Spectacular 2-Day Sightseeing & Northern Lights Tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Explore the spectacular beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula while focusing on finding the northern lights by booking this incredible two-day guided excursion. Those eager to see the diverse scenery of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and marvel over the aurora borealis should book this group tour now.
This two-day tour begins when you are picked up from Reykjavik. You'll journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, on the west coast of Iceland. The area is a long peninsula, home to diverse and spectacular scenery.
Its most well-known landmark is Snaefellsjokull glacier, an ancient glacier volcano written about in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.
At the Snaefellsjokull national park, you can do a guided tour of the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir cave for an extra fee.
Other highlights on day one of your tour include exploring the fishing village of Arnatstapi and stopping at the picturesque Djupalonssandur beach. Djupalonssandur is a black sand beach that is home to four large lifting stones. Many years ago, fishermen used to use these to test their strength.
On the first night of the tour, you'll stay in the Snaefellsnes countryside. This quiet area is far away from the city's light pollution and will give you a great chance to see the northern lights.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and this means that it is not always possible to see them. Even if you don't see them, this tour is still an amazing experience.
After a comfortable night's sleep, it's time for the second day of your tour. On day two, you'll visit Deildartunguhever, one of the most powerful hot springs in Europe. Here you can take a dip in the new Krauma geothermal baths, which are fed by the hot springs.
Other highlights of the second day of the tour include a visit to Borgarfjordur, where you'll get to see two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. These two waterfalls are close together in proximity but couldn't be more different.
Hraunfossar waterfall is a tranquil series of streams formed by a lava field. Barnafoss, on the other hand, is a rapid, rushing waterfall known for its dark history in Icelandic folklore. Your guide will tell you more.
Once you've enjoyed your time at these two waterfalls, it's time to head back to Reykjavik, where you can head home or continue your adventures in Iceland.
Guests can bring one small day bag and a larger bag up to 44 lbs (20 kg).
Don't miss this immersive two-day experience exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula in Iceland and hunting for the aurora borealis. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Northern Lights
On the first day of your tour, your guide will pick you up from your chosen pick-up location in Reykjavik. Once the whole group has boarded the minibus, you'll head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
The first stop of the day is at Arnarstapi, a bustling fishing village. Arnarstapi is well known for its beautiful natural features, which include a spectacular eroded circular stone arch named Gatlettur. The village is also home to several old houses where you'll get a glimpse of traditional Icelandic life.
Next, it's time to head to Snaefellsjokull National Park, home to the Snaefellsjokull volcano, which has a glacier on top of it. Here you can do a guided cave tour of Vatnshellir cave at an additional cost.
This 8,000-year-old cave goes around 115 feet (35 meters) underground—the cave featured in the Jules Verne novel, A Journey to the Center of the Earth. If you choose not to do the cave tour, your guide will tell you about some impressive national park scenery.
There's a quick stop for lunch at the village of Hellnar before you head to Djupalonssandur beach. On this black sand beach, you'll find the remains of a ship wrecked here in 1948.
The last stop on day one of your Snaefellsnes tour is Kirkjufell mountain. Kirkjufell mountain is the most photographed peak in Iceland. The name of this peak translates to church mountain, and it's named as such because of its distinctive shape.
Once the sun goes down, your guide will check the weather forecast to see if you may have a chance of seeing the northern lights. The guide will show you the best place to admire the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis.
Tonight, you'll stay at a country hotel in Borgarnes. Here you'll have a private bathroom and breakfast in the morning.
Day 2 - West Iceland
After a comfortable and restful night’s sleep, day two of your Snaefellsnes Peninsula and northern lights tour sees you heading out to explore the gorgeous landscapes of West Iceland.
Before you head out for the day, you can fill up on a delicious breakfast in the hotel.
The first stop of the second day is Deildartunguhver hot spring in the Borgarfjordur area. The hot water here is used for central heating in the nearby towns, and it is thought to be one of the most powerful hot springs in Europe.
Here you’ll get the opportunity to take a dip in the new Krauma geothermal baths, which are powered by the hot springs. Relax and unwind as you enjoy the beautiful views from the heated pools. There is an additional fee for hot spring bathing.
Next up on the day’s itinerary is Reykholt, a small village packed full of history and culture. It was once home to Snorri Sturluson, a writer, and historian who is famous thanks to his role in Iceland’s civil war and his Nordic works.
Then it’s back to discovering more of Iceland’s spectacular natural features. You’ll head to two of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland, Hraunfossar, and Barnafoss. These waterfalls are within walking of each other and provide a delightful contrast.
While Hraunfossar flows peacefully in many different streams, Barnafoss is rapid and rugged, the water rushing down a narrow gorge. Barnafoss has an Icelandic folklore story linked to it, which your guide will tell you more about during your tour.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get back on the minibus and head back to Reykjavik. If there are any further opportunities to see the northern lights, your guide will stop so you can enjoy them. From Reykjavik, you can fly home from the international airport or continue your adventures in Iceland.
What to bring
Good to know
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Each traveler is allocated a small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing up to 44 lbs (20 kilograms). Extra baggage can be stored in the tour operator's Reykjavik office for a minimal fee.
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