18 Epic Things to Do in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Are you planning on visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland? Known as ‘Iceland in Miniature’, here’s everything to do in this beautiful part of the country.

We absolutely love the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and think it’s such an underrated part of Iceland. While most people head here for the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, one of the most photographed places in Iceland, there is so much more to see and many incredible hidden gems in this region.

From unique waterfalls to incredible photogenic churches, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula literally has a little bit of everything that makes Iceland so magical.

You’ll find cute towns, dramatic coastal scenery, puffins in summer, whales in the oceans, hot springs, volcanic craters, glaciers, and so much more. It truly does live up to its nickname.

It’s also one of the most photogenic parts of the country and much quieter than the South Coast, making it perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

And while many people visit Snaefellsnes on a guided tour or a day trip from Reykjavik, you could easily spend at least a few days here.

So, if you’re planning on exploring this magical region of Iceland, here’s all of our favourite places to visit and everything you need to know!

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Snaefellsnes Must-Do’s!

Short on time? These are 5 bucket-list things you NEED to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula! ❤️

👉 If you’d rather not drive, this is the best Snaefellsnes day tour

What is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a stunning part of Western Iceland. It juts out from the mainland and is almost completely surrounded by the ocean.

You’ll find much more remote and wilder landscapes here than in the popular southern coast, and it’s generally much less busy.

Andrew and I sitting on a beach in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

It’s often described as “Iceland in Miniature” because it is home to nearly all of the country’s most iconic landscapes in one compact area.

Here, you’ll find volcanic craters, dramatic sea cliffs, black sand beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and charming fishing villages, all within a few hours’ drive of Reykjavik.

Some of the incredible mountains in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

At its western tip sits Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull, which famously inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Standing on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula admiring the views

Because of its diversity and accessibility, Snæfellsnes is one of our favourite places to visit in Iceland.

It’s the perfect place to experience Iceland’s wild beauty without travelling too far from the capital – plus, it’s much quieter than the more touristy South Coast!

The Best Things to Do in the Snaefellenes Peninsula

As you may have guessed by now, we really love this part of Iceland, and it remains one of our favourite places to visit on an Iceland road trip. So, if you’re planning a trip, here are all of the must-see spots!

(BONUS!) See the Solar Eclipse

This only applies to summer 2026, but if you’re visitng Iceland on the 12th of August, you have the rare opportunity to witness a complete solar eclipse.

One of the best viewing spots will be along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as the path of totality crosses directly over the region.

The total solar eclipse that will happen on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula next year

You’ll be able to literally watch the sun disappear completely behind the moon, with the rugged Icelandic coastline and glacier-covered volcanoes as your backdrop.

If you’re planning a summer 2026 trip, it’s worth booking accommodation early. This is going to be one of the most unforgettable natural events Iceland has seen in decades. You can also book a guided tour to the area to guarantee a viewing!

❤️ We recommend this guided solar eclipse tour – and you’ll need to book asap as spots will sell out!

1. Admire Búðakirkja Black Church

This tiny black church in Búðir has become one of the most famous landmarks on the peninsula. We’ll be honest, it won’t be a particularly long stop, but the church’s location, surrounded by mountains and greenery, is incredibly impressive.

In fact, it’s one of the most popular photography spots in Iceland, surrounded by lava fields and set against the backdrop of Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

The 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.

Parking here is free, and we stopped here for around 10 minutes. So, it’s a lovely little spot to break up the journey and stretch your legs a bit. There’s also a plaque here with information about the church.

The simplicity of the black timber against the wild Icelandic landscape is breathtaking, especially on a moody day when the clouds roll in.

2. Look for Seals at Ytri Tunga Beach

Iceland is mainly known for black sand beaches. However, although Ytri Tunga has golden sand instead of black, that’s not what makes it special.

This beach is famous for its resident seal colony!

It’s one of the best places in Iceland to see seals lounging on the rocks or swimming just offshore. You can usually spot them year-round, although you’ll easily have the best chances in summer.

Bring binoculars and remember to keep a respectful distance, but it’s a truly beautiful place to see these creatures.

3. Hike on Snæfellsjökull Glacier

If you’re up for an adventure, hiking on Snæfellsjökull is an unforgettable experience. The only glacier in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this place is located at the western tip of the peninsula.

