22 Dec Top Attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Many people will recognize the iconic photo of Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background. Additionally, it has gained even more popularity as Game of Thrones featured it as Arrowhead Mountain. However, did you know it is located in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland? Kirkjufellsfoss is not the only attraction to see there – keep reading below to find out about all of the top attractions on the peninsula. 

Contents:

1) Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

2) Gerðuberg Cliffs

3) Snæfellsjökull Glacier

4) Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

5) Djúpalónssandur Beach

6) Ytri Tunga Beach

7) Town of Arnarstapi

1) Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• Estimated visit time: 45+ minutes   
• Parking: Kirkjufellsfoss Parking Lot
• Article for more information: Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland

First on the list of top attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall and Mt. Kirkjufell. Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland. People from all around the world visit to capture the perfect photograph of Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background.

Iceland has a plethora of waterfalls, so be sure to check out the four best waterfalls during your time there. 

Location

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background is located in the northern portion of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can park at the lot linked above and then walk only a couple of minutes to the waterfall viewpoints.

In the past there was a trail to the base of the first waterfall. It has since been roped off to try and protect the area due to increased traffic.

Mt. Kirkjufell Background

Mt. Kirkjufell is approximately 1,500 feet (~460 meters) tall, and you can see it in the distance while visiting the 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. 

Kirkjufellsfoss Background

Kirkjufellsfoss is actually the name of three different waterfalls. They 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.

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

Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background

2) Gerðuberg Cliffs 

• Estimated visit time: 45+ minutes   
• Parking: ​​Gerðuberg Cliffs Parking 

To view some basalt rock columns, plan a visit to Gerðuberg Cliffs. Basalt rock columns exist in a couple of other places in Iceland, including Stuðlagil Canyon and Svartifoss waterfall. 

Location – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Gerðuberg Cliffs are located on the eastern region of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Park at the lot listed above and take the short walk to the columns. There is a path on the top of the cliff so you are looking down on the columns. However, it is highly recommended you walk down to the base of the cliff so you can see the columns from below in all their glory.

Background

If you are looking for basalt rock columns, 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. The lava then cooled and broke off into the formation of the hexagonal columns you see today. 

Do you want to hike a volcano while in Iceland? Then head to Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

3) Snæfellsjökull Glacier – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• Estimated visit time: 30+ minutes for viewpoints | 7 to 12 hours for a glacier hike
• Parking: stop at pull-offs and parking lots along the road

Snæfellsjökull Glacier is third up on the list of the top attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. When in Iceland, you have to visit a glacier or two.

Location

Snæfellsjökull is 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.

Background

Snæfellsjökull Glacier reaches approximately 4,744 feet (~1,446 meters) tall. 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. The tour will last approximately seven to 12 hours (depending on the season) and cost around 22,000 ISK or $169. Additionally, it is rated as a challenging 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. 

4) Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

• Estimated visit time: 45+ minutes    
• Parking: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge Parking Lot
• Article for more information: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge in Snaefellsnes, Iceland

Another one of the top attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. If you want a bit more of an adventure while visiting, prepare to get a little wet. 

We visited two attractions within gorges during our time in Iceland. The other was Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which ended up being my favorite waterfall of our entire trip.

Location – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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

Walking into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Background

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.

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 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 if the ground is icy and in unsafe conditions. 

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 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• Estimated visit time: 1+ hour
• Parking: Djúpalónssandur Parking

Fifth on the list is Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach. Iceland is full of black sand beaches, so be sure to visit the most popular one – Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vík. 

Location

To reach the beach, simply follow the trail from the parking lot through the lava field. It is approximately 0.6 miles (~one kilometers) long. As a word of caution, do not enter the ocean here. The waves are incredibly powerful and unpredictable, meaning they can come at any moment and pull you out with the tide. Additionally, do not remove the pebbles from the beach. 

Background

Behind some rocks along the beach you can find two freshwater lagoons. Each has a depth of around 16 feet (~five meters). You can also see Söngklettur, or the Singing Rock, which has a reddish color. 

There is also 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 up the stones. Start with the smallest and work your way up. Additionally, you can see the remains of a 1948 shipwreck along the shore. 

Maybe you want to visit a geothermal pool instead of a freshwater lagoon? Then head to the Blue Lagoon, of course.

6) Ytri Tunga Beach

• Estimated visit time: 1+ hour  
• Parking: Ytri Tunga Beach Parking 
• Article for more information: Ytri Tunga: Perfect Seal-Spotting Beach in Iceland

If you are interested in spotting seals while in Iceland, Ytri Tunga beach might just be your best chance. When I researched the beach beforehand, I saw some blogs say it was a white sand beach. However, when we arrived the sand looked more beige than white. Nonetheless, we were not disappointed with our visit.

Location – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Ytri Tunga beach is located in the central region of the peninsula, on the southern coast to be more specific. Head to the parking lot linked above and then walk along the beach. 

We walked across the length of the first beach, which was about 10 minutes, until we came to the rocky shoreline. In the water and on the rocks we saw seals, seals, and more seals! Some were sunning themselves while others were going for a little swim. I thus of course had to include this on my list of top attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

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

When visiting Ytri Tunga and watching for seals, please be respectful. Keep the noise to a minimum so as to not disturb the seals. Additionally, keep a safe distance. There should be a sign when you arrive stating the appropriate distance. 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 take advantage of this time and might just hop up on a rock for a quick rest. 

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

7) Town of Arnarstapi – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• Estimated visit time: 1+ hour  
• Parking: lot near Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue
• Article for more information: Gatklettur: Stone Arch in Arnarstapi, Iceland

Lastly, we have Arnarstapi on the list of top attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Arnarstapi is a small coastal town with a few unique attractions.

Location

Arnarstapi is located within the western region of the peninsula. You have two options to visit here. First, you can drive to the lot listed above and walk around Arnarstapi. Second, you can park at Hellnar and hike to Arnarstapi (or vice versa) if you have more time. 

Cliffs along the coast at Arnarstapi

Background

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 hike itself will take approximately one hour to complete, though you will need additional time for pictures and exploring. It is approximately 1.5 miles (~2.5 kilometers). If you plan to hike round trip, you will need around two hours for the three mile (~five kilometer) hike. During the hike you will walk 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

PIN IT to save it for later!

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.