Shortcuts
This 90- km long peninsula comprises a world of diversity. Friendly towns and villages, spectacular mountains, a multitude of bird species nesting on treacherous cliffs, beaches of sand and pebbles popular among horsemen and rock skimmers, remnants and relics scattered here and there of times and ways of life long past. Saga sites and hiking trails.
The Snaefellsjokull National Park is at the westernmost part of the peninsula, including the mystical glacier Snaefellsjokull, as well as other unique sites such as Djupalonssandur, Thufubjarg and more.
In 2008, the communities of Snaefellsnes Peninsula were the first in Europe to receive certification from EarthCheck, an international benchmarking system for sustainable travel and tourism.

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Highlights in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Travel directory for Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The official travel index of Iceland
Camping
Arnarstapi Center
Museums
Bjarnarhöfn
Tourist Information Centres
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Crafts & Design
Crafts & Design
Gallery Lundi
Museums
Norwegian House - Regional Muesum
Museums
The Volcano Museum
Day Tours
Day Tours
Glacier Tours Snæfellsjökull
Museums
The Maritime Museum in the Fishermen´s Park
Cottages
Stóri Kambur
Exhibitions
Æðarsetur Íslands
Swimming Pools
Ólafsvík Swimming pool
Crafts & Design
Smávinir Arts and Crafts / Smiðjur
Guesthouses
Kast Guesthouse
Crafts & Design
Day Tours
Ocean Adventures
Golf Courses
Staðarsveit Golf Club
Museums
Library of Water
Swimming Pools
Stykkishólmur Swimming pool
Farm Holidays
Suður-Bár Guesthouse
Hiking Tours - Hiking
Storytellers at Snaefellsnes
Tour Operators
Hotels
Kirkjufell Hotel
Swimming Pools
Lýsuhólslaug/Lýsulaugar - geothermal bath
Boat Tours
Láki tours
Swimming Pools
Grundarfjörður Swimming pool
Tourist Information Centres
Grundarfjörður Information Center
Day Tours
Snæfellsnes Excursions
Golf Courses
Mostri Golf Club
Guesthouses
Traðir Guesthouse
Crafts & Design
Exhibitions
Pakkhús Museum
Guesthouses
Traðir Gueshouse
Crafts & Design
Gallerí Jökull
Cottages
Lýsuhóll-Snæhestar
Crafts & Design
Leir 7 / Smiðjur
Travel Agency
Summit Adventure Guides
Tourist Information Centres
The Ferry Baldur
Day Tours
Vestur Adventures
Others
- Hafnargata 4
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 766-0996
- Eyrarvegur 20
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 842-1307
- Félagsheimilið Snæfell, Arnarstapa
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 435-6611, 615-1962
- Aðalgötu 28
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 893-5588 , 438-1808
- Álftavatn
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 848-2339
- Grundargata 84
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 847-8759, 847-8759
- Borgarbraut 6a
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 433-8160
- Neðri-Hóll
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 893-5240
- Krossavík
- 360 Hellissandur
- 692 4440 / 896 6860, 896 6860
- Fróðá
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 861-9640
- Rif
- 360 Hellissandur
- 436-6767, 893-9797
- Sæból 13
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 893-7714
- Böðvarsholt
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 867-4451
- Háarif 35
- 360 Hellissandur
- 865-2008
- Brimilsvellir
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 436-1533, 864-8833
Hotels
Fosshotel Stykkishólmur
Apartments
María Apartment
Hotels
Hotel Fransiskus
Guesthouses
Blue View Öxl Guesthouse
Hotels
Hotel Búðir
Camping
Ólafsvík Camping Ground
Camping
Hellissandur Camping Ground
Guesthouses
Kast Guesthouse
Guesthouses
West Park Guesthouse
Hotels
Fosshotel Hellnar
Guesthouses
The Old Post Office
Cottages
Stóri Kambur
Bed & Breakfast
Náttskjól Homestay
Hotels
Hótel Egilsen
Guesthouses
Grund Guesthouse
Guesthouses
Grundarfjörður Bed & Breakfast
Guesthouses
Traðir Gueshouse
Farm Holidays
Suður-Bár Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast
Höfðagata Guesthouse
Camping
Stykkishólmur Camping ground
Cottages
Lýsuhóll-Snæhestar
Camping
Grundarfjörður Camping Ground
Guesthouses
Sýsló Guesthouse
Guesthouses
Traðir Guesthouse
Hostels
Grundarfjörður Hostel
Guesthouses
Hamrahlíð 9 Guesthouse
Guesthouses
Kirkjufell Guesthouse
Hostels
Böðvarsholt HI Hostel
Hotels
Kirkjufell Hotel
Guesthouses
Guesthouse Langaholt
Guesthouses
Akkeri Guesthouse
Cottages
Heillasteinn - Viatis Holiday House
Camping
Arnarstapi Center
Others
- Ólafsbraut 55
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 436-1166
- Ennisbraut 1
- 355 Ólafsvík
- Sundabakki 12
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 438-1435, 848-9833, 894-9542
- Sæból 46
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- Helgafell II
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- Setberg
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 438-6817, 866-1077
- Laufásvegur 31
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 899-1797
- Hraunháls
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- Grundargata 8
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 616-2576
- Helgafellssveit
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 841-9478
- Brimilsvellir
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 436-1533, 864-8833
- Hólar 1
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- Skjöldur, Helgafellssveit
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- Skálholt 6
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 867-9407, 436-1117
- Gröf 1
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 864-0366, 847-6606
- Aðalgata 8
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 433-2200, 861-2517
- Skúlagata 4
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 899-9144
- Brautarholt 7
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 831-1411
- Hofgarðar
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 846-3897
- Víkurgata 5
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 898-1457
- Háarif 33, á Rifi
- 360 Hellissandur
- 436-6644, 896-3644
- Hafnargata 16, Rifi
- 360 Hellissandur
- 833-8200
- Smiðjustígur 4
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 861-0384
- Hafnargata 11, Rif
- 360 Hellissandur
- 487-1212
- Gíslabær, Hellnum
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 898-8885, 867-7903
- Grundargata 18 n.h.
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 897-6194, 868-5167
- Klettsbúð 9
- 360 Hellissandur
- 487-1212
- Hafnargata 4
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 517-5353
- Þórdísarstaðir
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 892-7746
- Grundargata 78
- 350 Grundarfjörður
Hotels
Hótel Egilsen
Cafés
Tourist Information Centres
Grundarfjörður Information Center
Camping
Arnarstapi Center
Restaurants
Narfeyrarstofa
Boat Tours
Láki tours
Farm Holidays
Suður-Bár Guesthouse
Restaurants
Cafés
Hotels
Hotel Fransiskus
Restaurants
Fjöruhúsið
Hotels
Kirkjufell Hotel
Guesthouses
Guesthouse Langaholt
Cafés
Cottages
Lýsuhóll-Snæhestar
Hotels
Fosshotel Hellnar
Restaurants
Sjávarpakkhúsið
Hotels
Fosshotel Stykkishólmur
Guesthouses
Traðir Guesthouse
Hotels
Hotel Búðir
Restaurants
Restaurants
Hraun Restaurant
Restaurants
Bjargarsteinn House of Food
Museums
Bjarnarhöfn
Others
- Borgarbraut 1
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 438-1717
- Aðalgata 25
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 438-1254
- Ólafsbraut 19
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 436-1362
- Ólafsbraut 27
- 355 Ólafsvík
- 436-1012
- Grundargata 38
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 438-6700
- Félagsheimilið Snæfell, Arnarstapa
- 356 Snæfellsbær
- 435-6611, 615-1962
- við Sandahraun
- 360 Hellissandur
- 436-6611
- Þvervegur 2
- 340 Stykkishólmur
- 544-4004
- Grundargata 59
- 350 Grundarfjörður
- 438-6959
Nature
Bardarlaug pool
Bardarlaug at Hellnar is a crater pool and said to have been the bathing pool of the Bardur Snaefellsas.
This demi-troll, instead of dying like ordinary people, made his home in the Snaefellsjökul glacier according to the local legend. Bardur is the patron of the glacier and was said to have had psychic abilities; e.g. being able to communicate with the hidden people.
A big statue of Bardur by the artist Ragnar Kjartansson can be seen at Arnarstapi.
History and Culture
Fiskibyrgi
Near Gufuskalar on the uttermost part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, there was one of the many winter fisher villages consistant in Iceland in former times.
If you come from Hellnar and look at the lava fields at your right, you may disover the ruins of some 200 very small stone buildings which were used to dry and stock the fish. Their age is estimated at 500-700 years.
It is a 10 minutes walk from the road to one of the ruins which is still in so good condition that you can crawl inside. There, to your surprise, you may find the ceiling high enough for an adult to stand upright.
Nature
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now.
Columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the Arnarstapi pier. There is good anchorage for small boats.
There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A walk along the coastline is recommended to watch the birds and the magnificent lava formations. The seaside and the cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar have been made a Natural Reserve in 1979.
A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old lending places of fishermen, lots of birds like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield. If you take a guided tour, you will also hear a ghost story.
A sculpture of Bardur Snaefellsas by Ragnar Kjartansson stands by the beach at Arnarstapi.
Nature
Helgafell Holy Mountain
Holy Mountain, 73 m with a breathtaking panoramic view across Breiðafjordur Bay. A viewing dial is at the top.
Folklore advises anyone climbing the mountain for the first time to walk straight up without looking back or speaking and three wishes will be granted. The wishes have to be of good intent and the wisher tells no one and faces east when making them.
