Our most recommended things to do in Snæfellsnes

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

1. Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

Visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this guided day trip from Reykjavik. See what Iceland has to offer on one trip including the Berserkjahraun lava fields, Snaefellsjokull volcano, and Kirkjufell mountain. Learn about local legends and see a seal colony. Begin your trip in the local town of Borgarnes. Grab some snacks before heading to the peninsula and try to catch a peak of the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano. Arrive at the Berserkjahraun lava field, and learn the origin of its name. Next, head to Kirkjufell, famously known for its role on the "Game of Thrones" television show, and for being the most-photographed mountain in the entire country. Visit the neighboring waterfall, and be swept away by the magic. Then climb the staircase to the top of Saxholl (visited only from March – November), a 100-meter-high volcanic crater. Reach the top and be rewarded by the stunning views of this 3000-year-old feat of nature. Learn local legends and the history of strong Icelandic ancestry. Venture into the uninhabited settlement of Djupalonssandur, and test your strength as local men used to on the beach. Head to the fishing village of Arnarstapi and witness the beautifully eroded cliffs and the sculpture of Barour Snaefellsas. Finally, discover a more in-depth understanding of Icelandic history at Budakirkja, or the "Black Church." View historical artifacts from the 19th century. Continue to the enchanting golden-colored beach of Ytri-Tunga (only from March - November). Witness a huge seal colony, laying on the rocks and enjoying the sun.

From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

2. From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a bus day trip to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches, and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi, and Hellnar. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, and see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Take a photo stop at the famed Black Church at Budir, and spot seals lolling in the sea at Ytri Tunga beach. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. This tour visits a variety of landscapes in a compact region which was immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

3. Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

Discover an oasis of tranquility in the west of Iceland and journey back to the land of myriad secrets and ancient landscapes on this group tour from Reykjavik. Travel to the highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula aboard a climate-controlled minibus. Make your way to the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where mangled lava fields reveal the stresses and destruction the land once endured. Marvel at volcanic rocks of unimaginable shapes as they flare up in twisted forms from the earth. Take a walk beside the jagged cliffs of Arnarstapi and see the beautiful arcs of Hellnar, where pillars of basalt slowly ascend from the unforgiving sea. Take in the stunning backdrop of the summit of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Journey along roads less traveled to find beaches of lava and smooth volcanic rock at Djupalónssandur. Explore the north side of the peninsula and the famous Mt. Kirkjufell. Discover the photographer's dream subject, the black church at Budir, which sits in desolate isolation. Look out for playful seals at Ytri Tunga gold beach, your final stop. Then, journey back to your meeting point in Reykjavik. Benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience of your guides. They will share not only the must-see sites but local knowledge, great stories and personal recommendations to make the most of your time in Iceland.

Reykjavik: Thrihnukagigur Volcano Guided Hiking Day Trip

4. Reykjavik: Thrihnukagigur Volcano Guided Hiking Day Trip

Enjoy a hiking tour towards the dormant Thrihnukagigur Volcano. After your transfer and drop-off at the Bláfjöll mountain cabin, walk to Thrihnukagigur Volcano, a moderate hike of approximately 45-50 minutes, enjoying the breathtaking lava scenery en route. The hike is classified as moderately difficulty, with straight walks and limited elevations. But the surface is hilly and uneven. Upon arrival at the crater, descend 400 feet (120 meters) inside the volcano, and experience an extraordinary natural phenomenon. You will be informed about all safety procedures and how to behave inside the volcano, wearing a helmet and harness at all times. Each group is split into a smaller party of 4-5 people for safety and intimacy. After a slow 10-minute descent, to ensure the safety of passengers and provide ample opportunities to experience the amazing views, spend up to an hour inside the volcano (or less if you prefer). Expert guides will be with you at all times. End with a feast of traditional Icelandic meat soup or a vegetarian soup along with hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea or water.

Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

5. Iceland: Complete Island Self-Guided Audioguide

With the Iceland complete audio guide, you get all the information that a tour guide would otherwise give you. Using GPS, the app recognizes where you are on your round trip and provides you with exciting information in the right places. So nothing stands in the way of your individual rental car tour. Your digital Iceland travel guide for the whole island of fire and ice! This audio guide offers more than 340 stations (7.5 hours of playing time) with information about the country, people, and sights in all parts of the country. It includes not only the Ring Road and the Golden Circle but also the Reykjanes and Snaefellsnes Peninsulas, the Westman Islands, the East and West Fjords, and the wild Icelandic Highlands.

