The Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland is often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" because it offers a bit of everything that makes Iceland unique. It has an incredibly dramatic coastline, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, lava fields, and picturesque fishing villages, which are nestled within Snaefellsjokull National Park.
Some of the most famous attractions on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland, and the iconic Snaefellsjokull Glacier Volcano, the famous setting of Jules Verne's classic novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
It's common to explore the region on a day trip from Reykjavik or spend a night there during a self-drive tour of the Ring Road. However, it's easy to spend multiple days discovering all that the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has to offer with its dramatic landscapes and hidden beauty.
Best Snaefellsnes Day Tours From Reykjavik
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a popular day-trip destination for travelers staying in Reykjavik. You can easily take a tour from the capital to explore the highlights of the region, with the average tour lasting between 11 and 12 hours. These are the best Snaefellsnes day trips from Reykjavik.
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The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik: On this best-rated tour, you'll see main sights like the Kirkjufell Mountain, the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, the rugged coastline, and more.
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12-Hour Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik: Explore with this highly rated small group tour, where you'll visit main locations, including the Budakirkja black church, a popular photography location.
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11-Hour Sightseeing Tour of Snaefellsnes with Dinner: This top-rated tour picks you up in Reykjavik and brings you to many of the main sights in the region. Afterward, you'll stop by a local horse farm, where you'll enjoy a cozy dinner.
Best Snaefellsnes Self-Drive Tours
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a popular location for those who want to explore on their own with the freedom of a rental car. It's often included in self-drive itineraries, and here are the best tours that include this diverse region.
Ferries and Boat Tours From the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
A local tip for a unique twist to your Snaefellsnes itinerary is to take the Baldur ferry between Stykkisholmur and the Westfjords. There, it stops at the Branslaekur port, making the travel distance shorter and more scenic while giving you a rest from driving.
These Baldur ferry tours include a stop at Flatey Island, a peaceful place with colorful houses, rich birdlife, and a population of 10 people. It has a beautiful church with artwork featuring unique imagery like Jesus wearing an Icelandic lopapeysa sweater!
Stykkisholmur is also a great starting point for boat tours, including whale-watching trips and puffin tours. One of the most unique experiences to try is the 2-hour seafood boat tour, which brings you out to Breidafjordur Bay where you can enjoy fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
Meet-On-Location Activities on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a range of activities you can join along the way, making your self-drive adventure even more enriching and memorable. These are the best experiences to try.
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The Vatnshellir Cave Tour: Explore the underground world of an 8,000-year-old lava tube, where you'll discover unique lava formations and learn about the region's volcanic history.
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Whale Watching Tour from Olafsvik Port: Head out to sea for a chance to spot majestic whales, dolphins, and seals while surrounded by stunning views of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier. In summer, you may also spot puffins along the coast.
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Exciting 2-Hour ATV Tour of Snaefellsjokull from Hellnar: Ride through rugged lava fields and scenic trails as you take in the incredible views of the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull Volcano.
Main Attractions on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has diverse natural wonders, offering everything from serene beaches and volcanic craters to striking glaciers and unique geological formations. There's so much to see on the Peninsula, and these are the main attractions you shouldn't miss.
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Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall: This mountain and waterfall are among Iceland’s most picturesque landmarks. Kirkjufell made an appearance on Game of Thrones as the "mountain shaped like an arrowhead."
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Snaefellsjokull National Park: Dominated by the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano, the park offers hiking trails, lava fields, and beautiful scenery.
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Djupalonssandur Beach: This black pebble beach has dramatic cliffs and is dotted with remnants of a shipwreck.
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Gatklettur Rock Arch: A beautiful naturally formed stone arch that offers great photography opportunities. It's located along the coastline between the Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages.
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Londrangar Cliffs: These towering basalt cliffs are remnants of an ancient volcanic crater and are home to a variety of seabirds. They tower over the surrounding lava fields.
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Budakirkja Church: This iconic black church in Iceland, set against a stark backdrop of lava fields and the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, is one of the country's most photogenic landmarks.
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Ytri Tunga Beach: This golden-sand beach is a peaceful spot to observe wildlife, especially adorable seals lounging along the coast.
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Vatnshellir Lava Cave: A lava tube cave in Snaefellsjokull National Park, formed over 8,000 years ago. It can be explored with a guided tour.
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Saxholl Crater: A short hike leads to the top of this volcanic crater, offering sweeping views of the surrounding lava fields and landscapes.
Towns on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The region is home to charming towns and villages that add character to the dramatic landscapes. Here are the must-visit towns on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
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Stykkisholmur. The largest town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known for its beautiful harbor and colorful old houses. It's a good base for exploring the region if you plan to stay in Snaefellsnes accommodation.
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Arnarstapi and Hellnar: These quaint fishing villages have incredible cliffs and rock formations along the coast, perfect for scenic walks and birdwatching.
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Hellissandur: This small town is home to vibrant street art and lies close to Snaefellsjokull National Park, offering great views of the glacier.
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Grundarfjordur: Take in the stunning views of Kirkjufell Mountain when visiting this small town, and enjoy its peaceful charm.
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Olafsvik: This fishing town is known for whale watching and its Pakkhusid Museum. The town is framed by mountains, and you can visit a beautiful memorial garden dedicated to sailors lost at sea.
