Saxholl Crater, iceland: The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning on visiting Saxholl Crater? Here’s our complete guide, including top tips and everything you need to know!

If you’re exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and looking for a stop that offers incredible views without a long or difficult hike, Saxhóll Crater is the perfect addition to your itinerary.

Iceland is pretty well known for its volcanic craters, and there are many all over the island that deserve a visit. However, one of the most beautiful hidden gems when it comes to craters is Saxholl.

Located on the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the west of the island, this crater is a little out of the way if you’re driving the traditional Ring Road route that most tourists drive. But this doesn’t make it any less worth it.

This short but scenic walk takes you right to the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over lava fields, the rugged coastline, and – on a clear day – the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance.

If you want an easy but memorable stop, Saxhóll Crater is one of the most accessible and rewarding viewpoints on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Saxholl Crater, here’s exactly what we did and everything you need to know.

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How to Get to Saxholl Crater

Saxhol Crater is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland. It’s right on the westerly tip of the area, near Djúpalónssandur Beach and the pretty street art village of Hellisandur.

By far the easiest way to get here is to hire a car. We visited when we drove around the Snafellsnes Peninsula, and the only other people we saw in the car park were other tourists, as most big bus tours to the Peninsula don’t stop here.

Unpaved road leading towards snow-capped mountain under blue sky in Iceland.

We did, however, see one private tour bus, so you may be able to visit this area on a private tour if you specify that you want to go here.

But, overall, it’s much simpler to drive here, so long as you’re comfortable driving in Iceland.

🚗 We use this company for car hire in Iceland, and they always have the best deals!

Parking and Facilities at Saxholl Crater

There are no facilities at Saxholl Crater including toilets, a cafe, or even rubbish bins, so you need to remember to bring everything you’ll need with you and take everything with you.

Person with arms raised standing on snow with a dog lying in front, mountain and blue sky in background.

The car park is quite small, and when we visited the Snafellsnes Peninsula in winter, it was also quite icy. So, if you’re visiting in the winter months, be extra careful when parking here.

Climbing up Saxholl Crater

The climb up Saxholl Crater is more of a walk than a hike. It’s pretty much a set of stairs from the base of the car park all the way to the top.

Hikers ascending a steep volcanic slope with a narrow metal staircase in Iceland.

At the top, there’s a metal platform, and several small paths leading to other viewpoints over the crater.

Snow-covered volcanic landscape with dark rocky formations and a distant glacier under a partly cloudy sky.

From the top, you can see incredible views over the surroundings, mountains, and even the ocean in the distance.

Snow-covered volcanic landscape with dark volcanic rock in the foreground and a blue sky with clouds.

When we visited, it was pretty dramatic because everything was covered in a blanket of snow. It was basically icy mountains and snowy lava fields for as far as the eye could see. But on a summer day, this would be a lot more colourful.

You could also see into the actual crater itself, but you can’t climb into it.

Snow-covered volcanic landscape with dark volcanic rocks and a glacier in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

There are also a couple of things that are worth mentioning. It was EXTREMELY windy at the top of Saxholl Crater – to the point where we were being blown about so hard, we had to hold onto the rock. We could also lean into the wind and stay standing.

Person standing with arms outstretched on volcanic terrain with snow-covered mountains in the background.

It was kind of fun as we took turns leaning into the wind, but it could also be potentially dangerous if you’re not careful, especially when walking near the edge. So, if you visit the crater on a windy day, be extra careful.

Secondly, we visited in March, and the whole area was icy, including the stairs. We decided to put on our crampons before we climbed up, as there was a lot of ice on the stairway and, since it was also windy, we didn’t want to risk slipping.

Group of hikers walking down a snowy trail in a vast, icy landscape with mountains in the background.

If it’s icy when you visit, we highly recommend doing this as well for your own safety.

Once you’ve finished looking around the crater, simply climb back down the stairs to your car and continue exploring the rest of the Snafellsnes Peninsula.

Other Things to do Near Saxholl Crater

Since Saxholl Crater is right on the edge of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, there are loads of other great things to do nearby. Here are just a few of our favourites:

Visit Djúpalónssandur Beach

This is one of the most popular black sand beaches in the area. It’s beautiful, and you have to walk through a canyon to reach it.

Black sand beach with rugged cliffs and a tall rock formation by the sea under a clear blue sky.

When you’re there, you can admire the beach and also several smaller pools on the other side. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the beach from above. Plus, you can see the rusting remains of a washed-up trawler here, too.

Explore Arnarstapi Cliffs

Home to the most beautiful coastal cliffs near Saxholl Crater, Arnarstapi is also well worth a visit.

