Join this perfect small group tour to the magical Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Countless lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas lie in store for you as we drive west out of Reykjavik and head towards the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier.
The glacier sits atop the active volcano of the same name, a volcano that took center stage in Jules Verne’s classic sci-fi novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. You might even have spotted the glittering ice cap of Snæfellsjökull across the bay in Reykjavik, such as the volcano’s prominence on the landscape.
The first stop will be at Ytri-Tunga farm. Next to the farm, there is a beautiful beach where huge seal colonies can usually be found. Your expert local guide will lead you to where you can find these majestic creatures.
We will return to our favorite farm in the peninsula right after, where a fabulous home-cooked meal is always guaranteed. (If you’re passionate about food and want to learn more about Iceland’s traditional cuisine, consider joining our Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour.)
Our Magical Snaefellsnes tour will take us to Buðarkirkja, the black church in the hamlet of Búðir. It sits within the lava field of Búðahraun, and it has a natural harbor that made this place the most important commercial hub in the peninsula during the Danish trade monopoly of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here we can admire one of the few black churches in all of Iceland.
The current building dated from 1848 when a woman called Steinunn Lárusdóttir got permission from the Danish King to build this church where the original turf chapel stood from 1703 until 1816.
The dramatic coastline of Arnarstapi is waiting for you next. Powerful waves constantly erode the cliffs and leave impressive rock formations behind, like the famous Gatklettur (Holerock). We will also meet Bárður Snæfellsás, the mythical guardian of the peninsula at Arnarstapi, and hear folktales about him.
A visit to the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur is also a must. Here, we can see the remains of a shipwreck from 1948. We will find four large stones of different sizes at the beach entrance. These were once used to measure sailors’ strength in the days of the fishing stations, and their salary was determined accordingly.
Then, we will travel to admire Kirkjufell, probably the country’s most picturesque and photographed mountain. Surrounded by streams and small waterfalls, it was chosen to be one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones, in which it appeared as the “Arrowhead Mountain.”
Our last stop will be the Berserkjahraun lava fields. Created around 4.000 years ago, the lava fields are incredibly thick and decorated with beautiful rock formations. While exploring this beautiful area, your guide will take you to a hidden waterfall.
Snaefellsnes is an area of exceptional geological beauty – craters, lava fields, idyllic hidden coves, and bizarre rock formations all wait to be discovered and explored.
This area is also rich in local legends and folk stories. Some enthusiasts even believe aliens visit the Snaefellsnes glacier and continue visiting the site to wait for spaceships to appear. Healers and Gurus have also made this area their home as they believe the energy is unique.
Experience Iceland’s spiritual and mystical side and join this small-group bus tour to the magical Snaefellsnes peninsula!
Due to winter weather conditions and frequent road maintenance, itinerary locations may be adjusted with short notice. After careful consideration, we will be skipping the stop at Djúpalónssandur beach during this period (Nov 15th – Jan 31st), as icy conditions have made it difficult and potentially unsafe for guests to access
The Magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula area is one of Your Friend In Reykjavik’s favorite places to visit and stay.
Our family has several times rented a cottage to breathe in the rejuvenating magic that flows from the Snaefellsnes glacier. Escape the stresses of urban life and step into a wild landscape quite unlike anywhere else.
Snaefellsnes is also a photographer’s paradise as there are so many gorgeous spots to put into a frame. You won’t be disappointed if you choose this tour for one of your precious days in Iceland!
If you have any questions about this tour option or any of our other services, please get in touch.
Get in touch with Your Friend in Reykjavik for all your Iceland travel planning needs. We love to help you plan the perfect trip, making personal recommendations for tours and activities you should check out during your visit. Craft your custom Iceland itinerary with our expert guidance!