A Complete Guide to Road Tripping Around Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Icelandic spelling: Snæfellsnes) is a geological wonderland showcasing many of Iceland’s distinctive features. The peninsula is notable in that it offers these features in a relatively simple, easy-to-do trip from Reykjavik, whether as a day trip or overnighter.

In this guide, I’ll take you through what I think are the best things to include in your Snaefellsnes Peninsula itinerary. While Iceland may have better examples of each highlight, no other place has them all in such an accessible, compact area.

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Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #1 – Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs

Coming from Reykjavik along Route 54, Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs (Icelandic spelling: Gerðuberg) is the first thing you’ll see on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. These hexagonal basalt columns formed from an ancient volcanic eruption appear in the middle of a flat valley and act like nature’s way of welcoming you to this corner of Iceland.

Seeing these columns rising out of the ground is a welcome prelude to all the geological wonders you’re going to see on your drive. After driving through mostly flat, somewhat uninteresting landscapes between here and Reykjavik, Gerduberg’s cliffs are a sign of things to come.

You can easily see the Gerduberg columns from the road, but I recommend driving up to the cliffs for a closer view. From here, you get a better sense of the size of these cliffs while also getting a good view of the surrounding terrain.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #2 – Ytri Tunga Beach

Continuing along Route 54 clockwise around Snaefellsnes Peninsula, your next stop is Ytri Tunga Beach. This beach is one of the best places in all of Iceland to see the seals that call these waters home. The two most common seals you’re likely to see are grey seals and harbor seals.

Be on the lookout for a road marker adorned with a small red house with a black roof as it’s easy to miss the turn for Ytri Tunga.

Amid the shallow waters here are small rocky islands where you might find seals taking a snooze while other seals play and fish in the water.

Despite being there during low season for seeing seals, we were fortunate to see several along the beach. With that said, the best time of year to see seals are during the summer months from May to July.

Besides the seals, Ytri Tunga is unique in that it’s one of the few beaches in Iceland with yellow sand. With clear skies, you can also get a great view of Snaefellsjökull, the peninsula’s iconic glacier. However, without seals, you won’t have much reason to linger here for too long.

We actually visited Ytri Tunga Beach the morning after our road trip around Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If you’re staying overnight on the peninsula’s south coast, you may want to do the same to give yourself plenty of time to check out the seals if wildlife viewing is your thing.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #3 – Bjanarfoss Waterfall

About 15 minutes farther on Route 54 is Bjanarfoss Waterfall on your right. You’ll find a small parking lot with a short trail that leads up to a viewpoint of the waterfall.

Bjanarfoss is an attractive waterfall worth a quick visit. It’s not the grandest waterfall you’ll see, but it is pretty how the water tumbles down over rocky outcroppings before disappearing behind a raised bit of ground. This waterfall is a nice contrast to some of the mightier falls in Iceland.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #4 – Budir Church

Budir Church (Icelandic spelling: Búðakirkja) is one of Iceland’s most iconic churches. It sits nestled on top of a small hill in the middle of a valley between mountains and the sea. You’ll find Budir Church just a few minutes away from Bjanarfoss after Route 54 turns into 574.

Unlike the ornate churches found across Europe, Iceland’s churches are much simpler. This aesthetic reflects both their religious sensibilities and Icelander’s own straightforward personalities. These church’s basic designs look so memorable against Iceland’s stark natural landscapes, and Budir Church is no different.

Budir Church’s black construction looks absolutely stunning. Whether you’re looking towards the ocean or the mountains, the landscape frames Budir Church perfectly. Because of this setting, Budir Church is a popular spot for photographers looking for that quintessential Iceland photo.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #5 – Raudfeldsgjá Gorge

Nine miles farther along Route 574 is Raudfeldsgjá Gorge (Icelandic spelling: Rauðfeldsgjá). You can see the gorge from the road or parking lot, or you can park in the small lot to hike up and into the gorge.

