Snaefellsness, a day trip from Reykjavik, a life time of memories.

Like my self, many other travelers when getting to Iceland first head south to see the amazing glaciers, waterfalls, plane crash sites and vast Icelandic landscapes, which is understandable. But a less travelled path is the Snaefellsnes peninsular. Home to the Kirkjufell (Iceland's most photographed mountain), Snaefellsjokul (said to be one of worlds 7 geothermal powerhouses), natural hot springs, caves, glacier, shark museum, Stykkisholmur ( in my opinion the cutest city in Iceland ), and much, much more. This amazing peninsular is only 2 hour drive from Reykjavik, and the journey is sure to take your breath away. On the way to Snaefellsnes you can hike to Glymur, Iceland's tallest waterfall accessible by foot, standing at 198m tall. Check out the cute lighthouses of Akranes, and bath in natural hot pools miles away from civilization at no cost.

What to do and see in Snaefellsness ?

As mentioned before the journey to Snaefellsnes is enough to fill a whole day, but once getting to Sneafellsnes there is must more to fill your day, so I recommend that you plan at least two days for this "day trip".

Click on the photo, to see the locations on MAPS

Eldborg crater

Only 15minutes drive from town of Borgranes is the Eldborg crater. You can admire it from a distance, or drive up to it, and walk around and touch the crater that erupted about 5000 years ago. Only a 2.5km walk from the car park, if the weather permits I definitely recommend it.

Stora Hraun

If heading from the south (Reykjavik), then the first thing on the list should be Stora Hraun. A natural hot spring in the Eldbourg lava fields. This is not the blue lagoon, it's much smaller, more remote and a hell of a lot less touristy. Things to keep in mind is to respect the nature, don't leave rubbish, and if you see people waiting don't be a hog. This is one of the last natural hot springs left in the this area that Icelander's enjoy without the hassle and bustle of tourist.

Ytri Tunga

Ytri Tuna is a beach about half an hour drive from Eldbourg along route 54, and its a home to Seals and a variety of birds. It's a great way of seeing Seals in their natural environment and not in an aquarium.

Budir

Located in a small lava field and walking distance to one of the most beautiful beaches in Iceland, is also home to one of the most iconic churches in the west. The black church contracts the landscapes, so it should be on every photographers checklist.

Rauðfeldsgjá

Just before you reach the spectacular Sneafellsjokull, take a right turn to a car park at rauðfeldsgjá, and walk up the short path to the crack of the mountain. Inside this crack is a canyon/cave, with a gentle water fall running through and birds flying above. If you are adventurous you can walk into the into the tight gap where the water comes out of and you will find a rope where you can clim to the top of the small waterfall.

Route 570 & 575

Route 570 & 575 both take you to the bottom of the glacier mountain Sneafellsjokull, but even more rewarding than standing on the glacier it's self is the drive up and over the hills around the glacier, and if you are feeling like a small hike, the climb to the top of any other mountain around will leave you speechless with breathtaking landscape views. If the route is not Snowed out, then you do not need a 4x4 vehicle. I have driven in a 2 door, shitty little car. If the route is Snowed out then a rental 4x4 will not go through either haha.

Snaefellsjokull

As mentioned above, Snaefellsjokull is a glacier mountain located on the edge of the Snaefellsnes peninsular. There are hiking and mobile tours to reach the summit, and if you are travelling in the summer time, this is by far one of the best places to watch the sun set. The mountain can sometimes be seen from Reykjavik and the West fjords, and it always looks the same size. (that's just my opinion, not a scientific fact).

Arnarstapi

A cute little village only a couple minutes drive from the base of the glacier, this little place is full of character. Colourful houses, a cute guesthouse to have a coffee or lunch in, take a walk to one of the clifs and bird watch or take the famous walk from Arnastapi to Hellnar, only a 30 minute journey along the coast line.

Malarrif lighthouse

A very photogenic lighthouse and a nice place to have a picnic or just take a break.

Djúpalónssandur

If you've ever wanted to be on a black pebble beach within a laval field, surrounded by parts of a old ship wreck, overlooking the oceans horizon on one side and the amazing Sneafellsjokull glacier on the other, then this is the place.

Cave Vatnshellir

If you've ever wanted to be on a black pebble beach within a laval field, surrounded by parts of a old ship wreck, overlooking the oceans horizon on one side and the amazing Sneafellsjokull glacier on the other, then this is the place.

Holaholar

An ancient crater on the edge of the peninsula, believed to be an elf town. A very easy walk to the top will tick off"walked on a crater".

Kirkjufell

If you have ever seen a photo of Iceland, you have seen this mountain. Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, and for a good reason. The pyramid shaped mountain is surrounded by crashing waves and accompanied by a scenic waterfall in the foreground. It is possible to walk to the top, or just take a gentle walk around the mountain.

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

A shark museum run by a true Icelandic fisherman. See how shark meat is treated by nature, and try Icelandic specialty dishes and drinks.