Updated on December 22, 2025
Snæfellsnes, the peninsula to the north of Reykjavík, has some of Iceland’s best sights. Sparkling fjords, dramatic sea cliffs and endless lava fields make up the landscape.
This 100 km long peninsula’s mystique has inspired world-famous novels and enchanted visitors. More recently, it became the filming location of Game of Thrones. Snæfellsnes peninsula was the first in Europe to receive certification from Green Globe for sustainable travel and tourism. It’s a visit that you will never forget.
Before diving into the full details, here’s a quick overview of the must-see highlights:
Top Places to Visit on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss: Iceland’s most photographed mountain and its iconic waterfalls.
- Arnarstapi Fishing Village: Coastal cliffs, scenic walking paths, the Gatklettur rock arch, and seabird colonies.
- Lóndrangar Volcanic Sea Stacks: Two dramatic basalt plugs rising from the ocean within Snæfellsjökull National Park.
- Djúpalónssandur: A striking black-pebble beach with shipwreck remains, crashing waves, and lava formations.
- Búðakirkja Black Church: An iconic black-painted church set against lava fields with views toward Snæfellsjökull.
- Ytri-Tunga Seal Beach: A rare golden-sand beach famous for reliable harbour and grey seal sightings.
- Selvallavatn & Selvallafoss: A peaceful hidden gem: a scenic lake and small waterfall surrounded by lava fields and mountains.
- Drive Around Snæfellsjökull in Snæfellsjökull National Park: A continuously changing scenic route with lava fields, coastal views, and glacier perspectives.
- Stykkishólmur Fishing Town: A colourful historic harbour town overlooking Breiðafjörður Bay and a key overnight base.
- Saxhóll Crater: An easy stair climb to panoramic views across lava fields and the Atlantic Ocean.
This blog post gives you a snapshot of the essential places to experience while exploring Snæfellsnes. Hidden Iceland runs day tours to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula all year round, which includes many of the spots below. But fitting all our favourite spots into one action packed day can be a challenge, particularly if you are visiting in the winter months with shorter daylight hours.
Therefore, once the northern lights start to appear at night sky from September onwards, we offer an extended 2-day trip. This allows us to explore under the starry sky on day 1. During both days, we take our trip a little slower in winter. Trust us, this can be quite necessary when the winter snow starts to cover the landscape.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula can also be included as part of a longer Iceland itinerary with us, and makes for an unforgettable addition to your Icelandic adventure.
We recently updated this blog to include two new must-visit spots. So without further delay, here is our Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Ten Must See Places:
1. Mt. KIRKJUFELL | THE ARROW MOUNTAIN
Recently famous for making its appearance in Game of Thrones. It is often quoted as the ‘most photographed mountain in Iceland’. We’re a little less sure though, as it always feels quite peaceful when we arrive there. Though, it is a popular destination. But you can avoid those mid-afternoon crowds by opting to go just after lunchtime.
The mountain is a product of multiple volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion. Additionally, each horizontal line shows a new eruption. Furthermore, the odd shape suggests this area was scratched out by glaciers during the last ice age.
Moreover, Kirkjufell mountain rises 500 meters right on the doorstep of Grundafjörður. The small town nearby has some amazing views of the deep fjord in front. In summer, you might be tempted to climb the mountain, but beware! The ascent can be tough, and has a long approach. The descent is nearly impossible without ropes. Sadly, there are plenty of stories of tourists needing rescued during the warmer months.
Instead, we recommend keeping a safe distance and checking out the ‘almost as famous’ Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls. Give yourself around 40 minutes to walk around this area, searching for the picture-perfect angle. Additionally, the river coming from the waterfall is clean and clear. Make sure to take a drink if you are feeling one with nature.
2. ARNASTAPI FISHING VILLAGE
Arnastapi is a tiny fishing village that used to be a main harbour and trading post when the population was larger. This is an area that you should spend at least an hour at on your travels.
Firstly, the scenic walk along this broken cliff edge is great in all weather. The calming flow of the sea between the angular rocks jutting out into open ocean create a playground for happy seals and seabirds. On the windier and more stormy days, the sea becomes a torrent of crashing waves and spray. Instead of sleepy seals, you can watch the waves smash between the holes of the cracked rocks.
Secondly, along the way is Gatklettur, which literally translates to ‘cliff with a hole’ (pictured below). It is one of many holes in the area forged out from the crashing waves. However, this is the only one where you get to walk over its bridge. Be careful on the windier days, it’s quite narrow in the middle.
3. LÓNDRANGAR VOLCANIC PLUG
Legend has it that for the longest time, sailors did not land close to the Lóndrangar cliffs. It was believed that elves lived there. The Lóndrangar cliffs have two rock pillars that stand high out of the ocean, one 61 meter, the other 75 meters. The geological term for these two lonely rocks is ‘volcanic plug’. The shape is formed when lave cools in the vent of an active volcano, i.e. creating a plug.
The plug is made of strong basaltic rock, so less affected by weathering. The softer rock type that made up most of the surrounding area has worn away over the centuries and left behind the strong centre.
Although there are great walks along these sea cliffs, we suggest using this as a picture stop only and dedicating more time to other spots.
4. DJÚPALÓNSSANDUR
One of the most atmospheric beaches on the peninsula, Djúpalónssandur is known for its jet-black pebbles, powerful Atlantic waves, and the haunting remains of a shipwreck scattered along the shore. Once a thriving fishing settlement, the area now offers peaceful coastal walks framed by lava formations and crashing surf. It’s perfect for those seeking both beauty and history in one stop.
5. BÚÐARKIRKJA BLACK CHURCH
The black church of Búðakirkja would have to be the most photogenic church in all of Iceland. The church aside, this area has stunning backdrops of lava fields and mountains. On a clear day, you are in the perfect place to photograph the towering Snæfellsjökull volcano. If you have read Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth, you will know that this volcano was where his protagonist began his adventure. Sadly, there is no hole to enter, but it doesn’t stop the perfectly cone-shaped mountain from being quite the view.
Besides, you’re here for the church anyway. The church at Búðir was built by Steinunn Sveinsdóttir, a merchant’s widow, in 1847. Iceland’s church authorities refused her request to build the church. However, stubborn as she was, appealed to the king, who authorised the reconstruction of the church.
Its singular isolation takes us back into the past, reminding us of the old days when Iceland’s population barely exceeded 50,000. The nearby luxurious hotel, Hotel Búðir brings us back to the present just in time for dinner and northern light hunting.
Consider spending the night in Snæfellsnes to search for the northern lights. There are not many better spots than this!
6. YTRI-TUNGA SEAL BEACH
Located on the southern coast of Snæfellsnes, Ytri-Tunga has become one of the most reliable places in Iceland to do some seal spotting. Colonies of harbour and gray seals are found lounging on the offshore rocks year-round, with the best time to see them in the summer months.
Unlike most of Iceland’s famed black-sand coastline, this beach is unique in that it is golden-sand, making it a beautiful contrast to the darker volcanic shores found elsewhere on the peninsula.
7. SELVALLAVATN & SELVALLAFOSS
A true hidden gem, Selvallavatn sits quietly among ancient lava fields with mountain backdrops, often dotted by grazing sheep. Nearby Selvallafoss adds a charming surprise. On rare days, sheep even shelter behind the small cascade. This stop is ideal for photographers and travellers seeking tranquillity.
A visit here is a perfect stop on any Snæfellsnes itinerary and is ideal for nature lovers or those travelling with kids, where the whole family can watch the seals and their adorable pups play along the shore.
