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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Reaching out into the icy ocean from Iceland’s west coast, this rocky, remote 100km peninsula offers a wealth of wilderness adventures.

It’s only a few hours’ drive from Reykjavik, but you’ll feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth here: with its deserted beaches, sheer cliffs, volcanic mountains and frozen lava flows, it offers an unforgettable snapshot of Iceland’s wild side.

It’s also topped by the shining expanse of Snaefellsjokull, a great ice cap which Jules Verne namechecked in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. And if you’ve always wanted to do a glacier walk, this is a fine location to do it.

Snaefellsjokull Glacier

Snaefelssnes Peninsula, Iceland

national park welcome sign with glaciers behind

Most of the western tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is taken up by this wild national park and the icy sheet of Snaefellsjokull. If you want to tackle a glacier walk and see the ice up close, this is a fine place to do it. Expeditions are led by guiding companies including Summit Adventure Guides and Snaefellsjokull Glacier Tours.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Mount Kirkjufell

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Mount Kirkjufell

Overlooking Grundarfjordur, this pyramid-shaped peak is a postcard image of West Iceland, and looks like something out of a fantasy novel. You might see scores of photographers gathered here at sunset, as well as at the nearby waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss.

Best for ages 10+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Djupalon Beach

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Djupalon Beach

Beaches don’t get any wilder or more windswept than here, a crescent of black sand and rock formations surrounded by – well nothing much at all, really. West facing, it’s an incredible place to watch the sunset.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Vatnshellir Lava Tunnel

Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland

Vatnshellir Lava Tunnel

Way out on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a spiral staircase leads down into this deep lava tube – estimated to be one of Iceland’s oldest (circa 8,000 years). With a guide, it’s possible to walk around 200m into the cave: wear good shoes as the base of the cave is unstable underfoot. Tours last 45 minutes.

Adult price: £35

Min age 5

Best for ages 5+

Duration: 45 minutes

Frequency: monthly

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Lysuholslaug geothermal baths

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Lysuholslaug geothermal baths

Snaefellsnes has its own answer to the Blue Lagoon – and while the site isn’t quite as impressive, it’s still a soothing place for a dip. The water often looks a murky green from the minerals and algae, but don’t fret – it’s completely clean, and warm as a bath.

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

Getting there & doing it

By road, it’s about 2.5 hours from downtown Reykjavik to the fringes of Snaefellsnes. During summer, there are bus links to various towns around the peninsula, but there are far fewer services in winter. If you’re driving after October, a 4×4 is a very good idea – and be prepared for unexpected road closures.

When to do it

As in many other areas of Iceland, Snaefellsnes is most accessible between May and October, although early spring and autumn are usually doable if you’re prepared to tackle some snow and you’re driving a 4×4.

Winter can be a challenge – many of the more remote areas are cut off completely in cold years.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Kirkjufell Mountain Full Day Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Kirkjufell Mountain Full Day Tour from Reykjavik
Travel west to Snæfellsness on this remote journey to the center of the Earth just like in the grandiose, epic beginning of Jules Verne’s timeless novel. Journey back to a land possessing a myriad of secrets waiting to be discovered. Ancient, mangled lava fields unveil the stresses and destruction these lands once endured. Twisted, crippled, and bowed volcanic rock possessing incredible shapes and forms flare up from the earth, creating an impressive sight to behold. The tour lasts for 11 hours and includes a professional, English-speaking guide.

Price: $122

Min age: 2

Rating 4.70 / 5 [517 ratings]

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Small-Group Snaefellsnes, Mt. Kirkjufell & Black Sand Beach Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Small-Group Snaefellsnes, Mt. Kirkjufell & Black Sand Beach Tour from Reykjavik
Experience the range of Icelandic natural beauty in just one area—the wonderfully diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a small bus. In this tour, we will visit the charming fishing villages of Berserk Lava Field, Arnarstapi, Mt. Eldborg, beautiful mountains and volcanic craters such as Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll, the black beach at Djúpalónssandur, the majestic glacier Snæfellsjökull. 

Price: $122

Min age: 8

Rating 4.74 / 5 [55 ratings]

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Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. Join us on this adrenaline-filled day tour as we discover lava caves, mountains, black sand beaches, villages, and more!

