Discover the top 10 best cafes and coffee shops on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with quality coffee, fresh pastries, and stunning views that make memories beyond the sights. With this guide, you’ll never miss a coffee stop worth lingering for.
Your road trip on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula deserves better than gas-station coffee. After scaling glacier ridges at dawn or braving sea spray on black-sand beaches, reward yourself with a coffee break that does the scenery justice.
It's easy to miss the good spots when you're busy taking Snaefellsnes tours or rushing between Kirkjufell Mountain and the iconic landscapes surrounding Arnarstapi Village.
This guide maps out the best cafes and coffee shops on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where the coffee is well-brewed, the pastries are made that morning, and the views make you want to linger.
Some serve traditional Icelandic treats worth a detour; others provide welcome shelter when the weather suddenly takes a turn. Many of the cafes are conveniently located near the best places to stay on Snaefellsnes, making them ideal breakfast or lunch stops before hitting the road again.
Scroll down to discover your next favorite cafe in Snaefellsnes.
What You'll Learn in This Snaefellsnes Cafe Guide
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Detailed directions to each cafe along Route 54 with an interactive map for easy navigation.
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Where to find the best coffee on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and specialty drinks like proper iced lattes that are rarely available in rural Iceland.
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Information on cafes catering to vegan and vegetarian travelers.
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Snaefellsnes coffee houses that offer non-dairy milk alternatives without extra charges.
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Seasonal operating hours with notes on winter closures to help plan your visit.
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Family-friendly cafes featuring dedicated play areas and child-friendly menu options.
Map of the Top 10 Best Cafes in Snaefellsnes
This interactive map highlights the top 10 cafes and coffee shops across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, each offering quality brews, local charm, and scenic backdrops. From cozy spots near glaciers to seaside stops along Route 54, these cafes are perfect for recharging during your journey.
Use this map to plan your coffee breaks and make the most of your Snaefellsnes itinerary.
10. Fjöruhúsið
Photo from Fjöruhúsið Hellnum.
Set on rocky cliffs with crashing Atlantic waves below, Fjöruhúsið (The Beach House) offers Iceland's most spectacular coffee view. This gem sits perfectly midway along the coastal hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, rewarding your trek with breathtaking scenery and well-earned refreshments.
The coffee itself is reliably good, with the bonus of free refills on filter coffee. Their Swiss Mocha gets particular mentions from happy visitors. Pair it with their delicious waffles topped with house-made rhubarb jam.
Photo from Fjöruhúsið Hellnum.
If you're looking for something heartier, Fjöruhúsið's fish soup, served with a side of homemade bread, has sustained hikers and travelers for years.
With seating for just two dozen inside, the outdoor terrace is where you'll want to be anyway (weather permitting). Here you can sip your coffee while scanning the ocean for passing whales and listening to seabirds calling from the surrounding cliffs.
Photo from Fjöruhúsið Hellnum.
The summer-only open hours are the cafe's only downside. Still, we have to admit, the seasonal operation is part of what keeps this family-run cafe in Hellnar so special.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (open seasonally, Easter to October)
9. Café Sjávarborg
Photo from Café Sjávarborg.
If you happen to find yourself in Stykkisholmur, often considered one of the most beautiful towns on the peninsula, this cafe is a must!
Café Sjávarborg serves everything from expertly prepared flat whites to hearty homemade soups. Thoughtful extras like a basement book exchange add charm, while colorful harbor views provide a picturesque backdrop just steps from your table.
Photo from Café Sjávarborg.
Their comprehensive coffee menu covers everything from simple filter brews to skillfully prepared cappuccinos and iced lattes. Beyond good coffee, their homemade soups have developed a following among repeat visitors, who appreciate a warm lunch option after a ferry ride from the Westfjords or before a volcano hike.
With coffee this good and food that hits the spot, it’s no surprise that Café Sjávarborg is considered one of the best cafes in Snaefellsnes.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Monday to Friday: Closed
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Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Weekends only; check ahead for seasonal changes.
