Are you planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a unique and unforgettable experience? Look no further than a day trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik.
With its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and glacier-capped volcano (yes, really), Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature.” It’s a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to capture the best of Iceland’s natural beauty, all within easy driving distance of the capital.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Snaefellsnes day trip from Reykjavik. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Can you visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in a one-day trip?
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a one-day trip is definitely possible. Keep in mind that it will be a long day, but with proper planning, you can hit the highlights and make the most of your time.
One option is to rent a car and drive yourself, as this will give you the most flexibility. Another option is to join a guided tour, which can take the stress out of driving and provide you with interesting information about the area.
But whether you choose to drive yourself or join a guided tour, a one-day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Iceland’s landscape.
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Itinerary for a Snaefellsnes Day Trip from Reykjavik
1. Black Sand Beach at Ytri-Tunga
As you start your day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, your first stop will be the Black Sand Beach at Ytri-Tunga. This stunning beach is the perfect place to start your adventure and take in the beauty of Iceland’s rugged coastline.
The beach is known for its seal colony, and you may be lucky enough to spot a few seals playing in the water or lounging on the rocks. It’s a great opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close.
Take a walk along the beach and feel the soft black sand beneath your feet. You’ll also notice the beautiful rock formations and cliffs that surround the beach. It’s a great place to take some photos and capture the beauty of this corner of the world.
2. Arnarstapi
The second stop of your day trip to Snaefellsnes from Reykjavik is the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi. This small village is located on the southern side of the peninsula and is known for its picturesque harbor and dramatic coastal cliffs.
As you arrive in Arnarstapi, take a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this quaint village. Stroll along the harbor and admire the colorful boats bobbing in the water. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some playful seals swimming in the harbor.
One of the highlights of Arnarstapi is the coastal walk that leads to the nearby Hellnar village. This full 2.5-kilometer trail takes you along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
But as you’re going to be a bit tight on time – especially as you’ll be surprised just how many photos you can take in this area as everything looks like a postcard – I’d suggest taking the trail out until the famous Gatklettur arch. Your next stop will be Hellnar anyway, so you’re still going to see it, promise!
3. Hellnar
After leaving the picturesque village of Arnarstapi, you will arrive at the small fishing village of Hellnar. This charming village is located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is known for its stunning views of the ocean and the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
One of the main attractions in Hellnar is the Hellnar Arch, a natural rock formation that has been carved out by the sea. You can walk down to the beach and get a closer look at the arch – but be careful as the rocks can be slippery. The beach is also a great spot to take a break, relax and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re feeling hungry, make sure to stop by the Fjöruhúsið café. This cozy café serves up delicious seafood dishes and has a great selection of Icelandic beers. You can also try their famous lobster soup, which is a must-try when visiting Iceland.
After you’ve finished your meal, take a walk along the coast to the nearby cave of Baðstofa. The cave is a great spot for photos and is said to have been used by fishermen in the past as a shelter during bad weather.
4. Londrangar
As you continue your Snaefellsnes day trip, the next stop is Londrangar, a striking pair of basalt cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. The cliffs are the remnants of a volcanic crater that has eroded over time, leaving behind these unique formations. The taller of the two cliffs stands at 75 meters high, making for an impressive sight.
You can view Londrangar from afar or take a short walk to see them up close. Walking closer to the cliffs allows you to appreciate their sheer size and the intricate patterns in the basalt columns. The walk is relatively easy and takes you through a beautiful landscape of tall grasses and wildflowers.
Once you reach the cliffs, take some time to admire the view and snap some photos. The cliffs are also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, so keep an eye out for them as well.
5. Djupalonssandur Beach
You’ve seen some amazing sights on your Snaefellsnes day trip so far, but the next stop is truly something special. Djupalonssandur Beach is a black sand beach with stunning rock formations and a rich history. The beach was once used by fishermen to test their strength and endurance, and you’ll see the remnants of their trials scattered throughout the area.
As you walk down to the beach, you’ll pass through a beautiful canyon that sets the stage for the breathtaking views to come. When you reach the beach, take some time to explore the area and take in the stunning natural beauty. You’ll see the rusted remains of a British trawler that ran aground here in 1948, as well as the four “lifting stones” that fishermen used to test their strength.
One of the most striking features of Djupalonssandur Beach is the dramatic rock formations that jut out of the water. These unique geological features are a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped this area millions of years ago. Take some time to walk along the beach and admire the beauty of the rocks and the waves crashing against them.
6. Skardsvik Beach
After a few hours of exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it’s time to take a break and relax at Skardsvik Beach. This secluded spot is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the stunning scenery.
To get to Skardsvik Beach, you’ll need to drive west on Highway 574 (Utnesvegur) for 5 km from Hellissandur. Then, turn right on an unpaved road with a sign pointing to Öndverdarnes. Drive 2 km down this road until you get to the small parking lot for Skardsvik Beach. From there, it’s just a short walk down to the beach.
Once you arrive at Skardsvik Beach, take some time to explore the surrounding area. There are several hiking trails that lead to nearby cliffs and viewpoints, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
In fact, much of what you’ll see around the beach are actually black lava fields that sweep down into the ocean. And if you stand with your back to the ocean, you’ll get a fantastic view of Snaefellsjokull Glacier.
7. Kirkjufell Mountain
As you approach Kirkjufell Mountain, you’ll be struck by its beauty and grandeur. This iconic landmark is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland (and all of Scandinavia, for that matter), and it’s easy to see why. The mountain rises 463 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a stunning landscape of waterfalls, rivers, and green fields.
The famous photo of this area (as you’ll see below) features what appears to be a rather isolated mountain in the background with a small waterfall, called Kikrjufellsfoss, in front of it.
In reality, this shot is only a short walk from a carpark and the position for getting that photo is often surrounded by tourists.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that Kirkjufell Mountain makes for a great picture. But you may be surprised that it’s not quite the hidden gem that you thought it was – although you can still make it seem like that when you get THE photo to show everyone at home!
You unfortunately won’t have time to hike to the top of the mountain, as it’s not the easiest walk and does take a few hours. But even seeing the mountain from its base as it juts up into the sky is worth the stopover.
And from here, you’ll be heading back to Reykjavik!
Final thoughts
Adding a day trip from Reykjavik to the enchanting Snaefellsnes Peninsula to your itinerary is a decision you won’t regret. From the snow-capped peaks of Snaefellsjokull volcano to the black sand beaches of Djupalonssandur, every turn on this adventure will leave you awestruck and yearning for more.
It’s a great trip for giving you a taste of everything that Iceland’s natural wonders has to offer, making it especially good if you’re short on time.
Just don’t forget to bring your camera as trust me, you won’t be putting it down today!
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Author Note: This article is a guest post by Astrid Thornton of Seek Scandinavia, where she writes about everything that the Nordic region has to offer to help people see, do, and taste as much of this part of the world as possible.