The hike up to the cliff wall takes about 10 minutes. It’s fairly easy, but it is all uphill and on some uneven ground. Once you get up to the gorge, if you’re fit enough and have appropriate gear, you can go into the gorge for as far as you feel comfortable going.

To get into the gorge, at the very least you should have sturdy hiking shoes with grippy treads to safely traverse slick rocks. If you only go a couple minutes into the gorge, you’ll be able to see a nice little waterfall amid the soaring cliff walls. You can climb farther into the gorge, but it can get physically demanding and wet, so be prepared.

Raudfeldsgjá Gorge is also notable for its role in one of Iceland’s epic sagas. The legendary figure Bárdur Snaefellsás lived here with his daughter. One day his daughter was playing with a boy named Raudfeldur when he pushed her onto an iceberg that floated all the way to Greenland. In a rage, Bardur threw Raudfeldur and his brother into the gorge which now bears his name.

Remember Bardur’s name. He’s going to pop up a couple more times on your visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Raudfeldsgjá Gorge was one of my favorite stops on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is saying something because I loved all these stops. It was just so cool to be inside the gorge all by myself, and I didn’t even go in very deep. I highly encourage you to make time to hike up and into the gorge!

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #6 – Arnarstapi

Just a couple miles up the road is the small town of Arnarstapi. You’re not coming for the town, though. Along Arnarstapi’s coastline are a few different rock formations worth seeing.

Before you come to the rock formations, the first thing you’ll see is a large statue of Bárdur Snaefellsás. This is the same legendary figure we met back in Raudfeldsgjá Gorge. This statue stands nearly 20 feet high and was built in 1978 as a way to symbolize the importance of Bardur’s saga to Snaefellsness Peninsula.

Beyond Bardur’s statue, you can venture either right or left along the coastline. Arnarstapi’s main highlight is to the left. The rock formation Gatklettur is found in this direction. It’s a large natural arch just off the shore that has been created by the sea’s pounding waves. Stick around for a couple minutes to see the dramatic effect of some of these same waves crashing against the formation.

Going right along the coast will take you to some other interesting, slightly less impressive rock formations. You’ll be able to see a couple small coastal caves surrounded by column-shaped basalt rocks fanning out to either side. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this section of Arnarstapi.

In addition to the scenery, Arnarstapi is a good location to fill up your gas and grab some coffee or snacks. You won’t find any of these conveniences for another couple hours.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #7 – Lóndrangar

On the left as you approach the entrance to Snaefellsjökull National Park is a viewpoint for the Lóndrangar rock formations. This ancient volcano sits right on the peninsula’s coastline where it has been battered by wind and waves over the years to create one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region.

When you arrive at the parking lot for the viewpoint, you can walk to one of two viewpoints. The better viewpoint of Lóndrangar is from the lower platform because you’re a bit closer to everything. There is also a tall cliff wall coming up from the water here for some prime birdwatching.

On the other hand, the upper viewpoint is nice, too, because you can see Malariff Lighthouse standing beyond the rock formations. You’re also able to see the meandering coastline extending east along Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #8 – Snaefellsjökull National Park Visitor Centre

Around the halfway point of the loop around Snaefellsnes Peninsula and just shortly after the entrance to Snaefellsjökull National Park is the park’s visitor’s center.

This visitor center is a convenient stop for a number of reasons. The main reason is that the center has bathrooms and water fountains. Since you’ll be getting here around the midpoint of the Snafellsnes loop, it’s a great place to stop if you need to use the facilities or refill your water bottles.

In addition to the facilities, the visitor center also has a fine little museum with exhibits describing the history, geography, flora and fauna of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The visitor center should also have an attendant on hand to answer any questions you may have about your visit.