A person in a yellow jacket stands triumphantly on the Arnarstapi land bridge in Iceland, arms raised against a clear blue sky. The rugged natural rock arch stretches over the deep blue ocean, with seabirds perched along its edges and icicles clinging to the dark volcanic rock. The scene captures the dramatic contrast of Iceland’s coastal landscape, where land meets sea in a breathtaking display.

Here, you’ll find tons of nesting seabirds (including puffins if you visit in summer!), and several very impressive rock formations, including the famous arch and the landbridge.

If you want to spend more time here, there’s also a great walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, which passes through a lava field.

Visit the famous Kirkjufell Mountain

One of the most photographed places to visit in Iceland, Kirkjufell is probably the most famous place on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The incredible Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland

It’s just as impressive in winter, frozen and white, as it is in summer, all lush and green.

Admire the cute Budir Black Church

Another top spot for photographers, the Budir Black Church is quite unique.

Located in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by lava fields and backed by impressive mountains and glaciers, this is one of the most beautiful churches in Iceland.

he Búðir Black Church stands alone on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, its dark wooden exterior contrasting sharply against the bright blue sky and snow-capped mountains in the background. The small, historic church features a white door and windows, adding a touch of elegance to its minimalist design. The surrounding golden-brown grass and stone wall emphasize the church’s remote and picturesque setting.

It’s a very quick stop – I think we were only here for about 15 minutes – but it’s so worth it.

FAQs

Is Saxholl Crater Hard to Climb?

No, it’s fairly easy to climb. The route is just a simple staircase up to the top of the crater.

Snowy mountain trail with wooden steps leading up a slope under a blue sky.

The only time it is slightly more problematic is when it’s icy, so be extra careful in wintery conditions, and be sure to wear crampons.

👉 Check out our guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our top tips.

What Should I Wear?

As with any stop in Iceland, the weather can be unpredictable. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and crampons if it’s icy.

A person standing in a snowy landscape with snow-covered mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

You don’t really need anything special to climb Saxholl Crater, and it’ll likely only be a 30-45 minute stop, so you’ll be able to leave most of your gear in the car.

👉 For our complete Iceland summer and winter packing lists, check out our resources page.

Are There Places to Stay Nearby?

Yes – and staying on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a great idea if you want to explore the area without rushing. There are several excellent places to stay just a short drive away, depending on how you’re planning your trip.

Stykkishólmur

This is a lovely option – a charming harbour town with colourful houses, good restaurants, and a slightly more relaxed feel. It’s especially nice if you want somewhere scenic and walkable.

🏨 Check prices and accommodation in Stykkishólmur

Grundarfjörður

This is one of the most popular bases in the area and is a fantastic choice if Saxhóll is part of a wider Snæfellsnes itinerary. It’s home to Kirkjufell, has a good range of hotels and guesthouses, and offers easy access to many of the peninsula’s highlights.

A breathtaking winter scene at the Kirkjufellsfoss Viewpoint in Iceland, featuring the snow-covered Kirkjufell mountain rising sharply against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, the partially frozen Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall cascades over dark cliffs, with a winding icy river flowing through the snowy landscape. Footprints in the snow add a sense of scale and human presence in this serene, remote setting.

🏨 Check prices and accommodation in Grundarfjörður

Other places to stay nearby

If you’re looking for something quieter and more rural, there are also several guesthouses and farm stays dotted around the peninsula.

We actually stayed in Borgarnes when we visited the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. There are a load of cute cafes (like this one), and it’s the perfect spot in between Snaefellsnes and Reykjavik. The famous Glymur hike is nearby, too!

We had the cutest little cabin on a black sand beach, and it was gorgeous.

A cozy cabin setting at sunset, with a glass of rosé wine and a coffee cup resting on a small table by the window. The view outside showcases a golden sky fading into deep blue over a peaceful landscape of bare trees and grass. A soft chair sits nearby, inviting relaxation in the warm glow of the evening light.

Wherever you stay, we’d recommend booking ahead in summer, as accommodation on the peninsula is limited and fills up quickly.

🏨 This is the cabin we stayed in, and it was fantastic!

Final Thoughts: Is Saxholl Crater Worth it?

Absolutely! Saxhóll Crater is a fantastic stop that delivers maximum reward for minimal effort.

The climb is short, the path is well-maintained, and the views from the top are genuinely spectacular – especially on a clear day when you can see right across the lava fields and out to the ocean.

It’s one of our favourite places in all of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

It’s super easy to add Saxhóll to our Snæfellsnes road trip. You can literally stop for half an hour, stretch your legs, take in some incredible scenery, and then continue on your journey.

If you’re exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this is one place you shouldn’t skip.

👉 Looking for somewhere to stay? These are our favourite hotels on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula