Fantastic 10.5-Hour Snaefellsnes Peninsula Rugged Landscape Tour from Reykjavik

Discover the captivating beauty of one of Iceland’s most celebrated regions at your own pace on this easy tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. This 10.5-hour adventure takes travelers to what is dubbed “Iceland in miniature” to see its rugged landscape, historic locations, and iconic natural attractions.

Your full day of exploration begins when a friendly, professional guide picks you up from your hotel in Reykjavik. Your vehicle for the day can be a van, a minibus, or a super jeep, which can take you safely across the Snaefellsnes peninsula’s rugged terrain.

On the way to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, you’ll cross the bridge over Borgarfjordur to reach Borgarnes for a pit stop. Here, you can load up on snacks and refreshments to keep you fueled while exploring the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Extending from West Iceland, Snaefellsnes is a large peninsula with stunning coastlines, dramatic mountains, and volcanic craters.

As you leave Borgarnes and get closer to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, you’ll begin to see the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier, the peninsula’s crown jewel. You’ll then pass Eldborg, a crater located on a short volcanic rift on the base of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. You’ll also see small farms raising Icelandic horses.

Your first stop in the Snaefellsnes peninsula is Ytri-Tunga, a beach that is home to a seal colony. Interestingly, the sands here differ from many Icelandic beaches. Instead of having volcanic black sand, you’ll see gold-colored sands. 

Next, you’ll proceed to the iconic black church, Budakirkja. Also called the Black Church of Budir, Budakirkja was built in 1848 and features wood painted in deep black. You can appreciate the church’s unique beauty, contrasting with the surrounding landscape of lava fields, green moss, and mountains.

Your next destination is the charming village of Arnarstapi. Once a bustling fishing hub during the 18th and 19th centuries, Arnarstapi is now a peaceful spot to explore the rugged beauty of Iceland’s coastal landscapes. 

You'll see the rock formation Gatklettur, a circular stone arch, which is one of Arnarstapi’s famous attractions.

You’ll also visit the Londrangar cliffs, which are made of towering basalt columns. The Londrangar cliffs are favorite breeding grounds for puffins and other bird species during summer.

Your next stop is Djupalonssandur, another black sand beach in the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Also called the “Black Lava Pearl Beach,” Djupalonssandur is known for its striking black-pebble shoreline and dramatic volcanic rock formations. The area is also home to the ruins of a shipwreck and four lifting stones used by fishermen in the past to measure their strength.

As you go deep into the Snaefellsnes National Park, you’ll pass through well-paved roads leading to small villages and volcanic craters en route to your final stop: the majestic Kirkjufell mountain. Kirkjufell is also called the “Church Mountain,” because of its shape, which resembles a church steeple. 

During summer, Kirkjufell’s green slopes are framed by the cascading Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, a three-tiered waterfall that adds to the mountain’s allure.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to your comfortable vehicle for the ride back to Reykjavik. Before reaching the city, you’ll pass by the small town of Grundarfjordur and the 4,000-year-old Berserkjahraun lava field.

Don’t miss this chance to see the many wonders of the Snaefellsnes peninsula at your own pace. Check availability now by choosing a date.