20 Nov Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland: 7 Attractions You Cannot Miss

Many people will recognize the iconic photo of Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background. Additionally, it has gained even more popularity since Game of Thrones featured Mt. Kirkjufell in the show as Arrowhead Mountain. However, did you know the iconic location is on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland? Kirkjufellsfoss is not the only attraction to see on the peninsula – keep reading below to find out about all of the top attractions waiting for you on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Want a sneak peak? The list includes a glacier as well as a beach where you have a good chance of spotting seals.

Check out the map of Snaefellsnes Peninsula right under the table of contents to see where all of the top attractions are located.

If you need additional help with planning your Iceland itinerary, check out my 9 day road trip itinerary. It includes all kinds of stunning attractions and activities, for example the majestic Skógafoss waterfall (which often has a rainbow at its base) and snorkeling in between tectonic plates.

Contents:

1) Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Mt. Kirkjufell

2) Gerðuberg Cliffs

3) Snæfellsjökull Glacier

4) Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

5) Djúpalónssandur Beach

6) Ytri Tunga Beach

7) Town of Arnarstapi

8) General Information on Snaefellsnes Peninsula

1) Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Mt. Kirkjufell 

First up on the list of top attractions on Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland is Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Mt. Kirkjufell. Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in all of Iceland. People from all around the world visit to capture the perfect photograph of Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background. In terms of visiting time, I recommend you plan 45 minutes on your itinerary to check out Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Mt. Kirkjufell.

Iceland has a plethora of waterfalls, so be sure to check out the 10 best waterfalls during your travels. (Of course Kirkjufellsfoss is included on that list.) For example, another waterfall on the list is Gljúfrabúi, where the falls are hidden inside of a gorge. Did you not think Iceland could get any more amazing? Think again! 

Where is Kirkjufellsfoss Located? 

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background is located in the northern portion of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can park at Kirkjufellsfoss Parking Lot and then walk only a couple of minutes to the waterfall viewpoints. One note of importance – Kirkjufellsfoss is often listed as Kirkjufellsfossar on map applications. Do not let the two additional letters added on to the end confuse you!

The waterfall (and the associated parking lot) are located just off route 54 in the town of Grundarfjörður, Iceland. For reference, the drive from Reykjavík is two and a half hours. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, bear right onto Route 56 to cut to the north of the peninsula, and then bear left back onto Route 54.

There is a trail leading from the parking lot to the waterfall and its different viewpoints. In the past there was a trail to the base of the first waterfall. However, that trail has since been roped off to try and protect the area due to increased traffic. Please respect all boundaries as they exist for your protection as well as the area’s protection. 

View from the path beside Kirkjufellsfoss

Background of Mt. Kirkjufell 

Mt. Kirkjufell is approximately 1,500 feet (~460 meters) tall, and you can see it in the distance while visiting Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you should recognize this mountain as Arrowhead Mountain. 

Additionally, Mt. Kirkjufell is referred to as Church Mountain due to the fact the top resembles a church steeple. While the mountain is a tourist attraction today, in the past it was primarily used as a landmark for sailors and travelers. 

Moreover, it is possible to climb to the top of Mt. Kirkjufell. However, I have to give a word of warning. The hike is incredibly steep, and there have been a few reported fatalities over the years. Hiking the mountain should not be attempted in the winter months (it is prohibited from November through mid-June) or in wet / slippery conditions. The general recommendation is to hike with an expert guide unless you yourself are an expert hiker.

Mt. Kirkjufell gives me a bit of Angel’s Landing vibes, which is located in Zion National Park in Utah. The hike is not recommended for those with a fear or heights, and it requires one to be cautious as well as in good shape.

Background of Kirkjufellsfoss 

For a fun fact, Kirkjufellsfoss is actually the name of three different waterfalls. The three waterfalls all run from the same river and are in such close proximity that they share the same name. You can thus capture the iconic photo with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background with each of the different waterfalls if you so desire. However, the main iconic photo is with the third waterfall (aka the base) of Kirkjufellsfoss. 

Furthermore, check out my article for more detailed information: Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland.

Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background

2) Gerðuberg Cliffs – Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

To view some basalt rock columns, plan a visit to Gerðuberg Cliffs on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Basalt rock columns exist in a couple of other places in Iceland, including Stuðlagil Canyon and Svartifoss waterfall. In my opinion, basalt rock columns are such an interesting and unique geological wonder that it is worth your time to visit multiple places showcasing them. 

I recommend planning for at least 45 minutes in your itinerary to visit Gerðuberg Cliffs.

Where are the Gerðuberg Cliffs Located? 

Gerðuberg Cliffs are located in the eastern region of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Park at Gerðuberg Cliffs Parking and take the short walk to the columns. For reference, Gerðuberg Cliffs are one hour and 40 minutes north of Reykjavík. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and then arrive at the cliffs on the right hand side of the road.