The beautiful Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the distance

It’s much less busy than the popular glacier tours along the south coast, so you’ll have a much more intimate experience.

You’ll still need to book a guided tour, though, as several local companies run glacier tours here and include all the gear and safety equipment.

It’s a truly bucket-list experience and one of the best things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

TOP TIP: Even if you don’t hike, simply driving through Snæfellsjökull National Park offers incredible views of the glacier.

4. Visit Arnarstapi Cliffs

Arnarstapi is one of our favourite stops in the whole of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The small fishing village is home to some of the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Iceland, featuring basalt rock formations, sea arches, and nesting seabirds throughout the summer months.

A striking natural rock arch at Arnarstapi, Iceland, stands against the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The rugged volcanic formation, shaped by the forces of wind and waves, is surrounded by rocky shores and a backdrop of distant snow-capped mountains. Sunlight casts shadows on the textured basalt, highlighting the dramatic contrast between land and sea.

In fact, when we visited Iceland in March, we saw lots of birds here – although the puffins won’t arrive until later on!

There’s a walking trail along the cliffs that starts near the Arnarstapi harbour and offers stunning views over the Atlantic. Make sure to see Gatklettur, a naturally formed rock arch that’s one of the most famous photo spots here.

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.

It’s also well worth visiting the iconic landbridge – as well as being beautiful, it makes for a very cool photograph!

5. Hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar

If you want to extend your trip in Arnarstapi a little longer, consider hiking the entire trail from Arnarstapi to the nearby village of Hellnar.

It’s about 2.5 kilometres (each way) and follows a beautiful coastal path past sea stacks, lava formations, and grassy meadows. You’ll pass through an incredible lava field and see some truly beautiful views along the way.

The hiking trail rom Arnastapi to Hellnar

The walk only takes around 45 minutes each direction, so it should be easy enough to add to a Snaefellsnes itinerary.

When you arrive in Hellnar, stop for a coffee or slice of cake at the tiny Fjöruhúsið Café. It’s open every summer, it’s right by the sea and one of our favourite spots in Iceland.

6. Go Whale Watching

Going whale watching is easily one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done in Iceland, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wonderful place to do it.

The waters around here are teeming with marine life, and whale watching tours run from several nearby towns, including Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður.

You can often see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and sometimes even orcas.

Tours operate year-round, though summer tends to have calmer seas, which is definitely something to bear in mind if you get seasick. Plus, the summer tends to lead to more sightings as the whales migrate to the waters to feed.

Be sure to book in advance, as there are limited spaces on the tours!

❤️ We recommend this whale watching tour in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!

7. Admire the Street Art at Hellissandur

This is one of the most unique things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and a bit of a hidden gem in all of Iceland. Hellissandur is often called the “street art capital of Iceland,” and it’s one of the quirkiest and most surprising stops on the peninsula.

A vibrant mural in Hellissandur, Iceland, covers the side of a building, depicting a Viking warrior on a traditional longship sailing through Arctic waters. The scene blends mythology and nature, featuring snow-capped mountains, orcas swimming beneath the surface, and a dramatic sky transitioning from a northern lights display to a fiery sunset. The mural's bold colors contrast with the snowy ground and rustic surroundings, emphasizing Hellissandur's reputation as Iceland’s street art capital.

The village walls are covered in over 30 colourful murals, many inspired by Icelandic folklore, nature, and local life. We saw an epic Viking ship, several paintings of marine life, a huge ram and many more works of art.

It’s another daily quick stop, but a fun place to wander around with a camera..

8. Visit the Famous Kirkjufellsfoss

Now, when you’ve heard of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this stunning sight is probably what comes to mind.

No visit to Snæfellsnes would be complete without stopping at Kirkjufellsfoss. This is one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland, and it sits perfectly in front of the cone-shaped Kirkjufell Mountain.

A couple dressed in winter gear stands on a snowy landscape in front of a frozen waterfall near Kirkjufell, Iceland. The man wears a black and gray jacket with snow pants and boots, while the woman wears a bright yellow winter coat with fur-lined boots. The sky is blue with fluffy clouds, and the icy terrain stretches behind them.

You’ve probably seen this view all over Instagram (or in Game of Thrones). And rightly so, as it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Iceland.

