Visit Snæfellsjökull National Park in Iceland
The Snæfellsjökull glacier became world famous after author Jules Verne described it as the starting point for the titular journey in Journey to the Center of the Earth. There is plenty to explore in Snæfellsjökull National Park, such as beaches, cliffs, and views of the glacier. Take some time, wear comfortable yet sturdy footwear, and bring your camera. Plan at least two days in the region.
Sights
Arnarstapi Cliffs
Arnarstapavegur, off Route 574
The seaside cliffs in the small fishing town of Arnarstapi, at the gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park, are spectacular, with basalt formations including holes and arches carved out by surf. The cliffs are a nesting ground for the arctic tern, and you’ll love taking photos with a huge stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás with its back to the ocean not far from the parking lot. Easy paths weave through the cliff-side area, making it a lovely place to spend 45 minutes or so.
Hellnar Cliffs
Route 5730, off Route 574
Continuing just a few kilometers west down Route 574 from the Arnarstapi Cliffs, Hellnar is another small fishing village with beautiful seaside rock formations. A 4-km (2.5-mi) walking path connects the two cliff areas.
Lóndrangar Cliffs
parking area off Route 574
Yet another place to stop and have your breath taken away overlooking seaside cliffs, farther west on Route 574 from Arnarstapi and Hellnar, are the basalt cliffs, the vast remains of a crater eroded by the sea. Two stacks, 75 m (246 ft) and 61 m (200 ft) tall, are visible, home to puffins and fulmars in the summer.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
near route 574
The Snæfellsjökull glacier lies on top of a volcano, situated in the center of the national park. The glacier’s peak is 1,446 m (4,774 ft) high, and it can be seen from Reykjavík on a clear day. The volcano is considered active, though the last eruption occurred 1,900 years ago. It takes center stage in the 1864 literary classic Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, which chooses the summit of Snæfellsjökull as the setting of a fictional passage to the center of the earth.
Travelers can explore the area around the glacier but should not venture onto the glacier without a guide, as it can be dangerous. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here to walk the area, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s about 190 km (118 mi) from Reykjavík to the Snæfellsjökull glacier; the drive takes about 2.5 hours. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north through the town of Borgarnes and then turn left onto Route 54. Head west on Route 54 across the peninsula for about 98 km (61 mi), connecting to Route 574. Continue west on Route 574 for about 35 km (22 mi). You’ll find the road leading up to the volcano on the right side, and signs are posted all the way up to a parking lot. It’s essentially an enormous mountain with an ice cap. Given its literary history, many people like to visit the area and get a view of the volcano. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out, and be advised that roads leading to the volcano are unpaved.
Vatnshellir Lava Cave
near Route 574
The Vatnshellir lava cave, opened to the public in 2011, is another highlight. Scientists believe the 200-m-long (656-ft) cave was created in an eruption 6,000-8,000 years ago. The cave has two main sections: the upper section, which showcases unique lava formations that are curved on the sides of the lava tube, and the lower part, which can be reached by a long and narrow but well-maintained staircase, and takes visitors about 35 m (115 ft) underground to a place hidden from the outside world for thousands of years.
The cave is accessible only through a guided tour from Summit Guides (tel. 354/787-0001; www.summitguides.is; 45-minute tours adults 5,400ISK, students and seniors 4,200ISK, ages 12-17 2,400ISK, ages 3-11 free). Visitors are required to have hiking boots, gloves, and warm clothing. The tour guide provides helmets and flashlights. The Vatnshellir cave is located in the southern end of the park, near Route 574.
Djúpalónssandur Beach and Dritvík Cove
near Route 574, GPS coordinates N 64.7493, W 23.9122
Djúpalónssandur beach, on the southwestern edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is one of the region’s highlights. The vast beach is covered by small black stones that were shaped by the force of the tides and the whipping of the wind. Visitors love to wander among the frozen lava landscapes and the interesting rock formations. A short paved road through lava fields leads directly from Route 574 to Djúpalónssandur beach.
From Djúpalónssandur, you can access Dritvík Cove via an easy hike. You’ll see the remains of fishing huts in the cliffs above the beach.
Hiking
Many Icelanders consider the hiking of Snæfellsnes unrivaled, calling the region their favorite place in the country. Why? Snæfellsnes has it all. There are mountains to climb, lava fields to explore, and glaciers to scale, all accessible by countless hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Specific information on trails can be found at the park’s visitors center.
Feel free to roam and take in the sights. Whether you head out alone, with a small group, or with a tour, always go out for a hike prepared: Check the weather forecast, bring proper gear and drinking water, and let people know your whereabouts.