There is a path on the top of the cliff from which you can look down on the columns. However, it is highly recommended to walk down to the base of the cliff so you can see the columns from below (aka in all their glory).

Background of Gerðuberg Cliffs

If you are looking for basalt rock columns, then you have come to the right place. Gerðuberg Cliffs run for around 0.3 miles (~500 meters), ranging from 22 to 45 feet (~seven to 14 meters) tall. In terms of thickness, they can be as wide as about five feet (~1.5 meters).

The formation of the hexagonal basalt rock columns is quite unique. Many years ago during a volcanic eruption, lava flowed down and over the cliffs. The wind and cooler air from the coast caused the lava to cool rapidly. As the lava cooled, it broke off into the formation of the hexagonal columns you see today. 

Speaking of lava, do you want to hike a volcano while in Iceland? Then head to Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. I will never forget watching the red, hot lava spew out of the volcano and then slowly turn black as it cascaded further down the volcano and into the valley below.

Basalt rock columns at Stuðlagil Canyon

3) Snæfellsjökull Glacier 

Snæfellsjökull Glacier is third up on the list of the top Snaefellsnes Peninsula attractions. When in Iceland, you have to visit a glacier or two. If you did not visit a glacier in Iceland, did you even visit Iceland? 

If you only want to stop and see Snæfellsjökull Glacier from viewpoints, then I recommend 30+ minutes in your itinerary. However, plan for seven to 12 hours if you want to embark on a Snæfellsjökull Glacier hike.

Where is Snæfellsjökull Glacier Located? 

Snæfellsjökull Glacier is located within Snaefellsnes National Park, which is in the western portion of the peninsula. There is no singular parking lot to view the glacier, but rather you can stop at any pull-off or parking lot you see on the side of the road.

However, please be careful not to park on the road or in any restricted areas. I know you want to get the best view of the glacier, but it is not worth putting your safety as well as the safety of others at risk. 

The drive from Reykjavík to Snæfellsjökull Glacier is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. (Please note the driving time can vary greatly depending on what side of the glacier you are visiting). General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, bear left onto Route 574, and then drive straight until you see the glacier in front or you / on the right side of the road.

Background of Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Snæfellsjökull Glacier reaches approximately 4,744 feet (~1,446 meters) in height. Beneath the glacier there is a stratovolcano, which is a volcano layered with ash, lava, and other debris. The stratovolcano is over 700,000 years old. The last eruption occurred around 1,800 years ago. 

If you are looking to fully experience Snæfellsjökull, I recommend booking a glacier hike tour. The tour lasts approximately seven to 12 hours (depending on the season) and costs around 22,000 ISK. Additionally, it is rated as a challenging hike. Link to tour booking: Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Volcano Hike.

On a clear day, it is possible to see Snæfellsjökull all the way from Reykjavík. In terms of distance, that means you can see Snæfellsjökull from over 75 miles (~120 kilometers) away. For a fun fact, Snæfellsjökull inspired Jules Verne to write “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.

Glaciers are quite common across Iceland, but Jökulsárlón (aka the Glacier Lagoon) is without a doubt the most popular. 

Example of a glacier in Iceland: Jökulsárlón (aka the Glacier Lagoon)

4) Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge – Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Another one of the best things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. If you want a bit more of an adventure while visiting the gorge, then prepare to get a little (or a lot) wet. 

To enter just the beginning of Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, I recommend planning for around 45 minutes to one hour in your itinerary. (Hiking to/from the gorge from the parking lot takes 30 minutes alone.) To explore further into the gorge, I recommend planning for one to two hours in your itinerary.

My partner and I visited two attractions within gorges during our time in Iceland, with Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge being one of them. The other was Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, which ended up being my favorite waterfall of our entire trip.

Where is Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge Located? 

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is located within the western region of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. There is a short, yet uphill, 15-minute walk from the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge Parking Lot to the gorge entrance.

The drive from Reykjavík to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is approximately two and a half hours. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, bear left onto Route 574, and then drive straight until you see the gorge on the right side.

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is located fairly close to Snæfellsjökull Glacier. You can thus cross those two attractions off of your list, one after the other.

Walking into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Background of Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

When you enter Rauðfeldsgjá, you can avoid getting your feet wet by carefully stepping on rocks along the way. Once you get to the larger, open space just inside the gorge, you can decide to keep going or turn around. Standing inside of Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge made me feel as though I had entered the world of a fairytale. 

If you want to continue and keep the adventure alive, then be prepared to get wet. You will have to walk through the stream as well as climb rope ladders next to the (small) waterfalls. Consider using walking poles for assistance, for instance the TrailBuddy trekking poles. However, take caution in the winter and do not proceed or enter the gorge in unsafe conditions, for example if the ground is icy. 