8. Harbour Cafe
Photo from Harbour Cafe.
Coffee with a side of Viking spirit is what awaits at this harbor-front cafe in Grundarfjordur. While many come for their excellent coffee, the unique personality of this place quickly turns a simple coffee stop into a memorable experience.
Brave visitors can participate in the "Viking Experience" - a challenge involving Icelandic fermented shark and spirits that earns you an honorary Viking pin if you complete it without making a face. It's exactly the kind of authentic, fun interaction that makes for favorite travel stories back home.
Their coffee provides the perfect complement to the spectacular views of Kirkjufell Mountain (or "Church Mountain" as locals call it) visible just outside. Pair your brew with a slice of their homemade carrot cake while planning where to get the best view of the famous mountain, or your visit to the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfalls.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Daily 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 6:00 – 8:30 PM
7. Vegamót
Photo from Hotel Snaefellsnes.
When you’re ready for a relaxed coffee break after exploring the top things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vegamót is a natural stop. Housed within Hotel Snaefellsnes, this minimalist cafe blends clean design with genuine hospitality, making it one of the best coffee shops on the peninsula.
Photo from Hotel Snaefellsnes.
Their coffee game is strong, with well-prepared lattes and other espresso drinks that have earned praise from visitors. Vegan and vegetarian travelers will appreciate the complimentary oat milk option.
The display case is filled daily with fresh-baked breads and seasonal treats, thanks to a kitchen that focuses on local sourcing and sustainable ingredients from nearby farms.
Photo from Hotel Snaefellsnes.
And if you're hungry for a meal, the fish soup is a favorite. The light breakfast plates are also perfect before setting out on a glacier tour or whale-watching trip.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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May 15 – Oct 1: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
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Oct 2 – May 14: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Open year-round.
6. Simply Café
Photo from Simply Cafe.
Positioned near Vatnshellir Cave and Londrangar Sea Stacks, Simply Café is a family-run gem serving exceptional cappuccinos (with free oat milk!) in a living room flooded with morning light. Their freshly baked pastries and hearty bacon and egg sandwiches fuel serious exploration.
Photo from Simply Cafe.
This Hellnar cafe strongly advocates an unhurried breakfast or brunch on Snaefellsnes: freshly brewed coffee, warm pastries, and views that steal your attention without you even trying.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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June–October: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (often later)
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November–March: Closed for winter
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April–May: Weekends only 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Græna Kompaníið
Photo from Græna Kompaníið.
After a day out exploring, this cozy spot in Grundarfjordur — part bookstore, part yarn shop, part cafe — is just the place to catch your breath.
Græna Kompaníið (The Green Company) serves properly made coffee, including indulgent Swiss Mochas topped with fresh whipped cream. It's also one of the most thoughtful cafes for plant-based travelers, offering dairy-free milk at no extra charge, and daily soups and homemade bread that are always vegan.
Photo from Græna Kompaníið.
Their homemade cakes make this spot worth a visit on their own. You'll usually find cheesecake, apple cake, chocolate truffle, and raspberry skyr cake.
While drinking your coffee, you can look through their books, check out the crafts, or just enjoy the calm space. With friendly staff and free parking right in front, this cafe gives you a nice break during your Snaefellsnes travels.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Daily 12:00 – 6:00 PM
4. Gilbakki Kaffihús
Photo from Gilbakki Kaffihús.
After hiking the Snaefellsjokull Glacier or exploring Hellissandur's tiny maritime museum, this dollhouse-like cafe offers the kind of welcome that makes you instantly relax.
Run by a local grandmother with amazing baking skills, Gilbakki perfectly captures that "coming home" feeling most travelers secretly crave.
The cappuccinos here are consistently excellent. Rich, perfectly balanced, and available with oat milk if dairy isn't your thing. It's often said they serve the best coffee in Hellissandur, and it's hard to argue once you've had a cup.