It’s especially stunning at sunset or during golden hour, when the light hits the mountain perfectly. It’s also a really incredible place to watch the northern lights.

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.

Even though it’s popular, it’s worth every bit of hype.

9. Hike up Kirkjufell Mountain

If you’re visiting in summer, enjoy hiking, and are up for a bit of a challenge, you can actually climb Kirkjufell itself. However, this is a technical and dangerous hike. Several people have lost their lives doing this, so it’s best to hike with a guide.

The unique cone-shape of Kirkufell Mountain - one of the trickiest hikes in Iceland

The views from the top are completely unmatched; however, we wouldn’t recommend it for those who are not experienced hikers.

For most people, admiring it from the base near the waterfall is perfectly fine; however, if you’re up for it, be sure to pick a day without rain, ensure you’re well prepared, and, if you need to, book a guide!

10. Climb Saxhóll Crater

We had a lot of fun climbing this place in Iceland! This volcanic crater is one of the easiest to access in Iceland, and the views from the top are really cool!

It’s located on the western side of the peninsula and is another really easy spot to add to your Iceland itinerary. We managed to fit this into our very first winter road trip in Iceland and loved it.

A metal staircase covered in patches of snow leads up the side of Saxhóll Crater in Iceland. The rugged volcanic landscape is a mix of dark lava rock, sparse vegetation, and white snow, contrasting against the clear blue sky. The path winds up the crater, inviting hikers to ascend for a panoramic view of the surrounding terrain.

To reach the top, you’ll need to climb up a metal staircase. It’ll take you roughly 10 minutes or less to reach the top, depending on your fitness level, but it’s really not a difficult climb.

We visited in winter when there was ice and snow on the stairs and still found it easy to manage.

A hiker in a brown outfit stands triumphantly atop the rugged, dark volcanic rocks of Saxhóll Crater in Iceland. The landscape features jagged lava formations with patches of snow, set against a backdrop of rolling volcanic terrain and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The contrast between the rough, barren ground and the vast open sky creates a striking and adventurous scene.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields and coastline. It’s an easy stop right off the main road in Snæfellsjökull National Park, and you can be up and down in under 20 minutes.

TOP TIP: It can be very windy at the top here, and when we visited, the wind was so strong that we could lean right into it and stay standing. So, be extra careful on windy days.

11. Go Sea Kayaking

This is another of the most unique and unusual things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but it is absolutely worth it. For a completely different perspective of the peninsula, try a sea kayaking tour.

You can go from several spots, including Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður.

Sea Kayaks out on the moody ocean with icebergs in the distance

Paddling past sea cliffs, spotting seals, and looking back at the jagged mountains from the water is a truly magical experience and we 100% recommend it!

❤️ This is the sea kayaking tour we recommend in Snaefellsnes!

12. Visit Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

If you’re interested in marine life (or the weather on the peninsula is really bad), you could head into one of Iceland’s most curious museums.

Iceland is actually quite famous for its unusual museum – if you’ve visited the Penis Museum in Reykjavik, you’ll know what we mean. The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is all about Iceland’s traditional method of fermenting shark meat, hákarl.

It’s a family-run museum where you’ll see old fishing equipment, preserved shark exhibits, and even get the chance to taste the infamous fermented shark if you’re brave enough.

We tried it once on a food tour… and let’s just say it’s an experience we won’t forget!

13. Walk along Djúpalónssandur Beach

Of course, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula wouldn’t be “Iceland in Miniature” if it didn’t have at least one black sand beach, and this is the area’s most famous.

Alt text: Rusted metal fragments from a shipwreck lie scattered on the rocky shoreline of a frozen lagoon, surrounded by jagged volcanic cliffs. In the background, a snow-capped mountain rises under a clear blue sky, contrasting with the dark, rugged terrain. The icy water reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene at this remote Icelandic black beach.

It’s one of the most atmospheric places on the peninsula. It’s surrounded by lava formations and sea stacks, and it’s also littered with shipwreck remains from a trawler that washed up on the shores here.

The beautiful black sand of Djúpalónssandur Beach

There’s also a plaque on the beach where you can read about the historic vessel.

Overall, it’s a stunning place and one of the most magical beaches in Iceland.

