How to Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in 2 Days: Iceland’s Miniature Wonderland

Just a couple of hours from Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes [Snai-Fells-Ness] Peninsula packs all of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes into one unforgettable road trip.

Volcanoes, puffins, waterfalls, lighthouses, coastlines, black sand beaches, seals, mountains, glaciers — the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has it all. After all, it is nicknamed “Little Iceland”.

Many travelers complete Snæfellsnes in one day, only stopping at the most popular spots along the way.

However, doing so involves roughly five hours of driving round-trip from Reykjavík. Leaving you a significantly decreased amount of time to explore the peninsula.

If you’d prefer to slow down, hike a few trails, or see some off-the-beaten-path wonders, then spending at least two days in Snæfellsnes is optimal.

In this post, I’ll touch on everything you’ll need to know traveling to Snæfellsnes Peninsula with a customizable two day itinerary.

Your Two Day Itinerary for Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This two day itinerary is going to include all the popular sites such as Kirkjufell mountain and Ytri Tunga Beach.

But, that’s not all.

You’re going to also see some really amazing off-the-beaten-path places that most travelers either don’t have time to see or don’t know about.

With two days traveling the peninsula, you’ll have more time to slow down and really explore what “Little Iceland” has to offer.

This itinerary is ideal for those traveling during the warmer months (May-September), as the daylight gives you the most amount of time to explore.

However, if you plan on visiting in Snæfellsnes during the winter months, expect darker, shorter days. Therefore, you’ll want to customize this itinerary by either staying an additional night or cutting out some activities.

Also, this itinerary is for those starting and ending back in Reykjavik but is easy to customize if you are staying elsewhere.

It will take you around the peninsula in a counterclockwise direction, as this tends to provide the best lighting with the sun behind you during the day. But, if you’d prefer to travel clockwise instead, just start at the end and work your way backwards.

Day 1

07:00 AM – 07:30 am – Depart Reykjavik

• It’s best to leave as early as possible in the morning to help beat the crowds and optimize your time.
• Don’t forget to fill up your car with gas before leaving!
• There is a town about an hour into your drive called Borgarnes where you can fill up your tank and grab a quick bite to eat or grab a cup of coffee/tea if needed.
• Recommended to take a few snacks for the road as places to eat on the peninsula are few and far between.

09:30 AM – Gerðuberg Cliffs

Gerðuberg cliffs is a unique area as you’ll see tall basalt columns lining the hillside.

• This will be quick stop, about 10-20 minutes.

10:30 AM – Hidden Roadside Waterfall

A beautiful and hidden waterfall on the side of the road, unknown to many passing by.

You’ll see a river close to the road, right before you reach Baulárvallavatn lake. Stop on the side of the road and walk up the river for a few minutes, where you’ll reach a nice little waterfall.

• Spend about 20 minutes here.
• Location: 64°54’13.9″N 22°51’17.8″W

11:00 AM – Selvallafoss

Selvallafoss or the “sheeps waterfall” is one of the few waterfalls near Reykjavik where you can walk behind the falls.

If you’re lucky, you may see more than just the waterfall as many Icelandic sheep visit this location for fresh water and lush green grass – hence the nickname.

• Less-visited and off-the-beaten-path.
• Allow about 30 minutes here

11:45 am – Lunch & explore Stykkishólmur

.A colorful fishing village and one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns located on the most northern point of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

• Grab lunch at one of the local restaurants.
  • Sjávarborg has a small café offering wraps, soups, and vegan options.
  • Skipper offers a variety of burgers.
  • Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips food truck has excellent reviews, however, it appears they aren’t open all the time.
• Visit the Súgandisey Island Light Beacon (Lighthouse) with views of the Breiðafjörður Bay.
• Optional: Ocean Adventures tour company offers a variety of tours around Breiðafjörður Bay including a chance to see Puffins! Book in advance and plan accordingly.

1:30 PM – Berserkjahraun Lava Field

Stunning landscapes of 4,000 year old lava fields covered in moss and black volcanic rock.

• From Stykkishólmur, drive on road 54 towards Grundarfjörður, 18 minutes later you’ll turn left onto a dirt road, road 558.
• This will be about a 20-30 minute detour and will be worth every minute.
• The end of the dirt road takes you back to the main road 54.

2:30 PM – Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Now it’s time for the most popular spot on Snæfellsnes Peninsula — Mount Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss!

Kirkjufell mountain is a dramatic landscape as it sits outcasted 416 m (1,519 feet) above sea level and is apparently the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

Depending on the season, the mountain changes in colors from lush green to orangey hues to white.

