Ytri Tunga Beach Parking

About Ytri Tunga Beach Parking

Ytri Tunga is a farm beach on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, just off Route 54, where seals rest on seaweed-covered rocks a short way offshore. It is one of the easiest places in Iceland to watch seals from land, and its pale golden sand is a rare sight in a country of black beaches.

Ytri Tunga beach is about two hours' drive north of Reykjavík, which makes it the natural first stop on a day around Snæfellsnes. From the parking lot, walking paths lead down to the shore, and the landowner notes they give good access even for visitors with limited mobility.

The Ytri Tunga seals haul out on the rocks just offshore, though sightings are never guaranteed, and low tide tends to expose more resting spots. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens, since the view is better from the beach than from the slippery rocks.

The landowner asks you to stay at least 50 meters from the nearest seal, or 100 meters when pups are around, and to move back if a seal looks alert. Never stand between a seal and the sea, skip the camera flash, keep your voice down and keep dogs on a leash.

Parking is paid and tracked by license plate cameras. A car with five seats or fewer costs ISK 900 for the day and a vehicle with six to nine seats ISK 1,100, while stays under 10 minutes are free. Pay at the machine on site or online, because rental companies may add their own fee if the charge goes to them.

Plan on 30 to 60 minutes here. From Ytri Tunga, the road west leads to the black church at Búðir, Rauðfeldsgjá gorge and the coastal walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar.