SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA: OUR ITINERARY FOR ONE OR TWO DAYS.
There’s something about the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that felt just right to us. We had one of those wonderful travel moments, where the scenery we were greeted with, far exceeded our expectations. And, all the plans we had made, were just right.
Maybe it’s the fact that you can drive around the whole thing in a day. Or maybe it’s just that, in the full swing of summer, with the windows down and that weird Icelandic radio music on, it all feels like a proper adventure.
Why Visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?
People call this area “Iceland in Miniature.” And whilst that sounds a bit like something dreamed up in a Reykjavik marketing office, it’s actually spot on.
In the space of one peninsula, you’ll find glaciers, craters, cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and enough seabirds to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a David Attenborough documentary.
If you’re short on time or not up for the full ring road extravaganza, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a perfect compromise. And if you are doing the full lap, as we were, this stretch of the journey is a natural highlight. Manageable, mellow, and mercifully a little less crowded than the Golden Circle.
How to Get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
From Reykjavik, it’s a 2 to 2.5-hour drive north-west to the start of the peninsula. We came from the west, looping up from the Reykjanes Peninsula and approaching via Route 54. If you’re doing a clockwise ring road, you’ll likely do the same.
There’s a brilliant sense of arrival as you climb the mountain pass on Route 54, twisting your way over the hills with views that stretch back over the fjords. If you weren’t already in the road trip mood, this stretch will do the trick.
If you’re hiring a car (and we think you should), any standard vehicle will do in summer. No 4×4 needed unless you’ve got ambitions off the main routes. We had a small 2WD and were able to curate our itinerary to suit the transport we had.
When to Visit Snæfellsnes
We went in June, and honestly, it was glorious. Long days, a real feeling of summer in the air, and not too many people.
Shoulder seasons—May and September—are probably also excellent for this area, with fewer people and still-accessible roads. I expect July and August may feel busier, but probably not as hectic as some of the sights on the main ring road, like Skogafoss.
Is It Worth Snæfellsnes Visiting?
For us, absolutely. It delivered far more than we could have ever imagined.
Snæfellsnes may not have the geysers of the Golden Circle or the thunderous waterfalls of the south, but what it does have is variety, peace, and that feeling of being just far enough away.
Things to Do on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A One or Two Day Road Trip from Hellisandur (Anti-Clockwise)
We stayed in Hellisandur, a tiny fishing village on the edge of the incredible Snæfellsjökull National Park.
The campsite here is excellent—clean, friendly, and well-positioned for exploring the peninsula. It s small indoor kitchen and good toilet/shower facilities. The highlight is the view. We had black sand beaches to the left of our tent pitch and a glacier to the right.
In the village, there’s also a petrol station, a small shop for supplies, and, brilliantly, an outdoor trampoline in the village.
With a decent breakfast behind us and some sturdy shoes, we set off for a full day circling the peninsula anti-clockwise—starting west and looping all the way round.
We would recommend splitting this into either one day or two days (if you plan to visit Stykkishólmur.) Alternatively, you could also see some of the sights as you leave the peninsula to continue your road trip or catch the ferry.
Here’s the way that we did it.
1. Djúpalónssandur Beach
A short drive from Hellisandur, this moody black-sand beach is littered with smooth stones and rusted remnants of a shipwreck. There’s a short trail down from the car park, and the beach itself is beautifully wild.
2. Skarðsvík Beach
Unlike the dark, brooding volcanic beaches elsewhere, Skarðsvík has golden sand and turquoise water—it almost looks Mediterranean (if you squint and ignore the temperature).
We sat for a while on the picnic table and took it all in.
3. Svörtuloft Lighthouse (on foot)
The road to Svörtuloft Lighthouse isn’t ideal for 2WD cars—potholed, rough, and best avoided unless you’re really into changing tires.
We left our car at Skarðsvík Beach and walked down instead. It’s about a 45-minute walk each way on foot with lovely views and far fewer people than at more obvious spots. We were lucky enough to get a few sneaky glances at Arctic Foxes as we walked back and forth.
The lighthouse itself is exactly as I pictured a “typical Icelandic lighthouse” to look. And the views all around the area are quite dramatic.
4. Saxhóll Crater
Only about 10 minutes from Hellisandur, Saxhóll is a dramatic volcanic crater you can climb via a steel staircase. It’s a short but steep walk, and from the top, you’ll get fantastic views over the lava fields and out to sea. This is quite a popular spot, so don’t expect the whole place yourself, but it’s still well worth a stop.
5. Lóndrangar & Malarrif
Heading east along the coast, stop next at Lóndrangar, the jagged sea stacks that stick up like gothic towers from the ocean. There’s a good walking trail that connects Lóndrangar to Malarrif Lighthouse—flat and scenic, and a good way to birds. Or you can just pull up and take a few photos before departing.
6. Arnarstapi to Hellnar Walk
Further along the coast is Arnarstapi, where the dramatic cliffs include striking rock formations. Park up and take the 2.5 km coastal path to Hellnar—a gentle but stunning walk along lava cliffs and rock arches. Pause for coffee and cake in Hellnar café, then stroll back.
7. Ytri Tunga Seal Beach
Heading north now, Ytri Tunga is an unassuming little beach with soft golden sand—and seals. If you’re quiet and patient, you’ll likely spot them lounging on the rocks. We saw half a dozen flopped out in the sunshine, blinking lazily at us.
8. Gerðuberg Cliffs
Just off Route 54, the Gerðuberg basalt columns look like a giant’s Lego wall—long, even hexagonal shapes rising from the earth.
9. Eldborg Crater (Optional Walk)
If you’re not too pushed for time, consider walking to the Eldborg Crater. It’s about 3 km each way across lava fields, and the crater itself is wonderfully symmetrical. We didn’t stop this time, but it’s a good option if you’ve started early or are overnighting somewhere further east.
10. Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss
As you complete the loop and head up the north side of the peninsula, you’ll reach the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss. It’s undeniably scenic, though you’ll likely be sharing it with a few busloads of others.
12. Stykkishólmur (Optional Finish)
If you’re up for a detour or have time the next morning, Stykkishólmur is a charming little harbour town on the peninsula’s northern edge. It’s a nice place for lunch or a leg stretch—and has ferries to the Westfjords if your road trip is continuing that way.
13. Back to Hellisandur for the Sunset
After a full day on the road, we were glad to get back to Hellisandur.
One thing we noticed is that a lot of Roadtrippers, particularly those in camper vans, seemed to spend a lot of time on the road and not much time on the campsites. Honestly, some of our best moments were just enjoying a drink sitting on a picnic bench by our tent.
If you do choose to stay a night or two on the peninsula, be sure to take some time to enjoy some stillness and the scenery, without your car.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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