Snæfellsnes Peninsulam Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome!

  Your tour begins at the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center parking area.

• Bjarnarfoss Waterfall

  The 262-foot Bjarnarfoss Waterfall, famously associated with the Lady of the Mountain, who bathed here.

• Búðakirkja

  A small but historically significant church dating back to the Reformation.

• Snæfellsjökull View Point

  Snæfellsjökull, the iconic glacier-capped volcano, stands over 4,700 feet tall and is about 700,000 years old, though its glacier is shrinking due to climate change.

• Axlar-Björn

  Axlarhyrna is tied to the story of Axlar-Björn, Iceland’s only known serial killer, who began his dark path after a strange dream led him to the mountain.

• Growth of Danish Royal Power/Laki Eruption

  Denmark’s trading monopoly isolated Iceland, but the 1783 Laki eruption and subsequent "Fire Mass" halted the lava flow at the edge of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

  Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, guarded by the half-man, half-troll Bárðar, offers a moderately challenging trail with a small waterfall inside.

• Sönghellir Cave

  Sönghellir Cave, the “cave of songs,” has remarkable echoes and inscriptions from famous Icelanders, including Bárðar Snæfellsás.

• Arnarstapi

  Arnarstapi offers dramatic cliffs, a natural bridge, and a statue of Bárðar Snæfellsás. Turn left at the yellow sign to visit.

• Bárðar Snæfellsás

  The stone statue of Bárðar Snæfellsás stands as a tribute to the peninsula's half-man, half-troll guardian spirit.

• Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint

  Arnarstapi’s basalt cliffs and sea stacks, formed from cooling lava, offer a stunning view of the North Atlantic.

• Gatklettur

  Gatklettur is a basalt arch framing the North Atlantic, near the historic Danish trading post in Arnarstapi.

• Stone Bridge

  The natural Stone Bridge at Arnarstapi, formed by wave erosion, is a thrilling yet dangerous walk, often visited by the Huldufólk.

• Stapafell

  Stapafell, a prominent volcano, rises over the landscape near the historic fishing village of Hellnar.

• Snæfellsjökull

  Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano, features prominently in mythology and literature, including Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

• Lava Rocks Formations

  Cooling lava forms basalt columns, visible at Lóndrangar cliffs, resembling castles or frozen trolls.

• Lóndrangar View Point

  Lóndrangar’s basalt columns, dubbed “the rocky castle,” stand as dramatic natural formations.

• Kolbeinn Jöklaskáld

  In the 1600s, poet Kolbeinn Jöklaskáld famously dueled the Devil with his words, showcasing Iceland’s rich tradition of poetic contests.Detour: Malarrif Lighthouse

• Malarrif Lighthouse

  Malarrif Lighthouse, built in 1917, features a modern rocket-like design to help sailors navigate the basalt cliffs.

• Vatnshellir Cave

  Vatnshellir Cave is an 8,000-year-old lava tube with colorful mineral deposits, formed by cooling lava flows.

• Djúpalónssandur Beach

  Djúpalónssandur Beach features blessed lagoons, mystical tales, and a weight-lifting competition with stones once used by fishermen to test their strength.

• Kerling and Karl

  Icelanders often see pairs of rock formations as troll couples, named Kerling (troll woman) and Karl (troll man).

• Aflraunasteinar

  These weight-lifting stones, used by fishermen to prove their strength, range from 50 to 340 pounds.

• Wrecked Trawler

  The remains of the Epine GY7 Fishing Trawler, wrecked in a 1948 blizzard, lie scattered on Djúpalónssandur Beach.

• Dritvik Cove

  Dritvik Cove features rock formations named after Bárðar Snæfellsás, the half-troll guardian spirit.

• Reindeer

  Reindeer, brought to Iceland in the 1700s, now roam the island thanks to conservation efforts after near extinction.

• Arctic Fox

  The Arctic fox, Iceland’s only native land mammal, thrives with its multi-layered fur and seasonal color changes.