If you’re feeling up for it, you can also hike the two miles roundtrip to the Lóndrangar formations you saw from the viewpoint before the Snaefellsjökull National Park Visitor Centre for a closer look.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #9 – Djúpalónssandur Beach

Djúpalónssandur Beach is a gorgeous black sand beach on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If you’ve been to Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s South Coast, Djúpalónssandur is similar. However, it’s more intimate and peaceful here because it doesn’t have as many tourists.

The special thing about Djúpalónssandur is the variety of things you can see here. Of course, the highlight for most is the black sand itself. This sand is created from volcanic rock that has been ground down into tiny pebbles.

In addition to the beach, Djúpalónssandur has tons of interesting geological features. While walking to the beach, you’ll see tall, craggy rock formations on either side of the path.

Farther down along the left side of the beach are two large rock formations: a distinctive structure rising out of the water and another formation with jagged peaks on the beach. The latter of these is believed to be home to some of Iceland’s hidden people. The hidden people are elf-like beings believed to inhabit the country alongside humans.

You can also see remnants of Djúpalónssandur Beach’s human history. As you walk onto the beach, look out for four large rocks on your right. These were used to gauge whether someone was strong enough to do the physical labor necessary to be a fisherman here.

When you get on the main part of the beach, you’ll see rusted metal everywhere. These chunks of iron are the remains from a British shipwreck in 1948 off the coast. They make good photo ops while also providing a haunting quality to Djúpalónssandur Beach.

Take heed of the signs warning people to stay away from the shoreline and to not turn away from the water. Djúpalónssandur Beach is known for its dangerous sneaker waves. Make sure you stay alert here to keep yourself safe!

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #10 – Saxhóll Crater

In a land made by volcanic activity, it’s only fitting that you take the opportunity to ascend one of the peninsula’s extinct volcanoes. Fortunately, the climb up Saxhóll is relatively easy.

Saxhóll is about 300 feet high, but stairs have been built into its side to make it accessible to anyone with fair mobility. Upon reaching the top of the crater, you can peer into the crater and take in the panoramic views of Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

In addition to a few other craters in the distance, this is one of the best spots on my driving tour to observe Snaefellsjökull Glacier in clear conditions. Our old friend Bárdur Snaefellsás has a strong connection with this glacier. After the tragedy of his daughter, he left his home and disappeared into the glacier where it’s believed he became a protector of those in need.

Remember how I said the climb up Saxhóll is relatively easy? That’s assuming good weather. If it’s windy on your day, you may want to skip the climb. I’ve never experienced wind like what I did on top of Saxhóll crater. I had to hold on to my phone tightly to make sure it didn’t fly out of my hands, and there were even a few times I thought I was going to get blown off Saxhóll’s summit.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #11 – Svodufoss Waterfall

Svodufoss Waterfall is another of Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s best waterfalls. One of the things that makes this one so special is its relative remoteness. It isn’t especially hard to reach, but if it isn’t already on your radar, it can be easy to miss.

Watch out for a right turn off of Route 574 just a little after the small town of Rif. From here, you’ll drive along an unpaved road for about a mile before reaching a parking lot. Drive slowly because this road is incredibly bumpy. Once you park, it’s still a bit of a walk to Svodufoss. The walk is easy, but if it’s windy, as is common in this part of Iceland, it can be a pretty miserable walk in cold weather.

The reward is a spectacular view of the waterfall. Svodufoss Waterfall plunges from the valley above into the river below. This was one of the more powerful waterfalls we saw on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On clear days, you can see Snaefellsjökull Glacier rising above the waterfall for an even more impressive view.

While I thought Svodufoss was beautiful, it was very windy and cold walking through the valley to reach it. If you have similar conditions, you may want to just view it from the road or parking lot.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Stop #12 – Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

The last stop on my Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour is one of Iceland’s most famous sights. Kirkjufell Mountain and its associated waterfall is used in much of Iceland’s promotional materials and can even be found in the Game of Thrones TV series.

The name Kirkjufell translates to Church Mountain owing to its distinctive steeple-like shape. It’s this unique shape that makes Kirkjufell so memorable and majestic despite its relatively small height.

