Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Day Trips and Tours from Reykjavík

Often nicknamed “Iceland in miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the most diverse regions in Iceland. Brimming with immense glaciers, ancient lava caves and volcanic beaches, the province is a spectacular spot for all nature lovers.

By booking a day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík you’ll be transported on a whirlwind journey to experience the most spectacular jewels of Iceland.

Here's all you need to know about Snæfellsnes Peninsula, one of the most exciting day trips from Reykjavík.

How to get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík?

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is located on the western coast of Iceland, between Reykjavík and the Westfjords. It is approximately 140 kilometers from the capital city.

From Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula by car

It takes just under 2 hours to make the journey to Snæfellsnes Peninsula by car. You’ll drive north out of the city, following Vesturlandsvegur/Þjóðvegur 1.

Once you’ve crossed the Borgarfjarðarbrú bridge, you’ll merge onto Route 54 and follow it all the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

From Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula by bus

You can also make the jaunt to Snæfellsnes Peninsula by bus. Head to BSI Coach Terminal and take Line 57 out of the city as far as Borgarnes.

From there, hop on another bus to Stykkisholmur, located within the peninsula. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours in total.

Guided tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík

Alternatively, leave the organization to someone else by booking a guided excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

You’ll meet at a convenient location in the center of the city between 8 AM and 9 AM, and tours last between 11 and 12 hours. Some guided trips also offer a convenient hotel pickup service.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day tours to Snæfellsnes Peninsula all follow their own unique itineraries. However, you can usually expect to leave the city on a bus and head north toward the dramatic landscapes of the region.

Along the way, you’ll stop at various fascinating landmarks and learn about their history. These include the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, the uniquely-shaped mount of Kirkjufell and the towering Snæfellsjökull Volcano.

As you make your way around the coast, you’ll come across several seaside fishing villages, where life has moved in a similar way for centuries.

After exploring the different landscapes on a guided excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, your tour may travel back to Reykjavík.

Alternatively, you can choose to extend your adventure by opting for a multi-day trip. If you choose this option, you’ll spend your remaining days exploring iconic landmarks around the south of Iceland.

These may include the Golden Circle, Borgarfjordur and Skaftafell National Park.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are a plethora of excursions to this region of Iceland. Allow your itinerary and personal preferences to define which day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula you book.

Day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík

Swap the skyscraper views for wild landscapes on this Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip. Aboard a comfortable bus, you’ll witness the full scope of Iceland’s diversity as you travel through traditional fishing villages, including the waterside town of Grundarfjörður.

You’ll see the most photographed mount in Iceland —  Kirkjufell — and marvel at its unique arrowhead shape. Sink your toes into the black sand of Djúpalónssandur and traverse the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull Volcano before returning to the city.

2-Day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula plus Lava Cave and Silver Circle from Reykjavík

On a 2-day trip, you’ll have extra time to experience the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and beyond. Explore the Vidgelmir Lava Cave — the result of a colossal volcanic eruption over 1,000 years ago — and gaze upon the steaming hot springs of Borgarfjordur.

Witness two of the country’s most impressive waterfalls before immersing yourself in Icelandic culture by staying with a local family overnight.

4-Day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula plus South Coast, Golden Circle and Blue Ice Cave from Reykjavík

If you have longer to spare in Reykjavík, participate in a 4-day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, plus several more of the country’s natural highlights.

As part of a small group, you’ll explore the peaks, craters and volcanic beaches that form the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

You’ll also see the trio of landmarks that form the Golden Circle — Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park — as well as the extraordinary glaciers of Skaftafell National Park. Return to Reykjavík after your thorough education of southern Iceland.

How much does a day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavík cost?

A day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula costs between US$130 and US$150 each. Your tour will take place on a bus and you’ll have several stopping points along the way.

If you wish to participate in a multi-day tour, you’ll pay approximately US$420 per person for a 2-day adventure, which includes accommodation and breakfast.

Alternatively, opt for a 4-day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which costs US$1,120 per person and takes place in a small group.

What will you see and do?

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell — also known as Church Mountain — is an eye-catching hill, situated on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its iconic shape has served as an impressive landmark since before the first settlers of Iceland arrived during the 9th century.

Its distinctive peak adds to the mount's appeal, originally said to resemble a church, hence Kirkjufell's name.

However, these days, the peak is more often likened to an arrowhead, which is one of the reasons it is so popular among tourists. Most recently, Kirkjufell has gained fame through its feature in "Game of Thrones" as the “Arrowhead Mountain.”

Djúpalónssandur

Djúpalónssandur is a sandy bay, located on Iceland's southwest coast, within the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Unlike the powdery white sand of other European nations, Djúpalónssandur is formed of volcanic rocks that have eroded over thousands of years and was once a thriving bay for fishermen.

These days, the beach is uninhabited, leaving visitors to experience the tranquility of its shores alone. As you amble along the black stretch, you'll come across four lifting stones.

These were originally used by fishermen to test their strength. In order to work aboard a vessel, men must prove they could lift at least 54 kilograms with ease.

Snæfellsjökull Volcano

Snæfellsjökull is an active stratovolcano that rises over 1,400 meters and is more than 700,000 years old. It is believed that Snæfellsjökull's last eruption was between 50 A.D. and 350 A.D., and more than 20 lava flows have been documented in total.

For centuries, locals have considered this mountain to be sacred,  with mystical powers and magical properties.

This mysticism has been cemented by its appearances in literature, most notably referenced as “the gateway to a new world” in Jules Verne’s "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Today, this alluring mountain continues to intrigue visitors from across the globe with its distinctive features, such as lava tubes and ice caves.

When is the best time to visit Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

The best time to plan a day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula is between May and August when you can experience Iceland’s midnight sun. The weather is also mild during this time, ranging from 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.

While this is the busiest season for tourists, you will still be able to explore the attractions of Snæfellsnes Peninsula with ease.

Travel tips

• The weather can change significantly between different altitudes, so ensure you bring several spare thermal layers with you on your Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip.
• If you have extra time to spare in Reykjavík, participate in a multi-day tour, which will enable you to gain the deepest insight into Iceland’s natural wonders.
• Take plenty of water and snacks with you on any day tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as you’ll spend your day mostly in the wilderness.