Free refills on filter coffee mean you can linger longer, and the fish soup, served with bread still warm from the oven, has saved many a chilled hiker's day.
Photo from Gilbakki Kaffihús.
Gilbakki is only open in summer (from May 31), so make sure to visit while it’s in season. If you manage to catch it open, the cozy, vintage-style space might just end up being one of your favorite surprises from the trip. It’s kept super clean and includes thoughtful touches like a kids’ play area under the stairs.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Thursday–Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
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Sunday–Wednesday: Closed
Open seasonally during summer, starting from May 31.
3. Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa
Photo from Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa.
Located in scenic Arnarstapi between dramatic sea cliffs and Snaefellsjokull Glacier, this converted community center offers authentic Icelandic cuisine in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
The cafe specializes in traditional dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, with their fish gratin and lamb soup consistently earning rave reviews from visitors.
Filter coffee comes with free refills, perfect for warming up after exploring the nearby coastal paths and basalt formations. Don't miss their homemade bread and Icelandic crepes, or the unique Mjadjurt (Icelandic flower) flavored ice cream for the adventurous.
Photo from Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa.
The interior still carries the feel of its past life as a community centre, with plain wooden tables, local handiwork on the walls, and everyday functionality. It’s not trying to charm you, but it probably will anyway.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Monday–Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
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Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Seasonal; check winter hours.
2. Hjá Góðu Fólki
Photo from Hjá Góðu Fólki.
After that winding drive on your self-drive tour of Snaefellsnes, this family-run cafe is exactly the breather you need. With a name meaning "With Good People," this spot delivers on its promise as you explore the peninsula.
Photo from Hjá Góðu Fólki.
The family grows everything from salad greens to flower garnishes in their greenhouse, which doubles as a sunlit dining space offering panoramic mountain views. The deep-dish skillet pizzas and fresh vegetable soup are some of their must-tries.
Their well-brewed filter coffee pairs perfectly with light, smooth homemade cakes that have earned a devoted following among travelers exploring the peninsula.
Photo from Hjá Góðu Fólki.
When the weather plays nice, grab a seat on their deck with a steaming mug and a slice of cake and wonder why all road trip stops can't be this perfect.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Monday–Tuesday: Closed
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Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
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Thursday–Sunday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Open year-round.
1. Kaffi Valería
Photo from Kaffi Valería.
Hands down, Kaffi Valería brews the best coffee on Snaefellsnes. This charming cafe in Grundarfjordur captivates with its inviting aromas and cozy vibe.
Run by Colombian-Icelandic couple Jan and Marta, this cafe sources beans directly from small Colombian farmers and roasts them right in the shop. Their commitment to quality shines through in every carefully prepared cup they serve.
Photo from Kaffi Valería.
Their hand-poured coffees have visitors raving about the rich flavors, while their creamy lattes come in special clay cups with blue-green rims. Make sure to try their cinnamon rolls or the unique coffee cherry jam, a rare treat made from the fruit surrounding coffee beans.
Photo from Kaffi Valería.
Coffee snobs often go out of their way to visit this spot, with many buying bags of freshly-roasted beans as souvenirs. Beyond great coffee, you can browse their selection of handmade Colombian crafts, which are the perfect mementos of your Snaefellsnes adventure.
Customer Ratings
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Google rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Address
Opening Hours
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Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Tuesday–Wednesday: Closed
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Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
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Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Discover the Top 29 Restaurants in Iceland
Where To Enjoy a Full Meal and Good Coffee on Snaefellsnes
Lupines on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Snaefellsjokull Glacier in the background.
Some coffee houses on Snaefellsnes offer surprisingly hearty meals, from lamb soup to baked fish with potatoes. But if you're looking for a proper dining experience with a broader menu and still want a good cup of coffee, explore the best restaurants in Snaefellsnes for a full-on dining experience.