Moreover, Rauðfeldsgjá has some folklore tied to it. Many years ago, a young boy, Rauðfeldur, pushed a young girl out to sea on an iceberg. Bárður, the girl’s father, was so furious that he then threw Rauðfeldur into the gorge and Rauðfeldur’s brother, Sölvi, off a cliff. Rauðfeldsgjá thus received its name from the young boy Rauðfeldur.

For more detailed information, check out this article: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge in Snaefellsnes, Iceland.

Inside the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

5) Djúpalónssandur Beach 

Fifth on the list of Snaefellsnes Peninsula attractions is Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach. I recommend setting aside one hour or more in your itinerary for a visit to Djúpalónssandur Beach. Why one hour or more? It takes 20 minutes to walk to the back from the parking lot (and back again). Then you can take a further stroll down the beach, sit down and have a picnic, watch for wildlife, etc. You could easily spend the entire morning here. 

Iceland is full of black sand beaches, so be sure to visit the most popular one – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík. As a bonus – you might even see puffins if you hike up to the nearby lighthouse. 

Where is Djúpalónssandur Beach Located in Snaefellsnes Peninsula? 

Djúpalónssandur Beach is located on the western tip of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. To reach the beach, simply follow the trail from Djúpalónssandur Parking Lot through the lava field. The trail is approximately 0.6 miles (~one kilometer) long. As a word of caution, do not enter the ocean here. The waves are incredibly powerful and unpredictable, meaning they can rush in at any moment and then pull you out with the tide. Additionally, do not remove the pebbles from the beach. 

The drive from Reykjavík to Djúpalónssandur Beach is around two hours and 50 minutes. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, bear left onto Route 574, turn left onto Route 572, and then drive straight until you reach the parking area.

Background of Djúpalónssandur Beach

For a fun little adventure, you can find two freshwater lagoons behind some rocks along Djúpalónssandur Beach. Each has a depth of around 16 feet (~five meters). You can also see Söngklettur, or the Singing Rock, which has a reddish color. 

Additionally, there is some history connected to the area. On the beach you can find four large stones, which range in weight from around 50 to 342 pounds (~23 to 155 kilograms). Fishermen would test their strength by lifting the stones. If you want to test your strength also, give it a go and try to lift the stones. Start with the smallest and work your way up. Not to brag or anything, but I lifted all four stones. (Just kidding. Though I appreciated it if you believed me even for a half second). Furthermore, you can see the remains of a 1948 shipwreck along the shore. 

Maybe you want to visit a geothermal pool instead of a beach? Then head to the most famous geothermal spa in all of Iceland: the Blue Lagoon.

Example of a black sand beach in Iceland: Reynisfjara

6) Ytri Tunga Beach – Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland 

If you are interested in spotting seals while in Iceland, then Ytri Tunga beach might just be your best chance. My partner and I saw seals, seals, and more seals! They were swimming around as well as lounging on some rocks that rested above the water during our visit.

If you are already planning on visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland for another attraction, then I urge you to also include a quick stop to Ytri Tunga Beach. You can spend as little as 30 minutes here if you are in a rush. On the other hand, you could sit down on the beach and easily spend hours watching the seals. My partner and I visited Ytri Tunga beach for about one hour before moving on to our next destination. 

Where is Ytri Tunga Beach Located? 

Ytri Tunga beach is located in the central region of the peninsula, on the southern coast to be more specific. There is a specific parking lot for the beach called Ytri Tunga Beach Parking. Access to the beach is right off of the parking lot. 

My partner and I walked across the length of the first beach, which was about 10 minutes, until we arrived at the rocky shoreline. In the water and on the rocks we saw so many seals! Some were sunning themselves while others were going for a little swim. I thus had to include Ytri Tunga Beach on my list of top Snaefellsnes Peninsula attractions. Who does not love spotting seals?! 

The drive from Reykjavík to Ytri Tunga Beach is around two hours and 10 minutes. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and then turn left on Ytri Tunga Road to arrive at the parking lot.

One of the other best places to see seals in Iceland is during a boat or kayak tour on the Glacier Lagoon.

Look closely to spot some seals in the water and on the rocks

Background of Ytri Tunga Beach

When visiting Ytri Tunga and watching for seals, please be respectful. For example, keep the noise to a minimum so as to not disturb the seals. Additionally, keep a safe distance. There should be a sign in the parking lot stating all of this information + more. For example, the sign will detail the exact distance to keep both yourself and the seals safe. While seals are incredibly cute, they can also be dangerous if they feel threatened or afraid. 

Additionally, the summer months are the prime time to see seals. The tides are lower, which causes more rocks to be exposed. Seals often take advantage of this time and hop up on rocks for a quick rest. 

When I researched the beach beforehand, I saw some blogs say it was a white sand beach. However, the sand looked more beige than white during our visit. Nonetheless, we were happy we included Ytri Tunga Beach as a stop in our itinerary and would recommend it to others. 

Are you trying to plan a visit? Find more information here: Ytri Tunga: Perfect Seal-Spotting Beach in Iceland.

7) Town of Arnarstapi 

Lastly, we have Arnarstapi on the list of the best things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland. Arnarstapi is a small coastal town with a few unique attractions.

If you drive to Arnarstapi and walk around the coastline, I recommend a visit time of around one hour. On the other hand, I recommend a visit time of around two hours if you plan to hike round-trip from Hellnar to Arnarstapi.

Where is Arnarstapi Located in Snaefellsnes Peninsula? 

Arnarstapi is located within the western region of the peninsula. You have two options to visit here. First, you can drive to the Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue Parking Lot and walk around Arnarstapi. Second, you can park at Hellnar and hike to Arnarstapi (or vice versa) if you have more time. (More information on the hike below.) 

The drive from Reykjavík to Arnarstapi is around two hours and 40 minutes. General directions are to drive north along Route 1, bear left onto Route 54 to head towards Snaefellsnes Peninsula, bear left onto Route 574, turn left onto 5710, turn right just past Arnarstapi Hotel, and drive straight until you reach the parking lot.

For reference, Arnarstapi is fairly close to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge as well as Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland.

Cliffs along the coast at Arnarstapi

Background of Arnarstapi

If you only visit the fishing village of Arnarstapi, you can see the Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue, Gatklettur, beautiful coastal views, and a LOT of birds. The statue is of Bardur, who was half-man and half-troll. Additionally, Bardur was the first one to settle in Snaefellsnes. It is said he now watches over the peninsula. Gatklettur is a stone arch in the ocean, which has almost a perfectly circular hole created by the waves and wind over the years.

If you choose to hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi, you can enjoy all of the attractions listed above and more. The round-trip hike takes an average hiker around one and a half hours to complete. However, I always suggest additional time for pictures and exploring. The trail is approximately three miles (~five kilometers) long round trip. One of the main attractions of the hike is walking through a lava field, which formed through a previous volcanic eruption by Snaefellsjökull.

For more detailed information, read here: Gatklettur: Stone Arch in Arnarstapi, Iceland.

Full view of Gatklettur

8) General Information on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located in western Iceland. More specifically, it is the piece of the country that juts out between Reykjavīk in the south and the WestFjords in the north. For reference, the peninsula is located anywhere from one hour 30 minutes to almost three hours from Reykjavík. It all depends on where your final destination is located on the peninsula – east vs. west, etc.

Where to Stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland?

If you are looking for where to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, do not worry – there are plenty of options. A quick search on booking.com will show you a result list of almost 50 properties. Let me help narrow it down for you.

First, book a stay at Við Hafið Guesthouse or Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments if you need to stick to a budget. Do not sleep on these properties – even though they are cheaper options, they are still quality accommodations.

Second, book a stay at Kleifar: Ocean View Apartment or Helgafell Guesthouse for stunning water and/or mountain views. While these places are a bit more expensive, they make up for the price in terms of additional amenities offered and their surroundings.

The list of hotels near Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland goes on and on…those are just a few of my recommendations!

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour Options

If Reykjavík is your home base during your trip to Iceland, then you can easily plan a day trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula due to its close proximity. Moreover, you can book a Snaefellsnes Peninsula day tour if you do not have a rental car. There are a lot of great options for day tours, so let’s go over a few below.

First, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full Day Tour from Reykjavík includes stops at a lava field, Kirkjufellsfoss, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Lóndrangar overlook, Arnarstapi, Ytri Tunga Beach, and Búðakirkja. You read that right – this day trip hits five of the attractions mentioned above. Ready for even better news? The tour only costs around $120 per person.

Second, the Private Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Local Lunch Tour is perfect for groups of 12 or less that want a more private and personal experience. The price varies depending on the group size, for example anywhere from around $365 to $515 per person. The tour includes stops at Selvallafoss, Kirkjufellsfoss, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Arnarstapi, and Búðakirkja.

Third, the Grundarfjörður: Mt. Kirkjufell Daytime Kayaking Adventure is a more unique Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland tour. Kayak around the Icelandic coastline near Mt. Kirkjufell and possibly even see some seals! Quick note on this tour – you do need to already be on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for the meeting point. Additionally, the tour costs around $90 per person.

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Be prepared for hiking in Iceland: Iceland Hiking Essentials: 5 Items to Pack.  

Check out our Iceland itinerary: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.