Driving Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is a tempting prospect for a road trip as it lends itself not only to a day out from the capital region but also to a longer stay. You won’t regret spending more time in this wonderful part of the country, which is sometimes described as “Iceland in miniature” on account of the diversity of its scenery.

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into its most attractive spots; how many of them you manage to fit into your itinerary will depend on how long you plan to be in Iceland, but one thing’s for sure: if you don’t see everything first time around, it’s a dead cert that you’ll be back. Ready to choose?

Eldborg Crater

The Snæfellsnes peninsula has some of the most incredible landscapes in Iceland, and Eldborg crater could be considered the prelude to what’s in store. This dramatic crater is correctly termed a spatter cone, the largest indentation along a volcanic fault line from an eruption scientists estimate to have taken place about 500-6000 years ago.

It measures 200 metres across and about 50 to 60 metres deep. If you can spare the time, a hike across the ancient lava field and up to the rim of the crater is well worth the effort.

Gerðuberg Cliffs

Nothing screams Icelandic geology like basalt, so the sight of these impressive columnar cliffs is going to be a clear reminder of where you’re travelling. Though the rocks are clearly visible from the road, nothing compares to seeing them close up, so park for a while and take a hike. Each pillar measures around 12 to 14 metres high and about a metre across – the whole thing stretches for approximately half a kilometre.

The nearer you get, the more you’ll appreciate the way the basalt columns crowd each other, yet some of the individual stacked stones lean at quite an angle.

Ytri Tunga

Iceland is home to a couple of species of seal year-round; these are harbour and grey seals. Across the country, there are places where you’ll often see them hauled out on rocks or sandy beaches. In Snæfellsnes, your best chance of seeing them is most likely to be at Ytri Tunga.

These playful marine mammals are a joy to watch, and they seem to love the golden sands here. If you’re lucky enough to see them, be mindful of your actions and demeanour; stay calm and quiet in their presence and keep a respectful distance so as not to disturb them.

Búðakirkja

Iceland’s littered with photogenic churches, but the black-painted timbers of this one ensure it’s known far and wide. Situated on the southern side of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it’s dwarfed by the mountains that rise behind it. The current church dates from 1848, though there has been a place of worship here since the turn of the 18th century. Though it’s a splendid sight at any time of year, there’s something exceptionally stunning about viewing it after winter snowfalls have created a monotone landscape.

Bjarnarfoss

If Snæfellsnes is truly considered Iceland in miniature, then a waterfall is a must. This one is located not far from Búðakirkja and crashes down over a basalt cliff below Mælifell, a volcano that’s now extinct. Surrounded by verdant slopes, it’s a super place for a hike and easily accessible from the car park off Route 54.

Don’t get it confused with another West Iceland waterfall, which has a very similar name: Barnafoss is much further east on the opposite side of the ring road, close to Hraunfossar. Other waterfalls to incorporate into your plans might include Svöðufoss, Bæjarfoss, and Grundarfoss, all of which are found close to the north coast of the peninsula.

Arnarstapi, Hellnar and Djúpalónssandur

The Snæfellsnes coastline bears the scars of sustained erosion. Wind-driven waves batter the coast, sculpting the rock into caves, arches, stacks, and stumps. Here on the southern edge of the peninsula, Arnarstapi and Hellnar are known for their erosional landform,s and this will quickly become apparent as soon as you step out of the car.

Here, the sea has created a magnificent archway called Gatklettur as well as countless stacks and stumps that litter the shallow water. It’s possible to hike between the two places, which is highly recommended on a fine day. Further west at Djúpalónssandur beach, you might also consider attempting to test your mettle by seeing which of the lifting stones you can pick up. In days past, these rocks would have been used to see who was strong enough to be useful at sea.

Lóndrangar

Snæfellsnes’ jaw-dropping coastal features aren’t confined to Arnastapi and Hellnar. At Lóndrangar on the far west of the peninsula, what you see are the twisted remains of basalt dikes deposited during a long-finished eruption. They stand like gnarly sentinels, all that’s visible of an ancient crater that’s been worn away almost completely by the ocean.

The cliffs that flank them add to the drama of the scene, and it’s not hard to see how it got its nickname, Castle. The cliffs are populated by a variety of seabirds that include species such as kittiwakes, fulmar, puffins, and more – come in summer if you want to catch sight of them.

Snæfellsjökull National Park and its surroundings

Iceland has three national parks – the others are Vatnajökull and Þingvellir – and one of them is found on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. At its heart lies a 1446-metre high volcano topped with a glacier. It inspired Jules Verne to set his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth here, though he never saw it in person.

Climb it only with an experienced guide as part of an organised ascent. Far easier to climb are the metal steps leading to Saxhóll Crater, which open up a striking view. Other scenery nearby is no less impressive. Hike the short distance to the enchanting and mysterious Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon, the setting for the Saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, the half-man, half-troll guardian of Snæfellsnes. Perhaps take a tour of Sönghellir, a cave known for its fabulous acoustics, or to Vatnshellir, a lava tube where magma flowed in an eruption that took place 8000 years ago.

Kirkjufell

This mountain is an Icelandic icon, instantly recognisable from its distinctive shape, and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser because of its gorgeous views. It rises above the port of Grundarfjörður on the peninsula’s north coast; one of the most beautiful aspects is when you position yourself so that the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is in front of you.

Look closely at the peak they called Church Mountain, and it won’t take much imagination to see its resemblance to a place of worship. Its layered appearance is fascinating, too – lava overlaid with sedimentary rock in clearly definable strata. Note, though, that this is a tough climb; though you might consider yourself up to the challenge if you’re serious about making it to the top (incidentally, only possible during the warmer months), then grab yourself an experienced guide.

If you're planning a longer road trip around the country, consider driving the Westfjords in Iceland to experience one of the most remote and ruggedly beautiful regions Iceland has to offer.

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

If you have a strong stomach and appetite for trying unusual foods, then chances are you might be considering tasting hákarl. Greenland shark was a useful source of protein in the past, but had to be processed carefully – if it hasn’t been hung for a significant period to allow the toxins to drain from the body, it’s not safe to eat.

Once the shark has been landed, fishermen chop it into large chunks, which are stored in outdoor sheds housing drying racks – trust us when we say you wouldn’t want that indoors. Finally, the dried meat is cut into cubes, though it still has a strong smell of ammonia, a big part of why so many people gag as they try to eat some. In this small but fascinating museum, you’ll find out everything there is to know about Icelandic sharks and get to taste hákarl before you leave. Be careful not to throw up in the car.

Stykkishólmur

There are at least two compelling reasons to head to this attractive port. One is its ferry connection to Flatey Island and Brjánslækur across Breiðafjörður Bay, which cuts a significant amount off your driving time – an appealing prospect if you want to maximise your time sightseeing. The other is for the wealth of historic buildings that have been preserved here, such as the Norwegian House, built in 1828 and now home to a museum.

A stroll along Aðalgata will reveal more. Other attractions worth seeking out are the quirky Library of Water in Vatnasafn and the Eider Center, where you can learn about how down is collected from ducks and used to stuff cosy quilts.

In one of our cars, you have complete flexibility to customise your route so that your Snæfellsnes peninsula road trip is tailor-made to your interests. No matter which time of the year you choose to visit, this part of West Iceland is a dream drive. But don’t take our word for it: come and see for yourselves.