4 daysRuns October to April only
Beaches
Ytri Tunga Beach Parking
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About Ytri Tunga Beach Parking
Ytri Tunga is a farm and stretch of shore on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, just off Route 54 and roughly two hours' drive from Reykjavík. It is best known as one of the most reliable places in Iceland to see seals from land. The car park serves a short walk down to a pale, golden-coloured beach, unusual in a region of dark volcanic sand, with a line of seaweed-covered rocks just offshore where seals haul out to rest.
The seals are harbour seals for the most part, with grey seals seen at times, and they can often be watched lying on the rocks or swimming close in, especially around low tide. Summer is the best season, when the most seals are present; in winter sightings are less predictable. The landowner asks visitors to keep 50 to 100 metres from the animals, never stand between a seal and the water, keep noise down, avoid flash photography and keep dogs on a lead. Stay on the rocks nearest the beach rather than climbing out towards the seals, and bring binoculars or a zoom lens for a closer view.
Parking is paid and collected with number-plate cameras. A car with up to five seats costs ISK 900 and a vehicle with six to nine seats ISK 1,100, valid for the whole day; visits under ten minutes are free. You can pay at the machine on site or online afterwards, and rental companies may add a charge if a fee goes unpaid. Walking paths from the car park include an accessible route. There are no shops or cafés at the site.
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes. Ytri Tunga is usually the first stop on a day around Snæfellsnes, followed by the black church at Búðir, Rauðfeldsgjá gorge and the coastal walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar further west.
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Multi-day trips featuring Ytri Tunga Beach Parking
All packages →- 4 daysRuns October to April only
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Good to know
Are there always seals at Ytri Tunga?
Seals are often seen on the rocks, especially in summer and around low tide, but sightings are never guaranteed and are less predictable in winter.
How much is parking at Ytri Tunga?
A car with up to five seats pays ISK 900 and a vehicle with six to nine seats ISK 1,100 for the day; stays under ten minutes are free.
Where is Ytri Tunga?
It is on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula just off Route 54, about two hours' drive from Reykjavík.
How close can you get to the seals at Ytri Tunga?
The landowner asks visitors to stay 50 to 100 metres away and never to stand between a seal and the water.
Why is the sand golden at Ytri Tunga?
The pale colour comes largely from crushed shell fragments, unlike the black volcanic sand of most Icelandic beaches.
Are there facilities at Ytri Tunga?
There is a paid car park with walking paths, including an accessible route, but no shops or cafés, so bring what you need.
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