You may have heard it referenced as either Church Mountain or more recently Arrowhead Mountain, thanks to Game of Thrones.

• Lighting is best in the afternoon or early evening
• Crowds are high during peak seasons but lower during lunch or late afternoon.
• If you’d prefer to see Kirijufell at sunset, check-into your hotel/accommodation first and then come back.

4:00 – Check-Into Hotel / Accommodation in Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður is a good area to stop for the day, check-into your hotel, and relax the rest of the evening.

It doesn’t get much better than staying at Hellnafell Apartments, as you’ll have an all night view of Kirkjufell mountain and even better photo opportunities if the northern lights decide to make an appearance!

• Grundarfjörður has a variety places to stay, some with views of Kirkufell mountain while others are right in the center of the town, close to places to eat or things to do.

Check-out other great options for staying in Grundarfjörður and places near Kirkjufell below!

6:00 PM – Time for Dinner

There’s a variety of restaurants in Grundarfjörður that are delicious, some even overlooking Kirkjufell mountain.

Here’s a few recommendations:

• Upscale Seafood — Bjargarsteinn Mathús – 4.7 ⭐️ – Open Wed-Sunday 6:00 – 9:30 PM
• Comfort Street Food — Mæestro Street Food – 4.8 ⭐️ – Open Thur-Sunday til 8 PM
• Icelandic Domestic Cuisine — Harbour Cafe – 4.7 ⭐️ – Open Everday 6:00 – 8:30 PM

Nighttime Activities in Grundarfjörður

If you aren’t quite ready to settle in for the evening, then here are some fun things to do in Grundarfjörður at night:

• Watch for the Northern Lights (best from September – April). Grundarfjörður is a prime location to see the aurora borealis due to minimal light pollution. Try capturing a shot of them behind Kirkjufell mountain!
• Go stargazing. Again, because of minimal artificial light, Grundarfjörður is a great place to go stargazing, particularly if you are visiting during the summer months and the chances of you seeing the northern lights are slim.
• Go on a kayaking tour around Mt. Kirkjufell during the midnight sun

Day 2

08:00 – Breakfast

Most places in Grundarfjörður open late for breakfast.

There aren’t many choices on the peninsula for breakfast options past Grundarfjörður, so eat now or wait for lunch.

• Harbour Cafe serves full breakfast options and opens at 08:00 AM.
• Valeria Specialty Coffee shop opens at 09:00 AM most days. (No breakfast options)

09:00 – Bugsfoss

The first waterfall of the day is a less-visited but a gorgeous spot as it’s situated between two moss-covered cliffs with multiple tiers near the town of Ólafsvík.

• You’ll likely have this waterfall all to yourself in the morning.
• The rocks are slick, so be cautious, but you can get pretty close if you’re feeling adventurous.

09:30 – Bæjarfoss & Ólafsvík

Another stunning waterfall located right in the town Ólafsvík, this waterfall falls from a cliff and cascades towards the town.

• Park at the unqiue triangular Ólafsvíkurkirkja church and walk to the falls from here.
• Look for the “Kiss Please” sign by the church – a great photo opportunity!
• The Rainbow Street of Ólafsvík is also right by the church. It’s bright and similar to the one in Reykjavik.

As you keep drive through Snæfellsnes National Park, you’ll have nonstop views of the Snæfellsjökull volcanic glacier.

10:00 – Svöðufoss & Kerlingarfoss*

How many waterfalls can be deemed as one of the most beautiful in Iceland? There are too many to count.

And Svodufoss is one of them.

If it’s a clear sunny day, you can get a great view of the waterfall posing in front of Snaefellsjokull glacier.

• 30-minute walk from the parking lot.
• Walk on top of the waterfall for a different angle.
• .Kerlingarfoss is next door. Continue for a mile down the dirt road past Svodufoss.

11:15 – Hellissandur & lunch

As I’ve said before, places to eat are few and far between on the peninsula. So I’d suggest you eat lunch in Hellissandur.

Alternatively, you can wait until you reach the town of Arnarstopi but that’s a couple of hours away if you plan on visiting all the attractions between.

Hellissandur is known for it’s art and magnificent murals and has actually been dubbed as the “Street Art Capital of Iceland”.

As of the date of writing this, there are two places to eat for lunch in Hellissandur.

