14 x highlights on Snaefellsnes: tips + hidden spots
Snæfellsnes is also called "Iceland in miniature", because you can find almost all of Iceland's natural phenomena. In 2008, the community of the Snæfellsnes peninsula received a Green Globe certificate, and this was the first in Europe. The Green Globe certificate is an indication that tourism is done in a sustainable way. For book lovers; Jules Verne's wrote, the book " Journey to the Center of the Earth" about this place.
We will give you an overview of the most important sights in Snæfellsnes.
Organized tours and excursions on Snaefellsnes
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Black church of Buðir
The black church of Buðir is one of the three black churches in Iceland, in Lutheran style. It gets its black color because the wood, like the hull of a ship, is painted with pitch. The first church was already build in 1703. It was later demolished and a new one was built in 1848. The church contains some valuable pieces including a bell from 1672 and a chalice, ring and candlesticks from the 18th century.
Basalt and trol of Arnastapi
In Arnastapi you can visit beautiful, columnar basalt and rock formations and a small old harbor. Walk along the bird rocks that are coloured white from the guano (bird droppings). You will also find the troll-like monument Bárður. You can walk along a path to the monument and beach.
Helgafell Holy Moutain
Mount Helgafell is a historic, holy mountain. At the top there used to be a temple, of which you can still see some remains. It is said to be a temple in honor of the god of thunder Thor (Þórr).
A boat tour in Stykkishólmur
In Stykkishólmur, the capital of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, you can take a boat trip on the impressive Breiðafjörður fjord. During the 2-hour trip the fishing nets are thrown out and you can taste freshly caught seafood on board (Viking Sushi Adventure). You will sail along numerous islands and impressive basalt formations.
You can also visit the modern and futuristic Stykkishólmskirkja. The ceiling of the church covered with hundreds of lamps is definitely worth a visit. Would you like to visit the Westfjords? Then you can take the ferry from here.
Bjarnarhöfn Shark museum
In the Bjarnarhöfn Shark museum you will find harpoons and an old boat that was used to hunt. You can taste shark here. Ask if you can pay a visit to the dry house, where shark meat is hung up. Beware of the smell!
Berserkjahraun lava field
The Berserkjahraun lava field is an impressive piece of nature. The lava field is said to be named after the brothers, Halli and Leiknir, who made a path through the lava field and were then murdered by their boss.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
About 2.5 km west of the village Grundarfjörður, lies Kirkjufell (Kerkberg). The mountain has a very special shape and is 463 meters high. Nearby is a small river with an old bridge over it. You can visit the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.
There are several things to do in Hellnar. It has beautiful rock formations, you can visit a church and you can eat or drink in the popular restaurant/café Fjöruhúsið. In addition, take a walk through the lava field between Hellnar and Arnarstapi (2.5 km only). Along the coastline there are lava rocks in all shapes and sizes, the most striking one is Gatklettur, a natural arch that extends into the sea.
Svörtuloft lighthouse
A small road through the lava field of Berserkjahraun leads to the orange Svörtuloft lighthouse. If you are lucky you can spot whales there. You will also find the Saxhólsbjarg cliffs covered with birds.
Saxhóll crater
The Saxhóll volcano erupted about 3,000 years ago. Via stairs you can easily reach the top of the crater. From the top you have a beautiful view over the area and the Neshraun lava field.
Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík
Near Djúpalónssandur you can find four stones which you should try to lift. These used to be utilized to test the strength of the fishermen. The stones weigh between 23 kg and 154 kg. At the black pebble beach of Dritvík, you can find the remains of a British ship that perished in 1948, 14 crew members drowned, 5 were rescued.
Vatnshellir cave
The Vatnshellir cave is only accessible with a guided tour. Via a spiral staircase you descend into the 200 meter long cave. The cave was created 8000 years ago after the eruption of a volcano. The tour of the lava cave takes about one hour.
Hot spring of Landbrotalaug
Bring a visit to the natural hot springs of Landbrotalaug and enjoy the beautiful view, the nature and the exceptional natural phenomenon of hot springs, in the middle of nowhere ! This hot spring is very small, max. 2 to 3 persons can enter it, the temperature is around 40 degrees. Check the location on Google maps (GPS coordinates: 64.8322874,-22.3184946).
Ytri Tunga seal beach
On the beach at the Ytri Tunga farm you can find a colony of seals. Especially during the months of June and July you have a lot of opportunity to spot seals in the water or on the rocks.
Gerðuberg longest belt of basalt columns in Iceland
Gerðuberg, the longest belt of basalt columns in Iceland. Left from Road 54, follow the gravel road for 2 km until you reach the pillars.
Where to stay on Snæfellsnes
Looking for a place to sleep during your stay on the Snæfellsnes peninsula? It is best to book your accommodation in advance as it can sometimes be difficult to find a place on the spot. The number of accommodations is limited. See all hotels on Snæfellsnes.
Our tip: Fosshotel Hellnar is an award-winning, eco-friendly hotel. All rooms have WIFI and Flatscreen + private bathroom and mountain or sea views. In the restaurant you can taste the delicious Icelandic specialities. More info and prices
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