A small remnant of a wall on the mountain top is dated 1184 and was a part of a nearby monastery built at this time.
Nature
Ytri Tunga
The beach near the farm Ytri-Tunga is a well-known seal colony. The best time to see seals there is in June and July.
History and Culture
Songhellir, cave
Songhellir is a famous cave. The name means the cave of songs. It is well known because of its echo.
Nature
Gatklettur - Arch Rock
Gatklettur - Arch Rock - is a cliff with a circular arch. Rock Arch shows how distinctive wave action has eroded the rocks into arches and beautiful swirled patterns.
There is great birdlife around the cliffs and pretty flora surrounding the area.
History and Culture
Nature
Vatnshellir Cave
Exploring Vatnshellir cave is truly amazing and unforgettable experience. This 8000 year old lava tube reaches over 200 meters and goes 35 meters below the surface.
During summer, guided tours are offered from 10am-6pm. During wintertime 2 tours a day are offered. Please check on the website www.vatnshellir.is.
All guests will be equipped with flashlights and helmets.
Hiking shoes and warm clothes reccommended.
10 minute drive west of Arnarstapi. 25 minute drive south of Hellissandur.
Further info: vatnshellir@vatnshellir.is www.vatnshellir.is (+354) 787 0001
Nature
Drapuhlidarfjall Mountain
Drapuhlidarfjall Mountain is beautifully colourful. It is composed of sulphur, basalt, jasper, rhyolite and lignite. As usual with lignite deposits, fossiled plants and petrified wood can be found. Drapuhlidarfjall is 527 m high.
History and Culture
Ingjaldshóll
This former parsonage and estate between the villages Hellissandur and Rif was the common assembly site of the parish in the past.
The present church was built in 1903 and is the oldest concrete church of the country, perhaps even the world. When it was built, it received a replica of the altarpiece of the Lutheran Cathedral of Reykjavik.
History and Culture
Nature
Londrangar basalt cliffs
Uniquely-formed remnants of ancient basalt volcanic dikes sticking out from the sea.
Londrangar and the hill Svalthufa are the remains of a crater, which has been eroded to its present form by the sea.
The farmers in the area never made or make hay on the hill, because it is said to belong to the elves living in the area.
Younger lava fields surround this old crater ruin. The higher pillar (75m) was first climbed in 1735 and the lower (61 m) in 1938.
Below the hill you may find Thufubjarg cliff where according to a folktale the poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald had an encounter with the Devil.
On these cliffs, puffins and fulmars have their nests.
Nature
Kirkjufell mountain
Grundarfjörður's beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Surrounded by beaches, Kirkjufell has a lovely walking trail around it as well as a more challenging climb up to the top where bird and fish fossils can be found (guide is recommended).
History and Culture
Nature
Snaefellsjokull glacier
The Snæfellsjökull glacier is 1446m above sea level. The glacier is an active volcano, having been built up through numerous eruptions during the last 800,000 years. Many believe the glacier to be one of the seven main energy centres of the earth and its mystique is noticed by many. The glacier plays big role as the Center of the Earth in the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) by Jules Verne. Snæfellsjökull is a part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park which was established on June 28, 2001. The Park's purpose is to protect and conserve the areas unique landscape, indigenous plant and animal life as well as important historical relics. At the same time, the Park is meant to allow visitors easier as well as improved opportunities to get to know the area.
History and Culture
Stadarstadur
Ari-the-Wise served as a priest at Stadastadur from 1067-1148. He is well-known for his Book of Icelanders, the first work of history written in Iceland.
The place is also the setting of a very known novel by the Nobel price winning Icelandic author Halldor Kiljan Laxness: "Under the glacier".
Nature
Saxholl crater
Saxholl is a crater which is easy to climb. There is a great view over the area from the top.
Nature
Djupalonssandur & Dritvik
Djupalonssandur is a beautiful pebbled beach, with a series of rocks of mysterious form emerging from the ocean.
It is one of the few areas that lead down to the sea along this coast with its high dramatic cliffs. Watch out for the famous ghosts roaming the place!
The rests of a shipwreck can be seen on the beach. On the beach there are also big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength in the days of the fishing stations: Fully Strong 154 kg, Half-Strong 100 kg, Weakling 54 kg and Bungler 23 kg. Weakling marked the frontier of wimphood, any man who couldn't lift it was deemed unsuitable for a life as a fisherman.
Nature
Hellnar
For centuries, Hellnar was among the largest fishing villages beneath the Snaefellsjokull ice cap.
Valasnos, a freestanding rock, extends east of the bay. One of Iceland's most peculiar caves, Badstofa, is there. It is known for its special light exposure and colourful interior.
A cold water spring is to be found at the lava's edge. It is dedicated to the Holy Virgin because it is said she appeared there once.
The Hellnar church was built in 1945 on a picturesque site where a church was first raised in 1833.
Located at Hellnar is a Hotel and a charming little café.