14. See Selvallafoss Waterfall

This is one of the lesser-known waterfalls on the peninsula and a great hidden gem if you want to escape the crowds.

It’s located next to the road on the drive back out of the peninsula. The waterfall cascades down a cliff and has multiple layers to it. It’s truly beautiful, an easy, short walk from the parking area, and the scenery around it is stunning.

15. Visit Stykkishólmur

If you also want to visit some of the towns on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we highly recommend stopping in Stykkishólmur. This is the largest town on the peninsula and the perfect place to base yourself for a night or two.

Visiting the cute town of Stykkishólmur is one of the best things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

It’s incredibly charming with colourful houses, a picturesque harbour, and a surprisingly good food scene. You can also visit the Norwegian House, a unique Museum, and admire its incredibly unique church.

The town is located in the north of the peninsula, close to Kirkjufellsfoss and the Shark Museum. From here, you can also take the Baldur Ferry to the Westfjords or join a boat tour around Breiðafjörður Bay to explore its countless small islands.

16. Admire the Lóndrangar Cliffs

The Lóndrangar sea stacks are some of the most striking rock formations in Snæfellsnes.

These towering basalt pillars rise straight from the ocean and are home to countless nesting seabirds. In summer, this is another fantsatic place to spot puffins.

There’s a viewing path nearby that gives a fantastic perspective of the cliffs and the surrounding coastline. It’s a great spot for photography.

17. See Svörtuloft Lighthouse

Located at the far western tip of the peninsula, this bright orange lighthouse is one of the most iconic places to visit in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s a beautiful contrast to the dark lava cliffs around it and another really photogenic spot in the area.

This is another of the lesser-visited sites in Snæfellsnes, and you’ll find it near the town of Hellisandur and Saxhol Crater. Once again, we didn’t spend too long here, but you’ll be treated to beautiful views, and it’s a great place for a quick stop in the west!

18. Drive Across Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge

Last but not least, if you love epic drives, you’ll know that Iceland is absolutely full of them! This scenic bridge is often overlooked, but it’s a fantastic viewpoint and one of the most unique drives in Iceland.

The incredible Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge is one of the best places to visit on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

It stretches across a wide fjord surrounded by mountains, and during certain times of the year, you can even spot seals and birds feeding in the shallows below. From above, it looks like a huge sword!

It’s a great quick stop for photos as you loop back toward the mainland.

When is the best time to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

You can visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula all year round. We made this road trip during the winter in March and the roads were pretty icy.

We actually got very lucky with the weather as we had blue skies all day, but, because this area is quite remote, it can be a lot more treacherous to drive in winter.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is also a really great place to see the northern lights in winter, and it’s very popular to try and photograph them over the impressive Kirkjufell mountain.

Standing on the rocks near the black sand beach

In summer, however, you’ll have clear roads, lush greenery, and more things to do. The inner sections of the peninsula become more accessible, you can drive many of the mountain passes, and explore some of the hiking trails you can’t get to in winter.

Incredible views over the mountains and glaciers in the peninsula

The best time to visit really depends on what you want from the trip. If you’re after snowy landscapes, winter scenery, and northern lights, winter is an amazing time to visit. If you’re after hiking, adventure, and easier drives, we recommend summer.

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

How long do you need On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula?

Many people visit this area for just one day, and while it’s totally possible to do this, we recommend spending at least two days here to really get a feel for the area.

Alice standing in front of the frozen waterfall at Kirkjufell

There’s quite a lot to do, especially in the summer months. One day just doesn’t give you quite enough time, particularly since driving the loop around the peninsula can take around 4 hours without any stops!

We would suggest spending a minimum of two days exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula; however, if you’re really short on time, you can see most of the major sights in a single day.

Final Thoughts: Is Visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Worth It?

Yes, it’s 100% worth it! We absolutely loved our trip here, and it was one of the highlights of our winter trip to Iceland. There are so many amazing sights to see, and some of the most iconic sights in the whole of the country.

So, if you’re planning on coming here, I hope this article has helped you plan your trip – it really does live up to the name “Iceland in Miniature”!

Any questions about the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? Ask us anything in our Facebook Group!

👉 Haven’t chosen where to stay? Here are all our favourite hotels in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!