Rauðhóll
Distance: 2.3-km (1.4-mi) loop; Hiking Time: 45 minutes; Information and Maps: www.west.is; Trailhead: Unnumbered road off Route 570
Rauðhóll is a leisurely hike within the park, which takes hikers around a vast, jagged lava field and a treeless plain, giving unobstructed views of the glacier looming in the distance. The 2.3-km (1.4-mi) loop hike is easy, on relatively flat ground, and takes about 45 minutes. The landscape is filled with moss and lichen-covered lava stones and lava tubes, where lava once flowed out of the volcano.
Coming from Hellissandur, you’ll find the hiking path down an unnumbered road off of Route 570, which is unpaved but no longer an F-road; look for a sign that says “Eysteinsdalur Snæfellsjökull” and turn left. On the south side of the road is a signpost for the Rauðhóll trail, and red stakes along the path mark the way.
Lóndrangar
Distance: 1 km (0.6 mi); Hiking Time: 30 minutes; Information and Maps: www.west.is; Trailhead: Parking area off Route 574, 25 minutes(28 km/17 mi) from Hellissandur
From the parking area, set off on the marked path called Þufubjarg. It’s an easy path and a quick walk to the seaside cliffs, which are the remains of a crater eroded by the ocean. You have sweeping views of the beach and of the two stacks, which are flush with birdlife in the summer months.
Guided Tours
Arctic Adventures
tel. 354/562-7000; www.adventures.is; Mar.-Oct.; 22,000ISK
Snæfellsjökull, rising 1,446 m (4,744 ft) from the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offers gorgeous views during a challenging trek, on which you can embark with a guided tour (this hike isn’t recommended as an independent trek). The adventure starts and ends at the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, off Route 54 down Útnesvegur. Arctic Adventures takes you to the Jökulháls pass, where you’ll start your hike toward the summit of the glacier. The first part of the hike is over volcanic rock, but as you climb, the snow and ice increase, and crampons become necessary near the top. The hike is 7-8 km (4.3-5 mi), with a total elevation gain of 760 m (2,494 ft), and it takes 3-5 hours, depending on the conditions and weather.
Remember to bring warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, and gloves. Good hiking shoes are essential on this tour. Waterproof outerwear and sturdy hiking shoes can be rented from the tour company with advance notice.
Reykjavík Excursions
tel. 354/580-5400; www.re.is
If you’re after other structured, guided tours, some companies offer excursions. Check out Reykjavík Excursions for a list, including a 12-hour Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour year-round from Reykjavík that visits Snæfellsjökull glacier, sandy beaches, craters, and fishing villages (adults 19,999ISK, ages 12-15 10,000ISK, under age 12 free).
Food and Accommodations
Guesthouse Langaholt
Ytri-Garðar Staðarsveit; tel. 354/435-6789; www.langaholt.is; from 27,000ISK
Guesthouse Langaholt is a 20-room family-run guesthouse with spacious rooms, classic decor, free Wi-Fi, and a shared terrace. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, a nearby golf course, plenty of free parking, and on-site camping facilities for budget travelers.
Fosshotel Hellnar
Brekkubær; tel. 354/435-6820; www.islandshotel.is; May-Oct.; from 35,000ISK
Fosshotel Hellnar is a beautiful 39-room country hotel that takes pride in the small things. Guests can find fresh flowers throughout the hotel, and warm staff. Each room has a private bath, a comfortable bed, and a TV. The splendid in-house restaurant (8am-9pm daily; entrées from 3,200ISK), open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in summer, uses fresh organic ingredients with lots of fish and meat options, along with options for vegetarians.
Hótel Búðir
Búðir; tel. 354/435-6700; www.hotelbudir.is; from 55,000ISK
Guests at Hótel Búðir are treated to a comfortable stay with spectacular views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The 20-room boutique hotel features clean and cozy rooms with private baths. The hotel’s top-notch breakfast is included in the rates. It frequently hosts weddings and conferences. The restaurant (8am-9pm daily; entrées from 4,590ISK) features Icelandic staples like fresh cod and lamb dishes, but the chef likes to mix up the menu selections depending on the season. Expect shellfish on the menu. The food is fresh, elegant, and memorable. The hotel is 27 km (17 mi) southeast of Ólafsvík on Route 54.
Information and Services
Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitors Center
Malarrif; tel. 354/436-6888; 10am-5pm daily mid-May-mid-Sept., noon-4pm daily mid-Sept.-mid-May
The Snæfellsjökull National Park visitors center gives an overview of the history, flora, fauna, and geology of the park. The center also provides information on hiking paths and the wildlife that can be seen in the park.
Getting There
Snæfellsjökull National Park can be reached by Route 574, which spans the perimeter of the park along the coastline. A regular two-wheel-drive car will be fine on the unpaved road, but it’s not feasible for cyclists. The park is 197 km (122 mi) from Reykjavík, about three hours via Route 1 to Route 574. Tour companies such as Reykjavík Excursions (tel. 354/580-5400; www.re.is) include stops at Snæfellsjökull.
Plan your trip:
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