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What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: 10 stops + map
La snaefellsnes peninsula It is located north of Reykjavik, just two hours away by car. It is one of the most complete places in the country and a stop ideal to start or finish your route. Here you will find volcanoes, black beaches, lava fields, glaciers, charming fishing villages, and landscapes that look like something out of a postcard. It's no coincidence that it's known as the mini Iceland.
Driving around Snaefellsnes is an experience in itself: the landscapes change at every turn. But if you really want to explore it further, you'll find a hidden gem.carThe match, we recommend you dedicatecarle a full day or a day and a half, making stops at its most special corners.
In this article we tell you What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a map to help you plan your route. Let's go!
- What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- 1. Raudhals Volcano and its lava field
- 2. Landbrotalaug Natural Hot Springs
- 3. Ytri Tunga, the seal beach
- 4. Black Church of Búdakirja
- 5. Bjarnarfoss Waterfall
- 6. Raudfeldsgja Gorge
- 7. Arnarstapi Cliffs
- 8. Kirkjufell, the most famous mountain to see in Snaefellsnes
- 9. Half craters
- 10. Stykkishólmur, the most picturesque village in Snaefellsnes
- Map: Best places in Snaefellsnes
- Other places to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Where to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Let's go with the most beautiful places What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, organized following the carretera 54 clockwiseThis way you can locatecarYou can easily see where each one is; at the end of the article you also have a map.
1. Raudhals Volcano and its lava field
If you're looking for what to see in Snaefellsnes Beyond the typical, you'll love this little-known corner. Raudhals volcano It is a small reddish crater, surrounded by an extensive lava field covered in moss that looks like it came from another planet.
We found it by chance while driving through the carRoute 54. We saw a gravel track to one side that led us there, and it was one of those detours that are totally worth it. To get there, follow the carretera 55 for about 3 km until you find a dirt track that will take you to the foot of the volcano. A well-worth the stop and perfect for those looking for lesser-known places to see in Iceland.
2. Landbrotalaug Natural Hot Springs
Among the lesser-known places to see in Snaefellsnes are the Landbrotalaug natural hot springsA little-known geothermal secret very close to the Raudhals volcano. Despite its proximity to the carRoute 54 are so discreet that most travelers don't even see them: there is no signage and they don't even appear well located on Google Maps.
To get there, simply take a well-maintained gravel road, accessible to any vehicle. At the end of the road, you'll find a parking lot and an underground pipe that feeds two natural pools: a tiny one, for one or two people, and a larger one where you can take a dip with views of the volcanic landscape.
The exact location is shown on the map at the end of the article. If you have time and the weather is nice, it's an ideal place to unwind without the crowds.
⚠️ Updated: Some readers have told us that the temperature is too high for swimming and the facility has been closed.
3. Ytri Tunga, the seal beach
One of the most special places What to see in Snaefellsnes in summer is the beach of Ytri Tunga, famous for hosting one of the most accessible seal colonies in Iceland. Here you can see both common and gray seals resting on the rocks or swimming peacefully along the shore.
The best time to see them is between May and July, although we were lucky and saw a lot in September. The ideal time is during the Low tide, when they usually docarsea la costa.
Even if you have them close by, remember that they are wild animals and you have to observe them with respect, keeping distance. Being able to see wildlife is always one of the highlights of a trip for us. If you travel to Iceland in the summer, you won't be able to see some of the best places to see puffins.
4. Black Church of Búdakirja
Among the most photogenic places What to see in Snaefellsnes there is the small and popular one Black Church of BúðakirkjaIts isolated location and the contrast between the black wood and white details make it a very attractive stop for photography enthusiasts.
Access from the carThe main road is very straightforward and there is free parking just a five-minute walk away.
Although for us it's not one of the essential stops, if you like capturing charming landscapes, this place is ideal.
5. Bjarnarfoss Waterfall
Without even deviating from the route you will find Bjarnarfossa waterfall that can be seen from the very carRoute 54 and has paved access to a free parking lot right next to it.
This 80-meter waterfall drops down a cliff surrounded by basalt columnsAnd if you have time you can docarI walked along one of the marked trails.
6. Raudfeldsgja Gorge
At the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier lies a crevice in the rock that forms the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, a place steeped in mystery and legend. It is said that its name comes from a half-man, half-troll being considered the guardian of the glacier.
From the free parking lot, a short path leads to the entrance. There you can go through the crack and follow the small waterfall that springs from within. With waterproof shoes, you can advance several meters. Stepping into this crevice is reminiscent of entering Gljufrafoss, one of the best waterfalls in the world. what to see in southern Iceland.
