Travel Guide of Snæfellsnes in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers
The Snæfellsnes is a peninsula situated to the west of Borgarfjörður, in western Iceland. It has been named Iceland in Miniature, because many national sights can be found in the area, including the Snæfellsjökull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland.
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Pictures and Stories of Snæfellsnes from Influencers
8 pictures of Snæfellsnes from Benjamin Rascoe, Josephine Lin, and other travelers
- Iceland is so beautiful in the winter ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Josephine Lin | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Snæfellsnes ?
Why traveling there?
Snæfellsnes, also known as "Iceland in Miniature," is a breathtaking peninsula in west Iceland that offers a diverse range of natural wonders and cultural highlights. From dramatic volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and charming fishing villages to the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier, Snæfellsnes has something for everyone. It's an ideal destination for those who want to experience the beauty and adventure of Iceland without venturing too far from the capital, Reykjavik.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Snæfellsnes is by car. Renting a car in Reykjavik and driving to the peninsula takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your starting point and desired stops along the way. Alternatively, you can join organized tours that depart from Reykjavik and cover the main attractions in Snæfellsnes. The public bus system also connects the peninsula with Reykjavik, but the service is limited and infrequent.
What to book in advance?
If you plan to visit Snæfellsnes during the high season (June to August), it's recommended to book accommodations and guided tours in advance. Popular activities such as glacier hiking, lava cave exploration, and whale watching can fill up quickly during peak travel times. Booking car rentals in advance is also a good idea to secure the best rates and availability.
What are the costs?
The cost of visiting Snæfellsnes can vary depending on your preferences and activities. Accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale hotels, with prices typically starting around $50 per night. Meals in local restaurants cost between $15 and $30, while guided tours and activities can range from $50 to $200 per person. Car rental prices start at around $50 per day, but keep in mind that fuel costs in Iceland are relatively high.
What are the best things to do?
Snæfellsnes offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Some must-visit spots include the Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, Kirkjufell mountain, and Hellnar's unique rock formations. For wildlife enthusiasts, bird watching at the Lóndrangar cliffs and whale watching in the surrounding waters are unforgettable experiences.
Where to eat?
1. Narfeyrarstofa: Located in Stykkishólmur, this cozy restaurant serves delicious Icelandic dishes made with local ingredients, such as fresh seafood, lamb, and homemade bread.
2. Bjargarsteinn Mathús: Situated in Grundarfjörður, this charming eatery offers stunning views of Kirkjufell mountain and the ocean while serving traditional Icelandic cuisine.
3. Fjöruhúsið Café: This quaint café in Hellnar is known for its tasty homemade cakes and sandwiches, as well as its spectacular seaside location.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Búðir: This elegant boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and stunning views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier and surrounding landscapes.
2. Fosshotel Hellnar: Located at the edge of Snæfellsjökull National Park, this eco-friendly hotel provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to the region's natural attractions.
3. Kirkjufell Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option in Grundarfjörður, this guesthouse offers clean, cozy rooms and a convenient location near the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.
Off the beaten path
For a truly unique experience, visit the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, located within the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Guided tours will lead you deep underground into an 8,000-year-old lava tube, where you'll marvel at the fascinating rock formations and learn about the volcanic history of the area. This hidden gem offers a rare opportunity to explore the subterranean world beneath Iceland's stunning landscapes.
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Map of Snæfellsnes
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More Travel spots to explore around Snæfellsnes
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🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏞️ Loch spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🌋 Hot spring spots 🛣️ Road trip spots 🏞️ Watercourse spots 🏞️ Waterfall spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏞️ Waterway spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🏖️ Headland spotsLearn More about Snæfellsnes
The magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula is just a few hours' drive from Reykjavik in West Iceland, an area often referred to as miniature Iceland because it offers a sample of the country's finest. with several natural wonders that exist side by side. You can see all its unique and breathtaking natural elements, from jet black lava fields and magnificent waterfalls to volcanoes, glaciers, both black and white sand beaches and impressive cliffs. It is also home to Iceland, the most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell. This beautiful mountain is located near the town of Grundarfjörður. Across the road is the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which is beautiful in itself, but when taken with the mountains, forms a typical Icelandic picture. Snæfellsnes has long been thought to be the world's largest center of cosmic energy and a haven for birds and marine life.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula is dominated by the ice-covered volcano Snæfellsnes, which inspired the writer Jules Verne to write the book Journey to the center of the earth. The first stop is the small village of Búðir, where there used to be a very beautiful fishing village, now only a lovely little church. After sightseeing and taking pictures at the village, we continue our journey to the fishing village of Arnarstapi. In addition to a beautiful harbour, from here you can see Gatklettur (Hellnar Arch) – a stone eroded by the sea and naturally into a beautiful arch.
Nearby, you can enjoy aromatic coffee and hot waffles in the fishing village of Hellnar before heading down to the sea to see the strange rock.
The next destination is in the National Park, Djúalónssandur, a sandy and black pebble beach with cliffs jutting out from the sea. From here, we set out to head north to visit the very famous mountain in Iceland, Mount Kirkjufell (Church Mountain).
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Snæfellsnes
You can visit some attractions such as Vatnshelir cave, Rauofeldsgja, Skardsvik beach.
Where to Stay near Snæfellsnes
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