Matarlist in Hellissandur shines with Icelandic comfort food served in generous portions. Diners rave about its smoky fish soup and perfectly cooked cod, and it’s all best enjoyed with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Víðvík, also in Hellissandur, serves traditional Icelandic lamb dishes, beef cheeks, and scallops, all with views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Coffee options include both brewed and espresso-based drinks.
In Stykkisholmur, Narfeyrarstofa features seafood mains like pan-fried fish and local mussels, served in a cozy, historic setting. They offer espresso drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes.
Each restaurant serves hearty full meals alongside a nice cup of coffee, perfect for recharging during your Snaefellsnes trip.
FAQs About Snaefellsnes’ Best Cafes
Your quick-reference guide to the peninsula’s standout views, signature brews, dietary options, and opening hours, so every coffee stop is perfectly timed.
Where does the best coffee on the Snaefellsnes come from?
Kaffi Valería is widely regarded as the best place for coffee on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The beans are sourced from Colombia and roasted in-house, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. Known for its consistent quality, the café holds a perfect 5-out-of-5 star rating across multiple platforms.
Which cafes on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offer the best views?
Fjöruhúsið in Hellnar offers unbeatable views perched directly on rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Also in Hellnar, Simply Café's panoramic windows are perfect for keeping an eye out for whales while enjoying coffee.
For mountain views, Hjá Góðu Fólki in Eyja- og Miklaholtshreppur provides a greenhouse dining space with stunning panoramas. In contrast, Gilbakki Kaffihús in Hellissandur frames Snaefellsjokull Glacier views through charming antique lace curtains.
Harbour Cafe in Grundarfjordur offers direct views of the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, making it perfect for pre- or post-hike refreshments.
Are there any cafes on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula that serve unique coffee blends?
Kaffi Valería stands out as the peninsula's specialty coffee destination, where Colombian-Icelandic owners roast beans sourced directly from small Colombian farmers on-site. Their signature pour-overs using single-origin Colombian beans attract coffee enthusiasts from across Iceland.
For something different, try Vegamót's or Fjöruhúsið's Swiss Mocha specialty. At Café Sjávarborg in Stykkisholmur, don’t miss their iced latte, a rare find in rural Iceland. Most other cafes serve traditional Icelandic coffee preparations, often with free refills.
Are there any cafes on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula that offer vegan or vegetarian options?
Græna Kompaníið is the standout vegan-friendly cafe, offering plant-based milk for coffee at no extra charge and ensuring their daily soup and freshly baked bread are always vegan. Vegamót offers vegan cake options alongside their complimentary oat milk for coffee drinks.
Simply Café and Café Sjávarborg both explicitly mention vegan sandwich options, while most other cafes at least offer non-dairy milk alternatives. For the most fulfilling vegan meal options, Græna Kompaníið's tomato soup with homemade bread is consistently praised.
How early do coffee shops open on Snaefellsnes?
Early risers should head to Harbour Cafe, which opens daily at 8:30 AM, making it perfect for pre-adventure fuel. Kaffi Valería opens at 9:00 AM most days (9:30 AM on Fridays), while most other cafes open between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
It's worth noting that many Snaefellsnes cafes operate seasonally, with reduced hours or complete closures during winter months (typically November-April). Always check current hours during your visit, as some cafes like Simply Café may open earlier than scheduled for hikers on cold mornings.
Are there any family-friendly cafes on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula?
Several cafes cater specifically to families with children. Gilbakki Kaffihús features a dedicated kids' play area tucked under the stairs and is run by a local grandmother who understands what families need.
Harbour Cafe's quirky "no candy, no menu" rule (you're offered candy upon arrival) delights children, while Hjá Góðu Fólki's greenhouse setting provides plenty of visual interest for young ones. Most cafes offer child-friendly menu options like hot chocolate and simple pastries.
Found your dream coffee spot on our list? Been to any of these charming cafes yourself? We’d love to know which one you’re eyeing for your Snaefellsnes adventure. Share your cafe experiences and questions in the comments below!