• Sigridur Tomasdottir

  Saxhóll Crater, formed 4,000 years ago by volcanic activity, is an impressive natural bowl.

• Briet Bjarnhedinsdottir

  Briet Bjarnhedinsdottir, founder of Iceland's women's suffrage movement, grew up impressing neighbors with her quick wits.

• Saxhóll Crater

  Saxhóll Crater, formed 4,000 years ago by volcanic activity, is an impressive natural bowl.

• Rich Fishing Grounds

  Iceland's rich fishing grounds are due to nutrient-rich waters, making fish a major export.

• Skarðsvík Beach

  Skarðsvík Beach offers stunning contrasts of turquoise waters and dark volcanic rock, plus historic lighthouses nearby.

• Svörtuloft Lighthouse

  The bright orange Svörtuloft Lighthouse, built in 1931, aids sailors navigating the dark lava cliffs.

• Öndverðarnesviti

  Öndverðarnesviti, built in 1973, marks the westernmost point of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

• Gufuskálar and Írskrabrunnur

  Gufuskálar, an ancient fishing village, features stone ruins and Írskrabrunnur, a well believed to be connected to early Irish monks.

• Þorskur Fish

  The Atlantic cod, known as Þorskur in Icelandic, sustains many Icelandic fishermen with its abundance.

• Hellissandur

  Hellissandur, once a thriving fishing village, is now known as Iceland's "Street Art Capital" with its Maritime Museum and murals.

• Ingjaldshólskirkja

  Ingjaldshólskirkja, built in 1903, stands on the site of a church dating back to the 1300s and hosted Christopher Columbus in 1477.

• Rif and Sæljós GK-2

  Rif, a small town with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene, was once a major trading post before a smallpox outbreak in the 1600s.

• Svöðufoss

  Svöðufoss is a spectacular waterfall fed by meltwater from Snæfellsjökull, cascading about 100 feet down basalt cliffs.

• Bæjarfoss

  Bæjarfoss, also known as "Town Falls," offers a misty, enchanting experience near the town of Ólafsvík.

• Enni Ólafsvík

  Ólafsvíkurenni, or Enni, is a mountain often associated with elf sightings, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.

• Oystercatcher & Tern

  The oystercatcher, a black and white bird with a long orange beak, signals the arrival of spring in Iceland.

• Puffins

  Puffins, known for their clumsy landings and romantic nature, are a common sight in Iceland, especially in spring.

• Whales

  Minke and humpback whales are frequently spotted in Iceland, with humpbacks known for their dramatic breaching and tail-slapping displays.

• Sea Monsters

  Icelandic folklore is rich with tales of sea monsters like the hafgúfa, an octopus-like creature capable of swallowing entire ships.

• Búlandshöfði View Point & Northern Lights

  Búlandshöfði View Point offers stunning coastal views and is a prime spot for observing the northern lights.

• Giant Padlock

  Iceland's largest padlock, a remnant of a seaside farm, is a quirky roadside attraction perfect for photos.

• The Trolls

  Kirkjufell Mountain is steeped in Icelandic folklore, believed to be the site of an epic troll battle.

• Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfossar

  Kirkjufell, a nunatak, rises dramatically behind Kirkjufellsfossar waterfall, creating one of Iceland's most iconic views.

• Grundarfjörður

  Grundarfjörður, located by the Berserkjahraun lava field, is tied to the legendary Eyrbyggja saga involving berserker warriors.

• The Yule Lads of Iceland

  The 13 Yule Lads, sons of trolls Grýla and Leppalúði, are known for their mischievous antics during Christmastime.

• Kolgrafarfjördur Viewpoint

  Kolgrafarfjördur Viewpoint offers a grand panorama of Iceland's iconic fjörd, formed by glaciers carving deep valleys.

• Conclusion

  The tour concludes with insights into Iceland's diverse landscapes and rich history, inviting you to explore more of this fascinating country.