7. Arnarstapi Cliffs
One of the most impressive landscapes to see in Snaefellsnes can be found in the small town of Arnarstapi, famous for its volcanic cliffs and rock formations sculpted by the wind and the sea.
The best known formation is Gatklettur, a natural stone arch that rises over the water, but don't go just for the photo: it's best to walk around the coastal trail, which runs along the cliffs, a good walk will take you about an hour and a half.
8. Kirkjufell, the most famous mountain to see in Snaefellsnes
Kirkjufell is, without a doubt, the Iceland's most iconic and photographed mountain. Appeared in Game of Thrones and its perfect silhouette next to the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss They have turned it into a symbol of the country.
Although most people take the classic photo from the waterfall, we recommend that you follow the path for a few minutes: you will reach a small lake where the mountain is completely reflected on a windless day.
The main parking lot is paid, but there's a free viewing platform just a kilometer away. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes along a flat path to Kirkjufell... and you'll also pass right by the reflection lake.
Near Kirkjufell, next to the carretera, is found the Grundarfoss double waterfallUnfortunately, it's located on private property and the owner doesn't allow access to the waterfall, so it can only be viewed from the side. carretera.
9. Half craters
Amongst the Volcanic landscapes to see in SnaefellsnesThere are several half-craters visible from the carWe stopped at one (it's marked on the map), climbed up a path and from the top you could see three craters and beautiful views of the surroundings.
A quick and unique stop. If you look at the photo below, you can see the path that climbs up the side of the crater.
10. Stykkishólmur, the most picturesque village in Snaefellsnes
With barely 1.200 inhabitants, Stykkishólmur It is the largest and most beautiful town what to see in Snaefellsnes. It has colorful houses, a small lighthouse and a fishing port from where the ferry also departs to the Westfjords.
In addition, you will find a Bonus supermarket here, don't forget to restock your supplies if you are doing Ring Road route, is the last big one until you reach Akureyri.
Map: Best places in Snaefellsnes
Other places What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
If you have more than one day to explore the peninsula, there are several corners outside the carmain road worth exploring. We only made a detour to the Arnarstapi cliffs, but we'll note these places down for next time.
With a pilot plant 4 × 4 vehicle, you can also cross the interior of the peninsula by the carF-570 retera, which crosses the Snæfellsjökull glacier area (only accessible in summer). Otherwise, you can continue along the coast. from Arnarstapi by the carretera 574. Make a note of these places:
- Skarðsvík Beach: one of the few golden sand beaches in Iceland, with curious rock formations.
- Svortuloft Lighthouse: intense orange in color, on top of spectacular cliffs.
- Djúpalonssandur: a wild black sand beach with remains of an ancient shipwreck.
- Circumference of whale watching in OlafsvikAlthough it is not as popular a place to do so as Húsavik, it is possible to see many whales and even orcas in the colder months.
- SvöðufossA little-known waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. The trail from the parking lot is only 1,5 km (round trip).
Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
The campsites in Snaefellsnes They aren't the best in the country, but there are some decent options for overnight stays if you're touring the area with a tent or camper.
- Freezer Hostel (Rif/Hellissandur): It has a camping area and the best thing is that you can access the hostel facilities (kitchen, showers, common areas...)
- Grundarfjörður Municipal Campsite: Basic but well located, ideal if you are doing the tour in two days and need a convenient stop halfway.
For whom it is looking to stay in a hotel One of the towns with the most "economical" options is OlafsvikThese are our recommendations for both Olafsvik and other spots in the area.
- Sudur-Bár GuesthouseA charming house with open sea views and tranquility. With a kitchen. - 9.4⭐
- Bikers Paradise Ólafsvík: Economical option with kitchen - 8.4⭐
- Miðhraun – Lava Resort: Located at the entrance to the peninsula, it is a good base if you arrive late or leave early. - 8.9⭐
- Ólafsvík Guesthouse: Economical option, simple, comfortable, with kitchen and views of the port. - 8.4⭐
We hope this guide with the best places What to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula I hope it was useful for planningcar your route. If you need more practical information, itineraries or advice, you can consult all our Guides for traveling to Iceland.
And if you have any questions or want to share your experience with other travelers, you can join our group of WhatsApp from icelandYou're more than welcome!
What a discovery the Raudhals volcano was, guys, we were blown away! Thank you so much for all the interesting information you shared.
I'm glad guys! It's a great destination where if you let yourself get lost there are still cool little things that aren't very touristy.