8. DRIVE AROUND SNÆFELLSJÖKULL IN SNÆFELLSJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK
Rather than a single stop, the drive encircling Snæfellsjökull is an experience in itself. The route offers ever-changing perspectives of the glacier-capped volcano, lava fields, coastal cliffs, and hidden viewpoints. Most visitors enjoy scenic roadside stops, but those travelling with a 4×4 vehicle can venture higher onto the mountain for truly spectacular views of the ice cap and summit.
9. STYKKISHÓLMUR FISHING VILLAGE
The small town of Stykkishólmur is said to be the most beautiful town in Iceland! We couldn’t agree more. Its well-preserved, colourful old buildings overlook the countless islands in Breiðarfjörður bay. This town is meant for relaxation, not excitement. Walk down to the harbour and soak in the history of one of the oldest fishing towns in Iceland, dating back to the 16th century. If you have time, take the steps up to the tiny lighthouse for a panoramic view of the town and fjord.
If you have time, you should stop for lunch at our favourite restaurant, Narfeyrarstofan. They take advantage of the local produce and seafood, all within the cosiest settings, before taking a walk through town as well as visiting The Volcano Museum or the Library of Water whilst there. If staying overnight, make sure to check into Hotel Egilsen which is a true gem in the town. The ten bedroom, family run boutique hotel is located in a recently renovated red house, built back in 1867 overlooking the harbour.
10. SAXHÓLL CRATER
Found in Snæfellsjökull National Park, this 358-foot crater is a must-visit natural landmark. A sturdy metal staircase makes it easy to reach the summit of Saxhóll, making it an excellent hike for first-timers.
Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a short and rewarding climb, perfect for those looking to experience Snæfellsnes from a higher vantage point without a strenuous hike.
To conclude, these ten spots are just a few of the amazing sights that can be visited within Snæfellsnes. We were tempted to make a top 10, or even 20. But I guess you will just have to come and see the rest for yourself. One thing is for sure, you will have one of the best day trips of your holiday while in Iceland.
The best time to visit is between spring and autumn when weather conditions are most favourable. In winter, the hike can become icy, so it’s recommended to use crampons for safety.
Staying Overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
To truly experience all that Snæfellsnes has to offer, you can extend your trip into an overnight stay. Here are our recommended accommodation options.
- Hótel Egilsen: A premium boutique hotel in Stykkishólmur combining historic charm with modern comfort.
- Hotel Búðir: A luxury countryside hotel near Búðakirkja, perfect for scenic sunsets and aurora viewing.
- Dalur Lodges: Exclusive lodges, including a Fishing Lodge and Luxury Resort, offering privacy, space, and immersive nature experiences
These 10 spots are just a few of the amazing sights that can be visited within Snæfellsnes. We were tempted to make a top 15, or even 20. But I guess you will just have to come and see the rest for yourself. One thing is for sure, you will have one of the best day trips of your holiday while in Iceland. You can join Hidden Iceland to experience all these places and many more on our Snæfellsnes peninsula tour. Read more about our day tour to Snæfellsnes peninsula here, or explore more of our example private luxury tours.
Hello, I’m Dagný Björg, Hidden Iceland’s CEO and co-owner. A Reykjavík native by day and an adventure enthusiast by night, I’ve always been deeply connected to Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes, thanks to childhood summers spent camping with my family across the country. Today, I channel that passion into ensuring Hidden Iceland runs seamlessly, using my local expertise to craft exceptional itineraries that showcase the best of this incredible country.
Amazing tips! Can’t wait to go to Iceland myself in September and see all the things in real life 🙂
Best regards,
Ronja
Thank you for the article. We are in Snaefellsnes Peninsula at the moment and, indeed, it is a magical place! We just wish we were more lucky with the weather. We recommend taking a walk from Arnastapi to Hellnar along the coastal path. http://www.zdziecmiprzezswiat.com
It really is a fantastic spot to visit all year round!
No problem, and yes, it definitely is a fantastic spot to visit! And the hike is fantastic if you have the time!