location and such superb reviews that you should better hurry if you want to stay here.
Grundarfjordur | Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments - With a great location, and clean and comfortable rooms, this guesthouse is one of the best places to stay while in the area.
Hellnar | Fosshotel Hellnar - Great location, modern rooms, and rooms overlooking the ocean. You will hardly find a better hotel close to Hellnar village.
Arnarstapi | Arnarstapi Hotel - Comfortable, well-designed rooms and a peaceful atmosphere makes this place an oasis in otherwise chilly Iceland.
Reykjavik | Hotel Klettur - If you are looking for decent yet affordable accommodation in Reykjavik, this conveniently located hotel is an excellent choice.
Budardalur | The Castle - This cozy guesthouse is between the Snaefellsnes and Westfjords, so you might consider it when getting from one location to another. Some of the rooms face the beach, and it is also a great place to spot the Northern Lights.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
