Looking for a hidden gem on your next trip to Iceland? Snæfellsnes is the perfect place to experience some of the best of Iceland’s wondrous landscapes and its most charming small towns and fishing villages. Around a two hour drive from Reykjavík or a two and a half hour drive from Keflavík International Airport (where you’ll likely enter Iceland), you’ll also stay clear of the hectic tour bus crowds you might find in the Golden Circle (but of course, we encourage you to visit those sites too!).
Hidden Gems of Iceland: Guide to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Getting to Snæfellsnes
To get to Snæfellsnes and have the quieter, individualized experience we had, you’ll need a rental car. We recommend a large SUV, as the winds can get up quite high on the peninsula. Additionally, if you’re staying at Drangar (more on this below!), you will want a vehicle that can handle dirt roads and some potholes.
If you’re coming from Reykjavík, your route will likely take you along Route 1 through Borgarnes. We recommend stopping here for sandwiches, soup, and pastries at Gerirabakari Kaffihus. This café was used as a Pizza Hut in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty!
If you’re touring Iceland’s Ring Road, you can also drive west from Akureyri to reach Snæfellsnes.
Where to stay
Our top recommendation: Drangar (more on Drangar below)
Other hotel/guesthouse options:
- Hotel Karólina: ~$220 USD/night in peak summer
- Hótel Búðir: ~$400 USD/night in peak summer
- Grundarfjordur Bed and Breakfast: ~$200 USD/night in peak summer
We highly highly recommend Drangar, a guesthouse that is truly off the beaten path in Snæfellsnes. If you’re seeking a secluded experience with many of the comforts of home, including wonderful hosts and delicious breakfast, you must stay at Drangar.
Staying at Drangar
Drangar is around a mile and a half down a dirt road off of one of the main highways around Snæfellsnes. The property consists of two buildings – a converted tractor barn (where we stayed) and a converted cowshed (where breakfast is held), both of which are beautiful and modern. The tractor barn features a common area, kitchen, and guest rooms, while the cowshed features a breakfast room that overlooks the water and additional guest rooms. There are 12 guest rooms at Drangar.
Leana and Knútur, the hosts at Drangar, are extremely kind and welcoming, preparing a delicious breakfast for guests each morning and taking the time to discuss the day’s plans with you and offer recommendations.
Where to eat
While not in Snæfellsnes, if driving in from Reykjavík, we recommend stopping at Gerirabakari Kaffihus.
Stykkisholmur, the largest town in Snæfellsnes, has a few different food options along a range of price points.
Upscale ($$$)
- Narfeyrarstofa: seafood, lamb and beef entree options. Cozy and cute space. We recommend reservations, which can be made on their website.
- Sjávarpakkhúsio: seafood. We also recommend reservations here.
Cheap eats ($)
- Hafnarvagninn: fish and chips stand with a view of Súgandisey Island Lighthouse
- Meistarinn: hot dog stand – be sure to check their Facebook page to see if they’re open!
Well-Fed
Visit our Well-Fed page for additional food recommendations and photos
If staying at Drangar, you might also take advantage of their kitchen to cook dinner and/or prep lunches and snacks for your adventures out. There is a grocery store in Stykkisholmur or you can stock up at Costco near the airport on your way in.
We focused on filling up at Drangar’s delicious breakfast and carried snacks with us for our journeying around Snæfellsnes.
However, we did plan a stop at Fjöruhúsio Café before our trek from Hellnar to Arnarstapi. This is a great place to stop to fuel up before, warm up after, or re-fuel during a round trip walk between the fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi.
What to see
Below is a list of our top recommended stops during your time in Snæfellsnes, including Google Maps links. Stay tuned for a post detailing our recommended road trip itinerary!
Kirkjufell
There’s a (paid) parking lot across the street that offers beautiful views of this famous mountain. Just be prepared for wind and hold on to your hats! (We lost ours!)
Hellnar-Arnarstapi walk/hike
One of our favorite activities! Easy cliffside trek between two fishing villages. Be sure to have lunch at Fjöruhúsio Café in Hellnar.
Ytri Tunga Beach
Stop here to see tons of seals! We recommend wearing waterproof shoes as you’ll need to climb over slick rocks and puddles to get the best views. We also recommend arriving early – this is a popular spot for tours/tour buses. Also note that the parking lot is paid – you can pay via an app (this is the case with many locations in Iceland).
Gerðuberg Cliffs
Cool lava rock columns that you can climb
Berserkjahraun
A gravel road loop you can drive or walk along for some incredible views
Búðakirkja
19th century black church by the shore
Lighthouses
- Súgandisey Island Lighthouse (Stykkisholmur)
- Malarrif Lighthouse
- Arnarstapi Lighthouse
Towns
Snæfellsnes has a few small, charming towns. We recommend stopping at a few of these depending on your interests!
Stykkishólmur: features a beautiful lighthouse island, a few dining options (including a grocery store) and numerous hotels. Was also featured in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (although, was portrayed as Greenland!).
Hellissandur: known to be the “street art capital of Iceland”
Ólafsvík: you may choose to do a whale watching tour that leaves from here
Hellnar: quaint, cliffside fishing village. Can be the beginning or turnaround point of your trek between Hellnar and Arnarstapi!
Arnarstapi: can be the beginning or turnaround point of your trek between Hellnar and Arnarstapi. Has a few more dining options and things to see than Hellnar, but still quaint.
Booking your flights
There are many ways to get great deals on flights to Iceland from the U.S., including low-cost carriers (such as PLAY) or using points and miles. Personally, we booked our flight directly through KLM using a refund from an EU cancellation.
See here for resources on cash bookings and using points and miles for flights.