Did you know you don’t have to rent a car and drive the ring road to get out into some of Iceland’s most striking scenery? The rugged and dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula teases wild coastlines, black sand beaches, glaciers and lava fields. Yet it’s close enough to Reykjavik to be a manageable day trip, making this one of the most convenient ways to get to know the Icelandic countryside. Coupled with a day trip around the Golden Circle, you’ll leave Iceland not only knowing that it’s extraordinarily beautiful, but also with a clear sense of why it’s unique. In this article we’ll take a look at why you won’t regret booking our Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour.

Why should I choose a Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour after doing the Golden Circle?

After you’ve researched and settled on a Golden Circle tour, you might be forgiven for thinking that you’ve ticked off the Icelandic countryside and can spend the rest of your holiday enjoying the delights of Reykjavik. While there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the capital, from captivating visitor attractions to lively eateries, what makes Iceland so special is largely outside the city. On the Golden Circle, the three main sights all have the wow factor in spades. The moment you descend into the steep-sided Almannagjá Gorge at Þingvellir National Park and immerse yourself in its history and geology will stick with you long after you reach home. Witnessing the spectacle of Strokkur geyser sending a superheated jet of water high into the air as the crowd collectively gasps will have a similar effect, as will experiencing the power of mighty Gullfoss as it crashes down the Hvitá River. Such landscapes are what makes Iceland standout from other visitor destinations. But this island nation has more to offer than the Golden Circle. The emotions you feel as you set eyes on its incredible landscapes and landforms are strong, and most tourists – understandably – have an appetite for more. Iceland beyond the Golden Circle is an attractive proposition. A Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour delivers an experience that makes as indelible an impression as the Golden Circle. This time, however, you’ll get to appreciate its marvellous coastline. When it comes to the tricky question of Snæfellsnes versus the Golden Circle, why choose when you can have both? Allocating two full days to tours beyond Reykjavik gives you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the stunning coastline as well as the magnificent landscapes of the interior.

What does a Snæfellsnes Peninsula day tour from Reykjavík look like?

This tour lasts twelve hours, beginning and ending in central Reykjavik. That’s more than enough time to see the highlights of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, though as with anywhere in Iceland, the more time you have to spend, the more you’ll get out of a place. For that reason we also offer a two-day option. On this small group tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik, you’ll depart from the BSÍ Bus Terminal but can also add a transfer that picks up close to where you’re staying – a big bonus if you’re not based in the downtown area. Conversely if you’re staying within a ten or fifteen minute walk of the BSÍ Bus Terminal you might choose to walk and join us there. Expect to spend about two hours getting to the southern shore of Snæfellsnes and a little more on the return leg from its north coast. We break up the journey with stops, such as a morning break at Borgarnes, so you can stretch your legs and grab a drink or something to eat. The scenery along the way will be a distraction and you’ll be there before you know it. Choosing a small group tour such as this means there are less people to manage, saving time at stops which might involve queuing for a comfort break, for instance. You’ll have a greater share of the guide’s attention, which makes it easier to ask any questions that might occur to you as you listen to their commentary and then explore sites by yourself. It’s also a breeze to get to know your fellow travellers when there aren’t as many of you.

What stops can you expect on this day tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland?

With just one day to see this stellar region, you won’t see everything, but we can give you a flavour of its myriad landscapes. From the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano to the wild and dramatic coastline, this place is a real stunner. Beaches such as the golden sands of Ytri Tunga are a hit with visitors for their novelty value in a country where most others are formed of black volcanic sand. If seals are present here, as is often the case, that’s an added bonus. At Djúpalónssandur, you’ll encounter a beach that’s just as remarkable, but completely different. Here, you’ll find smooth black pebbles – or lava pearls as they’re also called. Incidentally, one of the must-try activities takes place at Djúpalónssandur. On the beach here are four lifting stones, each weighing a different amount as follows:

• Fullsterkur (Full-Strong) 154kg
• Hálfsterkur (Half-Strong) 100kg
• Hálfdrættingur (Half-Carrier) 54kg
• Amlóði (Weakling) 23kg

In the past, they were used to weed out those who couldn’t cope with the demands of going to sea; if you couldn’t lift the 54kg stone onto a platform known as the Stallurinn, you were rejected as a potential oarsman on the fishing boats that set off from Dritvík. It’s harder than it looks! It’s not just beaches that will make a lasting impression: elsewhere the coastline has been eroded into landforms such as wave-cut arches, stacks and stumps. One of the most striking is at Arnarstapi, where the Gatklettur arch is a popular tourist attraction. It’s also one of the places where you might catch a glimpse of many species of nesting seabirds, including fulmar, kittiwakes, shags, puffins and Arctic terns. Volcanic activity has shaped the landscape here too. One of the most fascinating locations is Hólahólar, home to a cluster of craters, the largest of which is open to one side like a natural amphitheatre. There was a farm here once, but it hasn’t had any inhabitants since 1880 – at least of the human kind, for this place is now reputed to be home to Iceland’s fabled Huldufólk. Settlements are thin on the ground in this sparsely populated peninsula. Nevertheless there are a few small coastal villages and ports such as charming Ólafsvík, where we stop, and Stykkishólmur further east. The harbours in these places are still very much in use, a reminder that some Icelanders still make their living from the sea. If we had to pick just one place that brightens up our day tours of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, it would have to be Kirkjufell. The distinctive shape of this mountain is what gives the peak its name; it translates in English as “church mountain”. Alone, this would be a photogenic highlight, but factor in the pretty waterfall that flows in front of it and it’s not hard to see why so many people rave about this particular beauty spot.

