Welcome to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
Discover a landscape that encapsulates the very best Iceland has to offer with this self-guided driving tour of the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is one of Iceland’s must-see for good reason. Featuring steaming mineral springs, dramatic coastal views, a soaring volcano, black sand beaches, and much more, you won’t want to leave Iceland without touring this peninsula. Plus, get plenty of fascinating history and can’t-miss pointers as you drive!
About the Tour
You’ll begin your journey outside the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center before heading to Ölkelduvatn Mineral Spring, where you can actually drink some of Iceland’s famous mineral-rich water, straight from the source!
Then you’ll head to Ytri Tunga Beach, famous for its friendly seal colony. Drive to Bjarnarfoss next, a stunning waterfall cascading down a cliffside, and then visit the historic Búðakirkja, a striking black church set against a scenic backdrop.
Snæfellsjökull View Point offers breathtaking views of the glacier-capped volcano that towers over this peninsula. Next, the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge invites you to explore a narrow canyon with a hidden waterfall.
Sönghellir Cave, known for its remarkable acoustics, is a must-see before you arrive at the coastal village of Arnarstapi. This quaint village features dramatic cliffs and fascinating rock formations. Don’t miss Gatklettur, a natural arch, and the Hellnar View Point for more incredible coastal views.
Continue to Lóndrangar View Point, where unique rock pinnacles rise from the ocean.
After that, you’ll visit Malarrif Lighthouse, followed by Vatnshellir Cave, a fascinating lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity. Djúpalónssandur beach, with its black sands and shipwreck remains, awaits you next.
Then, head to Saxhóll Crater for a short optional hike with panoramic views. Or swing by the golden sands of Skarðsvík Beach for a relaxing break. Svörtuloft Lighthouse and Öndverðarnesviti are next, offering stunning coastal views and unbeatable photo opportunities.
Next, you’ll pass the fishing villages of Hellissandur and Rif, where you can learn about the local maritime history. Afterwards, visit the tranquil Svöðufoss waterfall and the charming Bæjarfoss waterfall before reaching the town of Ólafsvík.
Continuing on, you’ll reach the Kirkjufellsfossar and Kirkjufell Viewpoints. These are essential stops, offering some of Iceland’s most-photographed landscapes.
Finally, you’ll reach Kolgrafarfjörður Viewpoint, where your tour will conclude.
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Where To Start?
Recommended Start Point: Snaefellsnes Visitor Center, 342, Iceland
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome!
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Bjarnarfoss Waterfall
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Búðakirkja
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Snæfellsjökull View Point
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Axlar-Björn
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Growth of Danish Royal Power/Laki Eruption
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Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
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Sönghellir Cave
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Arnarstapi
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Bárðar Snæfellsás
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Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint
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Gatklettur
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Stone Bridge
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Stapafell
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Snæfellsjökull
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Lava Rocks Formations
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Lóndrangar View Point
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Kolbeinn Jöklaskáld
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Malarrif Lighthouse
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Vatnshellir Cave
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Djúpalónssandur Beach
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Kerling and Karl
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Aflraunasteinar
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Wrecked Trawler
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Dritvik Cove
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Reindeer
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Arctic Fox
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Sigridur Tomasdottir
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Briet Bjarnhedinsdottir
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Saxhóll Crater
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Rich Fishing Grounds
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Skarðsvík Beach
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Svörtuloft Lighthouse
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Öndverðarnesviti
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Gufuskálar and Írskrabrunnur
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Þorskur Fish
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Hellissandur
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Ingjaldshólskirkja
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Rif and Sæljós GK-2
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Svöðufoss
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Bæjarfoss
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Enni Ólafsvík
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Oystercatcher & Tern
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Puffins
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Whales
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Sea Monsters
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Búlandshöfði View Point & Northern Lights
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Giant Padlock
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The Trolls
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Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfossar
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Grundarfjörður
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The Yule Lads of Iceland
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Kolgrafarfjördur Viewpoint
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The peninsula is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, including volcanic peaks, dramatic sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Must-see spots include Kirkjufell Mountain, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur Beach, and the charming fishing villages like Arnarstapi.
The tour typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive, but it’s recommended to allow a full day to fully explore and enjoy the stops.
Summer is the best time for visiting, offering mild weather and the advantage of long daylight hours, but the peninsula has unique charms in each season.
Most tours start from the town of Stykkishólmur or directly from Reykjavik, depending on your arrangements.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly with many natural attractions and easy walks that children can enjoy.
Visitors should try fresh seafood dishes in the coastal towns, particularly the local catch of the day.
Wildlife includes seabirds, Arctic foxes, and marine life such as seals. Whale watching is also popular in nearby waters.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails available, ranging from short scenic walks to more challenging hikes up the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
It’s important to monitor weather conditions closely, drive carefully on gravel roads, and respect local speed limits and traffic rules.
While it can get busy during peak tourist season in the summer, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded.
Bring appropriate clothing for changeable weather, hiking boots, a camera, snacks, and water.
Yes, the tour is available year-round, but access to some attractions like the Snæfellsjökull glacier may be weather-dependent.
There are various accommodations ranging from hotels and guesthouses to campsites, particularly in larger towns and near popular attractions.
Yes, guided tours are available for those who prefer not to drive, offering similar routes with the benefit of a local guide.