Grundarfjörður: Classic Mt. Kirkjufell Kayaking Adventure

6. Grundarfjörður: Classic Mt. Kirkjufell Kayaking Adventure

Your tour will begin at the kayaking base, where you will meet your experienced local guide. After some friendly introductions, your guide will provide you with all of the necessary equipment for a fun and safe time on the water. Your kit will include a dry suit, a life jacket, shoes and gloves, and of course, a thermal undersuit. You will spend a total of 70 minutes on the water, first heading towards “Seal Skerry”, an area of incredible wildlife which includes various species of birds, and as the name suggests, some resident seals. From this location you will have a fantastic view of Mount Kirkjufell, which stands proud and domineering over the landscape. Keen observers of pop culture will recognize Kirkjufell almost immediately as the “mountain like an arrowhead” from HBO’s Game of Thrones. Leaving “Seal Skerry” behind, you will continue along the shoreline at the mountain’s roots, before making the return journey to the base. After your tour is over, you are invited to warm up on the kayaking base’s deck with a hot beverage, reflecting over the beautiful experience in which you’ve just partaken. When your time at the base is over, you are free to continue exploring this beautiful region at your leisure.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour

7. Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour

See colorful wildlife throughout your 12-hour tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See the picturesque Kirkjufell Mountain, rising 463 meters out of the sea. Stop at the charming village of Arnarstapi to see the breathtaking cliff formations. Visit the black-pebbled beach of Djúpalónssandur in Snæfellsnes National Park. Hear interesting stories from your guide of shipwrecks and adventures. Travel past impressive landscapes on the way to the northern side of the peninsula. Enjoy views of Gerðuberg Natural Heritage Site and the dramatic lava field of Berserkjahraun. Stop by the picturesque black church, Búðakirkja

From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Full-Day Tour with Homemade Meal

8. From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Full-Day Tour with Homemade Meal

Explore the terrains of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a guided day trip from Reykjavik. Marvel at the lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas as you head towards the Snæfellsjökull glacier. After, regain your strength with a home-cooked meal. See the ice cap across the bay as you depart Reykjavik. Feel the energy and admire your mystical surroundings, said to be the "Center of the Earth." Tour volcanic craters, lava fields, hidden coves, bizarre rock formations, and listen to local legends and folk stories from your guide. Continue to a nearby horse ranch and tuck into a home-cooked meal. After, be returned to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: Small-Group Snæfellsnes Day Trip

9. Reykjavik: Small-Group Snæfellsnes Day Trip

Spend the day in Snæfellsnes National Park, often described as “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse scenery. Travel in a group of no more than 19 people for your comfort and maximum personal attention. Depart Reykjavik and get your first view of Snæfellsjökull volcano on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Marvel at the highest peak in the area, often visible from the capital on clear days. Continue to the charming farm of Ytri-Tunga, where the nearby beach is home to a popular seal colony. Look at their cute faces as they sunbathe and play in the surf. Discover the coastal areas and natural harbor of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where beautiful rock formations, spotted with green-and-yellow moss, dot the coastline. Take a stroll along the cliffs to get some refreshing sea air. Next, look at the 2 black basalt columns of Lóndrangar, so tall that they can be seen from the road. Go to the black beach of Djúpalónssandur, where the air is filled with the sound of birds circling the cliffs and the ocean waves hitting the sand. Move on to the curious smooth stones of Djúpalónssandur. Known as “lifting stones,” they were used to measure the strength of fishermen who worked and lived along the coast.  The largest, called "Fullsterkur" (“Full-Strength”) weighs 154 kilograms (340 pounds) and you should lift it with your knees so that you don’t hurt your back. The second is known as "Hálfsterkur" (“Half-Strength”) and weighs 100 kilograms (220 pounds), while the third, called "Hálfdrættingur" (“Weakling”), weighs 54 kilograms (119 pounds). If you could only lift the 23-kilogram (50-pound) stone called "Amlóði" ("Useless”), then you were considered the shame of your village. Test your strength! End this fascinating day trip with a visit to Kirkjufell Mountain. See the mountain rise from the green hills, surrounded by trickling rivers. This is one of the most popular photography spots in Iceland, so be sure to get a picture for your own collection.

Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

10. Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

Take a scenic quad bike ride in the outback area of Reykjavik and be rewarded with a million-dollar view of the city. Have fun on a complete ATV experience, combining gravel roads, mountain tracks, rocky paths, and a steep ascent. Be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavik and relax on the scenic drive through the Icelandic wilderness to the base camp. Begin your adventure from the base camp, where you will start the ride on a gravel road along beautiful Lake Hafravatn.  Head up a mountain trail to the top of Reykjavik Peak Mountain. Once you stand there, enjoy great views over the whole Reykjavík area and the surrounding mountain range. After your first hour on the ATV, feel more confident and head to Úlfarsfell Mountain, the view over Reykjavik from the summit is even more stunning. On a clear day, be able to see Snæfellsjökull Glacier, hundreds of kilometers away.

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What people are saying about Snæfellsnes

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,367 reviews

An outstanding day with AJ, our guide on this tour. He gave us plenty of time at each stop, we also had a few unplanned stops too which was much appreciated. AJ was welcoming, informative and passionate about what he spoke about. The locations were absolutely stunning and I loved visiting every one of them!

My guide, Hinrik from Troll Expeditions made the trip so fun and memorable. Despite bad weather and him falling sick, he always found something to make up for it and keeping us all safe. o definitely recommend this tour if you want adventure and seeing most of Iceland.

I don't know how to spell the name of the guide that starts with "M". He is very professional and took us to many special places, providing detailed explanations. He also managed time very well. I highly recommend him.

Amazing day on the peninsula, shout out to our tour guide HBO who was a really nice guy and really knew his stuff. The stops were amazing and made even better at one of them an Arctic Fox came out to say hello!

The guide/driver was very knowledgeable and informative. He was also considerate to those members of the party who were not so confident walking in thick snow. Great trip, would recommend.