Description
Summary
Description
Embark on this Snaefellsnes Peninsula day tour from Reykjavik to explore the best of Iceland’s west coast without the stress of planning. This 11-hour small-group tour is perfect for travelers who want to see volcanoes, lava fields, glacier views, and coastal villages in one unforgettable day.
Joining this exciting small group tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula means a more personal experience. You’ll enjoy more flexibility at each stop and get unique insights from an expert guide.
You’ll travel in a comfortable vehicle driven by an experienced driver, so you can relax and focus on the scenery while learning all about the wonders of Snaefellsnes.
After meeting your guide, you’ll leave Reykjavik behind. You’ll set out on a scenic journey that loops around the peninsula in a counterclockwise direction. Most tours go the opposite way, meaning this route lets you avoid the bigger crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Your first stop is the famous Mount Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks. Often called ‘the church peak,’ Kirkjufell’s cinematic form draws photographers and Game of Thrones fans from around the world. Its setting, framed by sky, sea, and stone, leaves a lasting impression on any visitor.
A short path leads to a viewing point. Here you’ll enjoy views of the small but beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, giving you the best angles for photographing the mountain.
You will then enter Snaefellsjokull National Park, a spectacular place named after its central subglacial volcano. Many have said that this beautiful landmark holds magical powers, and its aura of mysticism has long inspired writers like Halldor Laxness and Jules Verne.
You’ll stop at Djupalonssandur Beach, located within the boundaries of the national park. On clear days, the twin-peaked Snefellsjokull Volcano provides a stunning backdrop. If you're feeling adventurous, test your strength by lifting the historic stones on the beach, once used to measure a fisherman’s readiness for the sea.
From there, you’ll follow the coastline to Arnarstapi, a quiet village where tall cliffs rise above the crashing sea. Once a busy fishing outpost, it now offers peaceful harbors, sea arches, and a deep connection to Icelandic folklore.
Follow your guide to Midgja, a natural rock arch shaped by centuries of crashing waves. As you stand at the edge, watching the ocean churn below, stories of myth and seafaring survival make the landscape come alive.
Next, visit Budakirkja, a black timber church rebuilt in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of a determined local woman. Framed by lava fields and endless sky, its stark silhouette is perfect for dramatic landscape photos.
Expect plenty more fascinating details like this along the way. Your guide is happy to share local stories and insights, so feel free to ask questions throughout the day.
Afterward, head to Ytri-Tunga, one of the few golden-sand beaches in Iceland. Your guide will help you scan the shoreline for seals basking on coastal rocks, often just a few feet from the water’s edge.
As you return to Reykjavik, the landscape continues to impress. You'll travel through fields where hardened lava stretches to the horizon, and spot basalt columns stacked like giant stone bricks formed by cooling volcanic flows.
Before reaching the city, you’ll stop in Borgarnes, a quiet coastal town nestled by the fjord. It’s a great place to grab lunch, try a classic Icelandic hot dog, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before heading back to the capital.
Join this small-group day tour from Reykjavik to explore the must-see sights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula at a relaxed pace. Check availability by choosing a date.
