Arnarstapi

Day Trips

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty in a single area. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. The 10-hour tour takes in a variety of landscapes in a compact region, immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

During this full-day (10-hour) excursion from Reykjavik you’ll travel along the Snæfellsnes peninsula and through the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Stop to enjoy the small village of Arnarstapi and take a walk through the rugged and dramatic landscape by the shore. Visit the the gorgeous black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, see the rock formations and hear stories about famous shipwrecks off the coast. Enjoy the view of the world famous triangular mountain Kirkjufell, which was used to depict the Arrowhead Mountain in the series Game of Thrones.  With some additional stops along the route you’ll get a good overall sense of the magical influence of the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Discover an oasis of tranquility in the west of Iceland and journey back to the land of myriad secrets and ancient landscapes. Make your way to the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where mangled lava fields reveal the stresses and destruction the land once endured. Marvel at volcanic rocks of unimaginable shapes as they flare up in twisted forms from the earth. Take a walk beside the jagged cliffs of Arnarstapi and see the beautiful arcs of Hellnar, where pillars of basalt slowly ascend from the unforgiving sea. Take in the stunning backdrop of the summit of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Journey along roads less traveled to find beaches of lava and smooth volcanic rock at Djupalónssandur. End on the north side of the peninsula at the high mountain of Kirkjufell. Then, journey back to Reykjavik with a new sense of calm and positive energy. Along the way, benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience of the guides. They will share not only the must-see sites but local knowledge, great stories and personal recommendations to make the most of your time in Iceland.

Spend the day in Snæfellsnes National Park, described as “Iceland in Miniature,” on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Following your transfer from the city center, travel along the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsnes Glacier, enjoying mountain scenery on one side, and the unique Breiðafjörður beach on the other. Locals call it the "Golden Beach" as it is one of the only beaches in Iceland that is not made of black sand. Pass small towns and fishing villages, including the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and see spectacular birds nesting in cliffs by the sea. Look out for other wildlife, including - if you are lucky - seals! End in the center of the park at the mighty Snæfellsjökull volcano glacier, made famous by Jules Verne in “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” On the north side of the peninsula you will see the famous church-shaped Kirkjufell Mountain, with the nearby waterfall of Kirkjufellfoss.

Put on your hiking boots and join the tour group on a wonderful hike to one of the most beautiful peaks in Iceland. Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-covered volcano located on Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland and stretching 1446 m above sea level. Admire the stunning views over the peninsula, made famous by Jules Verne's book, Journey to the Center of the Earth. The entire hike from the base of the glacier usually takes about 5-6 hours.  Starting from Snæfellsnes road, hike along a rocky path for 1-hour to get to the base of the glacier. Stop to put on glacier gear, crampons, harness, ice axes, and ropes. The guides will show you how to use this equipment and there will be time to stop for a snack and water.  Hike for about 3 hours to the summit of Snæfellsjökull. On clear days the view is beautiful over the peninsula. Depending on your inclination, stop at around 1400 m or adventure all the way up to 1446 m. It is a steep slope to the top of the peak that is protected with ropes. Spend some time at the summit to eat some lunch and take in the stunning views. Head back down along the same trail which usually takes between 1-2 hours. 

Visit Mini Iceland, or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this guided day tour. See everything Iceland has to offer in one trip from lava fields, waterfalls, and folklore, to seals, volcanic craters, and mountains. Learn the local legends and see a local seal colony up close and personal. Begin your trip in the local town of Borgarnes. Grab some snacks before heading to the peninsula and try to catch a peak of the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano. Arrive at the Berserkjahraun lava field, and learn the origin of its name. Picture next, Kirkjufell, famously known for its role on the "Game of Thrones" television show, and for being the most-photographed mountain in the entire country. Visit the neighboring waterfall, and be swept away by the magic. Climb the staircase to the top of Saxholl, a 100 meter high volcanic crater. Reach the top and be rewarded by the stunning views of this 3000 year old feat of nature. Learn local legends, and the history of the strong Icelandic ancestry. Venture into the uninhabited settlement of Djupalonssandur, and test your strength like local men used to on the beach. Head to the fishing village of Arnarstapi and witness the beautifully eroded cliffs and the sculpture of Barour Snaefellsas. Discover a deeper understanding of Icelandic history at Budakirkja, or the "Black Church." View historical artifacts from the 19th century, all thanks to a woman named Steinunn. Find yourself at last at the enchanting golden-colored beach of Ytri-Tunga. Witness a huge seal colony, laying on the rocks and enjoying the sun. Find the exact place they love to relax, and try not to disturb their nap.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Snæfellsjökull National Park on this day trip from Reykjavik. After getting picked up from your hotel in the morning, travel through the region of Snæfellsnes. Enjoy panoramic views of the area's rolling cliffs, lava fields, and mountains. Upon arrival at your first stop, Ólafsvík, enjoy a wander through the streets of Iceland's oldest market town and stop for lunch at a delicious local restaurant. Next, continue to Stykkishólmur and take in breathtaking views of Breiðarfjarðarflói. Later, head to Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Listen to your local guide's stories about the elves and trolls who are said to live here and learn more about the glacier's mythical history before returning to Reykjavik.