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National Parks
Snæfellsnes
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About Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsnes is a peninsula in West Iceland that juts into the Atlantic north of Reykjavík, with a glacier-capped volcano at its tip. It's often called Iceland in miniature, and one drive around it shows why: lava fields, golden and black beaches, sea cliffs and a pointed mountain all sit within one loop of road.
The south coast comes first. Gerðuberg's basalt columns line the road, seals haul out on the rocks at Ytri Tunga, and the black church at Búðir stands alone in a lava field. Farther west, the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi and Hellnar are linked by a coastal trail, and the western tip around Snæfellsjökull glacier is protected as a national park.
On the north coast, the road runs through the fishing towns of Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður. Kirkjufell, the steep, cone-shaped Snæfellsnes mountain beside Grundarfjörður, is the most photographed stop of all, and Stykkishólmur at the eastern end has a harbor and the Baldur car ferry to the Westfjords.
Gerðuberg is about 1.5 hours' drive from Reykjavík via the Ring Road and Route 54, and Stykkishólmur about 2 hours 15 minutes. A loop from the city fits into one long day, which is how the day tours do it in 10 to 12 hours, but two days let you walk the cliffs and wait out clouds over the glacier. For an overnight, Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík have the most places to stay.
The main road around the Snæfellsnes peninsula is serviced all year. Summer brings midnight light and seabirds on the cliffs, while winter gives only a few hours of daylight and storms that can close mountain passes, so check the official road-conditions map and weather warnings before you leave.
If you are choosing between Snæfellsnes and Vík on the South Coast for a day trip, this peninsula is quieter and more varied. Vík packs in more famous waterfalls on the way.
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Good to know
How far is Snæfellsnes from Reykjavík?
Gerðuberg, at the start of the peninsula, is about 1.5 hours' drive from Reykjavík, and Stykkishólmur is about 2 hours 15 minutes away via Route 54.
Can you see Snæfellsnes in one day?
Yes. A loop of the main sights from Reykjavík takes 10 to 12 hours, which is how the day tours run it, but two days allow time for walks and a slower pace.
What is there to do on the Snæfellsnes peninsula?
Most visitors photograph Kirkjufell, walk the cliff path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, look for seals at Ytri Tunga, visit the black church at Búðir and explore Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Where should you stay on the Snæfellsnes peninsula?
Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík on the north coast have the widest choice of hotels and guesthouses, with smaller options near Arnarstapi and Hellnar in the south.
Should I visit Snæfellsnes or Vík?
Choose Snæfellsnes for a quieter day with more varied coastal scenery. Choose Vík and the South Coast if waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are your priority.
Is Snæfellsnes worth visiting in winter?
Yes, the main road is serviced all year, but daylight is short and storms can close roads, so plan a shorter route and check road conditions before setting out.
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