What else is there to see in this part of Iceland?

After getting a taste of what Snæfellsnes has to offer, you might be tempted to return for a follow up visit. It’s a popular West Iceland day trip from Reykjavík for good reason. We think it’s also worth mentioning that we offer private tours of the peninsula should you prefer to customise your day trip. You can tailor your itinerary to your own specific interests and in the process, achieve a more exclusive experience than that offered by our small group option. Here are a few examples of what you might choose to see.

Saxhóll

If you enjoyed Hólahólar, then consider visiting nearby Saxhóll. This crater was formed between 3000 and 4000 years ago when hot lava came into contact with water. A metal 396-step staircase allows you to ascend 109 metres to the top of this crater; it’s an easy climb with a shallow gradient. From the top, the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Snæfellsjökull and the surrounding lava fields are just reward for the effort you’ve put in.

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

One of the most interesting aspects of Icelandic culture is its cuisine, which demonstrates how the country has been shaped by its landscapes and isolated position in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Trying some of its more unusual foods is a must, and here at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum you can taste hákarl. This is fermented Greenland shark which has been hung and dried until it’s edible. However, it’s most definitely an acquired taste – can you stomach it?

Stykkishólmur

This attractive port town is where some travellers catch a ferry north to the Westfjords, but it’s worth nosing around too. The compact centre boasts a clutch of old buildings with a fascinating history, such as Norwegian House. It’s actually the oldest building in Iceland with a story that can be traced back to 1828. Inside, exhibits showcase the history of Stykkishólmur.

Vatnshellir Lava Cave

This impressive, 200 metre long lava cave is thought to be around 8000 years old. It was formed during an eruption when a river of lava cooled and left a hollowed out space underground. It’s surprisingly colourful, the result of mineral deposits of iron, sulphur and copper leaving traces of red, yellow and green respectively. Available as an optional extra to our two-day Snæfellsnes tour, it’s something worth considering if you have a passion for geology or wish to delve deeper – literally – into Iceland’s volcanic scenery.

What time of year is best for a Snæfellsnes Peninsula day tour from Reykjavík?

Tours of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula depart year-round and no matter when you come, this part of the country is sure to make a lasting impression. That said, the experience will be very different, so it’s worth considering when you schedule your trip up front. There are pros and cons to weigh up, so take time to figure out what your priorities are.

Summer

In summer, peak season brings with it higher visitor numbers. The weather is statistically likely to be better, with a higher chance of fine, settled weather than at other times of the year – important if you’re keen to drink in the jaw-dropping views. As you’ll be outdoors for much of the time, you might prefer to do so when it’s mild and even sunny. It’s worth noting that on 12th August 2026, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula will be one of the best places to experience the total solar eclipse, a rare phenomenon. Totality in this part of Iceland will last for more than two minutes, making it an attractive proposition.

Winter

Winter encroaches quickly in Iceland meaning that snow can blanket the landscape when the rest of Europe is still kicking about colourful fallen leaves. That’s no bad thing: ice and snow adds an extra element of beauty to an already dramatic landscape. However, there’s a higher chance of tempestuous weather at this time of year which can occasionally disrupt travel. If the skies are clear though, you might get to see the Northern Lights towards the end of your tour or even on the bus back to Reykjavik. It’s also worth noting that lower tourist numbers in winter mean you might have to be flexible with your dates to join a small group tour.

Shoulder seasons

Unpredictable and exciting in equal measure, spring and autumn – Iceland’s shoulder seasons – perhaps offer the best of both worlds. These are times of change, when nature prepares for what’s ahead. In spring, the weather is less full-on than in the depths of winter and the days are lengthening, giving you better light as you tour the main attractions on the peninsula. Yet you’ll get more of a sense of the isolation of the place than you will in summer. Autumn passes quickly in Iceland as winter takes over, but the riot of colours and softer light can be a photographer’s dream if conditions are right.

As you plan your trip to Iceland, you might be weighing up whether to tour the Golden Circle or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. But who says you can’t do both? Pairing a tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with a day trip to the Golden Circle – the ideal add-on to your Reykjavik stay – is a convenient and easy way of ensuring that you see more of Iceland’s most remarkable sights.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returnee hoping to see a little more of the country, try heading a little further off the beaten track. Forget about comparisons: the Golden Circle couldn't be more different than what you’ll see on a Snæfellsnes tour of Iceland’s wild west. Do both; you’ll broaden your horizons in the best possible way. Take our word for it, this part of western Iceland won’t disappoint,