Experience Iceland in miniature form as they call this the peninsula with everything on it. From waterfalls to volcanic craters to stunning coastlines, you will experience a bit of everything on this tour as you circumnavigate the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Stops will include Iceland’s famous Black Church as well as the fishing village of Arnarstapi which is known for its dramatic basaltic coastline. Lóndrangar, also known as the castle rock, will showcase this even more being a sea stack that formed from volcanic activity over thousands of years. You will visit the massive Svöðufoss waterfall which runs down from the top of one of Iceland’s most famous volcanos- Snaefellsjokull. To end your day, you will visit Iceland’s most iconic mountain, Kirkjufell, where you will get to experience a magical double waterfall, a perfectly symmetrical conical mountain, and the perfect spot for some beautiful photos. 

 Pickup

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in your private vehicle at 8 a.m. From there, you will begin the two-and-a-half-hour journey toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, you will pass through the beautiful Icelandic countryside including Hvalfjörður, also known as the ‘Whale Fjord’.

The Black Church

Your first stop of the day will be at Iceland’s famous Black Church- Búðakirkja. This beautiful church is situated in the middle of an ancient lava field with Snaefellsjokull Volcano visible on a clear day. The church dates back to the 18th century and has a fascinating history, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years. This is a perfect place to both admire the Icelandic architecture as well as the surrounding landscape that it sits in. We suggest taking 10 minutes to walk on one of the many footpaths in the area that lead into the lava fields. 

Arnarstapi Village

Just 15 minutes from the Black Church, you will come to your next stop, Arnarstapi Village. This quaint fishing village is situated on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the ocean and boasts a stunning coastline of basalt formations and dramatic sea stacks. After exploring the beautiful houses and harbor of the village, you will be able to take a leisurely walk along the cliffs to Gatklettur Arch, a natural arch formation that has been carved out of the surrounding cliffs by the crashing waves from the Atlantic Ocean over thousands of years. From there, you can walk further down the rugged coastline and discover a natural land bridge known as Midgja which goes over a small basaltic cove. Stay away if you are afraid of heights! 

Lóndrangar

Our next stop is Lóndrangar, a massive photogenic castle-like formation located near the westernmost tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This distinctive geological feature is made up of two volcanic rock pinnacles that rise dramatically out of the surrounding landscape, reaching heights of 75 and 61 meters respectively. As we approach Lóndrangar, you’ll notice that the rocks have been weathered by the elements, creating a unique formation that adds to the otherworldly feel of the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resident birdlife, including fulmars and kittiwakes, that call the cliffs of Lóndrangar their home.

Svöðufoss Waterfall

Moving towards the northern part of the peninsula now, we will turn onto a dirt road towards a hidden gem known as Svöðufoss Waterfall. This waterfall is a relatively unknown attraction until recently due to the official trail to it having just been completed in 2022. This makes it a perfect place to visit for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience that most tour companies still don’t visit. The waterfall itself sports a few smaller falls at the base with the larger one surrounding a basalt cliff coming down from Snaefellsjokull. Don’t be afraid to fill your water bottle with some fresh glacial water while you are here.

Lunch Break in Olafsvik

After visiting the falls, we will enter a larger fishing village known as Olafsvik. This charming town on the northern side of the peninsula has some nice restaurants that your guide will show you to choose from. We always recommend trying the fish since it is served fresh from the local fisherman. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. 

Kirkjufell Mountain

We saved the best for last! The final stop on our Snaefellsnes journey will be Iceland’s most famous and photographed mountain, Kirkjufell. Kirkjufell is often called “the Church Mountain” because of its distinctive shape, which resembles a church steeple. On top of that, the landscape in front of the mountain is equally as impressive with double waterfalls coming down into blue pools to create a magical scene out of fantasy. This may be the reason that HBO’s Game of Thrones decided to depict and film season seven’s Arrowhead Mountain at Kirkjufell. Whether you get a colorful sunset or a snowy white day, Kirkjufell always provides its guests with a beauty, unlike any other mountain in the world.

Drop-off

We will conclude this tour of Snaefellsnes with a scenic trip back to Reykjavik via the northern side of the peninsula and then head south over a mountain pass to complete our loop of Snaefellsjokull National Park. After the two-and-a-half-hour journey, your guide will drop you back off at your accommodation with happy memories of your day exploring miniature Iceland. 

Throughout the tour, your photographer will capture the beauty of the landscapes and the memories of your trip, so you can relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about taking photos. At the end of the journey, you will receive an edited photo package as a keepsake of your Snaefellsnes Peninsula adventure within 14 days.