• Matarlist — Fresh Icelandic dishes – 4.9 ⭐️ – Opens at 11:30
• Elja Kaffihús — Coffee shop/Bistro offering fish soup & bread & pastries

12:30 – Saxhóll Crater

It’s not often you can climb to the top of a volcanic formation like Saxholl Crater.

The views from the top are stunning as you’ll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean among miles of moss covered lava fields.

• Has a metal staircase to the top and is easy to climb.
• Best during spring to autumn. If visiting during winter, donning crampons would be a good idea to avoid slipping on any icy areas.
• Allocate about 30 minutes here.

1:00 PM – Djúpalónssandur Beach

Commonly known as Black Lava Pearl Beach, the scene and contrast of white waves crashing over the black sand of the beach is absolutely breathtaking.

Walking along Nautastígur path down to the beach you’ll cross through many moss covered rocks and gigantic lava formations.

Walking along the beach you’ll come across the remnants of an old ship wreck that occurred in 1948, leaving fourteen dead with only five survivors.

• Look for the Gatklettur rock, as you can snap a perfect shot of Snæfellsjökull glacier through the arch.
• Note that taking anything from the beach such as pebbles, etc, is not permitted.
• Expect to spend about. an hour here.

2:00 PM – Lóndrangar

If you love folklore and the tales of elves, stop at Londrangar for views of basalt formations standing tall along the ocean.

Local folklore tales claim that elves were once the protectors of the land, declaring the cliffs as their own.

• A popular spot for birdwatching as many use the cliffs for nesting — look out for Puffins!
• Allocate about 20 min here.

2:30 PM – Arnarstopi

Known for it’s dramatic coastal cliffs and basalt formations, Arnarstapi is similar to Londrangar but still worth visiting.

More folklore tales such as Bardar who was half-human and half-ogre, once lived on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is still considered the area’s guardian spirit.

• Visit the Monument to the Bard of Snæfellsás
• Gatklettur (Arch Rock) is a natural wonder and popular photographed spot
• Quick stop, perhaps 20 min

3:00 PM – Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Raudfeldsgja Gorge is a moss-covered canyon with a stream running through it and small waterfalls.

You can continue through the canyon as far you’d like, but you’ll likely get wet!

The trail to the gorge involves a short uphill climb across rocky terrain but is considered easy to moderate. Once you reach the top, turn around and be in awe of the amazing panoramic views.

• Allocate about 30 minutes, longer if you’d like to continue through the gorge.

3:45 PM – Budakirkja

Budakirkja is the famous black church that you’ve likely seen photos of as it’s a very popular spot in Iceland.

• Quick stop, about 10 min
• Unable to visit the inside of the church.

4:15 PM – Bjarnarfoss

Easily spotted from the main road, it will be difficult for you not to stop at Bjarnarfoss once you see it.

It cascades with two tiers over 80m (over 260 feet) to the mossy area below.

The walk from the parking lot is easy but you can climb higher on a more difficult section if you’d like to get to the base of the falls.

• Many birds nest in the basalt columns near the top of the waterfall.
• Allocate about 30 min here

5:00 PM – Ytri Tunga Beach

Last but not least, is the Ytri Tunga Beach famous as being one of the few places to see seals.

Home to many harbor and gray seals, you’ll likely see them snoozing atop the rocks.

• Do not disturb the seals, please keep at least 100 yards away at all times.
• Best time to spot the seals is during the warmer summer months.
• Unlike other beaches in Iceland, this beach is known for golden sands.

When you’re ready to leave Snæfellsnes Peninsula, begin your drive back to Reykjavik.

But first, stop for dinner in the town of Borgarnes, about an hour from Ytri Tunga.

6:30 – 7:00 PM – STOP IN BORGARNES FOR Dinner

Finish off your two-day trip to Snæfellsnes with a delicious dinner.

In the town of Borgarnes, you’ll find the bar & restaurant, Bara Borgarnes, where we had one of our favorite meals in Iceland!

I had the best fish & chips and my husband had a delicious lamb dinner.

Apparently, we aren’t the only ones who think this place is fantastic as they have a rating of 4.9 stars on Google.

Final Thoughts

What do you think about this two day itinerary in “Little Iceland”?

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula truly captures everything that makes Iceland magical — from volcanic peaks and lava fields to rugged coastlines and charming fishing villages.

Even though it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Reykjavík, staying overnight allows you slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Take your time, explore beyond the main stops, and soak in the quiet magic of this place. It’s a corner of Iceland that feels both wild and wonderfully peaceful, no matter how many times you visit.

More Things to Do on Snæfellsnes Peninsula