The easily accessible waterfall creates the perfect foreground for amateur photographers to get the perfect photo of Kirkjufell. No matter what season you’re visiting, you’ll get great views and pictures here.

Optional Stops Along Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The above stops are the highlights I think you should prioritize, but Snaefellsnes Peninsula still has much more to offer if you want to take the time.

Shortly after Budir Church is a viewpoint with sweeping views of this section of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and a sign commemorating Iceland’s most infamous serial killer, Axlar-Björn. In a country with an incredibly low crime rate, Axlar-Björn’s story stands out. He murdered 18 people in the 16th century with an axe before being executed himself. Just a bit up the road from this viewpoint is a more cheerful stop where you can pet and feed some Icelandic horses if they’re close to the road.

Hellnar is the next stop along the coast past Arnarstapi. The views here are similar but less impressive than those at Arnarstapi. There’s a trail you can walk along connecting Hellnar back to Arnarstapi to find more views. We walked along this path for about five minutes without seeing anything worthwhile.

Vatnshellir Cave is another stop you can take if you have plenty of time during your visit. To see this volcanic cave, you have to go on a 45-minute guided tour for 4,500 ISK. The main downside to visiting Vatnshellir is that it’s recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time. This means you have to be careful with your time when visiting other stops before your tour.

A quick drive into the small town of Hellisandur reveals some impressive street art. The highlight is a large mural of a ram posing in front of a starry sky, but you can easily see several other artworks as you drive through town. This brief detour is worth it.

For several miles after Kirkjufell, you’re going to be driving through Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s two fjords, both technically part of one larger fjord. The views are quite pretty, but it’s not particularly worth stopping anywhere.

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is a small, family-owned museum dedicated to Iceland’s legendary fermented shark “delicacy,” hákarl. For 1,800 ISK, you’ll learn about the Greenland shark and the fermenting process for making hákarl at Bjarnarhöfn. You’ll also get to try the food and see the storage sheds where the sharks are hung to ferment. Be warned: Hákarl is almost certainly going to be one of the worst things you’ll ever eat. I think it’s worth it just to say you did it, but if you have a weak stomach, you may want to pass.

Relax at Stykkishólmur Public Baths

By the time you reach the end of your drive, you’re probably going to be pretty exhausted. Why not take this time to drive a little farther into Stykkishólmur to relax at the town public pool. For a small fee, you can use their facilities for as long as you like. Don’t worry if you forgot your swimming gear: They have bathing suits available to rent.

Stykkishólmur’s pool is very much a local haunt, but that fact only adds to its appeal. It’s pretty low key and quiet, lacking all the touristy appeal of Iceland’s popular hot springs. The pool has a large lap pool, two different hot tubs and a cold tub (which is absolutely freezing – good luck if you decide to try this one out).

Another charming aspect of the pool is that because it’s not touristy, you’ll get the opportunity to engage with local Icelanders as they wind down at the end of a day. Truly, this was one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences we had during our trip.

After your soak, Stykkishólmur has a few fine restaurants if you’re ready for dinner. We ate at Sjavarpakkhusid. This restaurant is a little pricey, but everything we had was of excellent quality. Try their cheesecake with blueberries if they have it on the menu!

Where to Stay on Snaefellsnes Peninsula

We stayed at Lýsuhóll on Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s south coast. Lýsuhóll is a family-run horse farm that offers small cottages for travelers. I can’t recommend a stay at Lýsuhóll enough! Everything about it was absolutely perfect.

Starting with the cottage, this small accommodation wasn’t particularly glitzy, but it gave us everything we needed. The beds were comfortable and warm (which was much needed because it’s very windy at Lýsuhóll). We also had an electric kettle and modern bathroom.

Most importantly, though, was the large window overlooking the valley and mountains in the distance. We could see Snaefellsjökull Glacier from here, and it was also an ideal location to look out for the Northern Lights while in the warmth of the cottage.