Price: $137

Min age: 5

Rating 4.86 / 5 [213 ratings]

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Small-Group Day Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula Natural Park

Reykjavik

Small-Group Day Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula Natural Park
Discover the Spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this day tour across the part of Iceland that inspired Jules Vernes for his famous novel “Journey to the center of the Earth”. During this amazing adventure, you will get to see the 4 000 years old Berserkjahraun lava field and listen to your knowledgeable guide to give you some stories about this place. Be amazed by one of the most photographed places of Iceland, Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfall that has been seen in the famous TV series show Game of Thrones. You will have the opportunity to go to the top of an old volcanic crater and have a panoramic view of the area and the glacier. Then, we will stop by Djupalonssandur, a magnificent black sand beach, and in Arnarstapi, a lovely and picturesque fishing village full of history. Finally, if you are lucky, you will get the chance to see seals relaxing on Ytri-Tunga beach. Book hassle-free with us!

Price: $140

Min age: 2

Rating 4.75 / 5 [173 ratings]

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Small-Group Snaefellsnes National Park Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Small-Group Snaefellsnes National Park Day Trip from Reykjavik
Join this outing for a captivating tour of Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland. Sometimes called “Iceland in miniature,” due to its many different kinds of geology all in one place, you can’t miss this if you want to capture the true spirit and beauty of the island. See seals sunbathing and playing on the beach, stroll along cliffs overlooking black sand beaches and admire the volcano that inspired Jules Verne in his novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. This is also a small-group tour of maximum 19 people, in order to ensure your comfort.

Price: $144

Min age: 5

Rating 4.75 / 5 [134 ratings]

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Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Trip from Reykjavik incl. Kirkjufell Mountain

Reykjavik

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Trip from Reykjavik incl. Kirkjufell Mountain
Visit the wonders of the Snaefellsjokull peninsula on this 12-hour tour from Reykjavik. Marvel at the landscape around Kirkjufell Mountain, walk on the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur, visit traditional Icelandic fishing villages and more.  

Price: $146

Min age: 1

Rating 4.63 / 5 [111 ratings]

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Snaefellsnes National Park and Natural Wonders from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Snaefellsnes National Park and Natural Wonders from Reykjavik
Visit Snæfellsnes peninsula with its stunning nature beautifully located on the west side of Iceland. Its many recreational activities make it a paradise if you are seeking for relaxation. Explore the remarkably diverse Snæfellsnes National Park with the assistance of an expert guide.

Price: €148

Min age: 0

Rating 4.39 / 5 [81 ratings]

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Small-Group Day Trip to Snaefellsnes National Park

Reykjavik

Small-Group Day Trip to Snaefellsnes National Park
Snaefellsnes National Park tour from Reykjavik - personalized experience in small groups. This fascinating journey is culminating right about the halfway point at the mighty 1 450 meter Snæfellsjökull volcano glacier - Jules Verne made it famous in his novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth''. After crossing the Hvalfjörður through a 6 km underwater tunnel, you will visit small towns and fishing villages, see spectacular bird cliffs by the sea and beaches. In the northern side, we also stop by picturesque church-shaped mountain Kirkjufell which is accompanied by a wonderful little waterfall on the other side of the road. At Djúpalónssandur beach (may not be accessible in winter) we will allow those who feel up to it to try strength with the Stones of Trial. The whole journey of Snæfellsnes peninsula circles around Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano which you can admire from several stops on the tour. Please note: the tour does not go on the glacier itself.

Price: $183

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [52 ratings]

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Snaefellsnes Small Group Tour with Homemade Meal from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Snaefellsnes Small Group Tour with Homemade Meal from Reykjavik
Iceland in a day! Join us as we head west on a full-day mystical tour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and surroundings. Countless lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas lie in store for us as we drive west out of Reykjavik and head towards the magnificent Snæfellsjökull. This tour offers some amazing photo opportunities at some major landmarks like the stunning Kirkjufell mountain and Djupalonssandur black beach. Snæfellnses is also called "Iceland in Miniature", come discover with us why!

Price: €194

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [397 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.