Bucket list experience:
Iceland
Credit Shutterstock.com/marcobrivio.photo
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.
Snaefelssnes Peninsula, Iceland
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
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
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
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
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
Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland
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
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
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
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.
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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