The other highlight of Lýsuhóll was the home cooking. Lýsuhóll’s proprietors serve up delicious homestyle meals for both breakfast and dinner at an additional cost. It was a little pricey – like most things in Iceland! – but so well worth it. We had so many delicious meals in Iceland, but our dinner at Lýsuhóll was one of the best. One thing to note is if you want wine or any other adult beverage with your meal, you’ll have to bring it yourself.

In addition to everything else, Lýsuhóll offers horseback riding in the area for an additional cost. We didn’t go on a ride because it was just too cold, but we ate dinner with a group who seemed to have enjoyed their ride. While we didn’t do one of the rides, we were able to visit the barn to see the horses.

A little farther up the road from Lýsuhóll is a public bath that you can use if staying here. Unfortunately, these baths weren’t open when we were visiting as they are only open during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snaefellsnes Peninsula

What do I need to bring for my road trip around Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

Like the rest of Iceland, the weather in Snaefellsnes Peninsula can change drastically from minute to minute. The top things I would be prepared for are precipitation and wind. Windy conditions were pretty consistent everywhere we went on the peninsula. Make sure you have warm clothes and a windbreaker.

You probably won’t do any extensive hiking, but you should still have sturdy, comfortable shoes to help with walking on uneven terrain. Shoes with decent grip will also be helpful.

If you’re driving, you’ll obviously need a car. During winter months, all-wheel drive will be helpful in case you run into icy conditions. A standard car should be fine for the rest of the year. You will encounter some unpaved roads, but as long as you’re driving carefully, you’ll be fine.

Finally, bring plenty of water and some snacks. The southern coast of Snaefellsnes Peninsula only has a couple places where you can get food or water, so it’s best to just make sure you have both from the get-go. The northwestern part of the peninsula has a couple decently sized towns where you can find restaurants for a sit-down meal.

How much time should I plan for the drive around Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

If you’re staying on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, plan for around seven hours for your road trip around the main stops. You can add or subtract time depending on how long you typically linger at stops during a trip like this. For instance, our drive took about 7.5 hours in total because I take a long time at each stop to take pictures.

On the other hand, if you’re coming from Reykjavik as a day trip, expect your trip to be around 10-12 hours.

Should I do this drive around the peninsula in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction?

My guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula is written as if you’re driving in the clockwise direction. I recommend this direction for three reasons.

1. The north side of the peninsula doesn’t have as many highlights. Start your day with the best the region has to offer and have a more relaxing drive as you finish your visit.
2. If you want to stop for lunch, you should arrive in the couple towns with restaurants an hour or so after noon.
3. Going clockwise, you have the opportunity to stop at Stykkishólmur’s public bath at the end of your drive. These baths are a great way to end your busy day.

Is Snaefellsnes Peninsula worth a day trip from Reykjavik?

Maybe? Even though Snaefellsnes Peninsula was our favorite part of our trip to Iceland, it is kind of far from Reykjavik. You certainly can do it, but it would be a busy day. If you’re going to do this as a day trip from Reykjavik, I suggest looking into a tour so someone else can drive you around while you rest between stops.

If you can swing it, you should try to do at least one night in Snaefellsnes Peninsula to prevent any rushing around.

When is the best time to visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

It depends on what you want to see. If you want wintry conditions with minimal crowds, come during winter months. However, be warned: It’s going to be cold, and you won’t have many hours in the day. One big perk is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The chance of seeing this natural phenomenon is highest during winter.

Visiting during summer will reward you with green scenery, bright skies and wildflowers. However, you can expect crowds to be at a maximum during this time of the year. Another negative? This is the worst time of year to see the Northern Lights.

The shoulder months between winter and summer are a good time to visit if you want a bit of the best of the summer and winter months. In particular, the transitional months from winter to summer will have low crowds while also having warmer weather than winter. You also still have a decent chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

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