People sometimes describe Snæfellsnes as Iceland in miniature. Given the nature of its landscapes, coupled with a built environment that includes cute countryside churches and unspoilt fishing villages, it’s not hard to see why. Yet though this peninsula feels a world away from Reykjavik, it’s easily doable as a day trip from the capital. In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on the full day Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour by Reykjavik Excursions. We’ll take a look at everything from the places we stop to pick up and drop off logistics, as well as exploring the benefits that you can gain from booking a small group tour such as this.

What will you see if you book a Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour with us?

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is located in West Iceland north of Reykjavik and south of the Westfjords. Occupying a coastal peninsula to the west of the ring road, you’ll need to make a conscious effort to make the detour. On a bespoke itinerary, you might choose to combine this part of Iceland with the Golden Circle, looping inland before returning to the capital. The majority of visitors on guided tours, however, tackle it as a standalone day trip, which is enough to see the main highlights and standout landmarks of the region. Snæfellsnes is known for its breathtaking scenery. The pounding it gets from Atlantic waves has led to some spectacular coastal landforms. Equally impressive is the part of the peninsula that’s home to Snæfellsjökull National Park, where a glacier-topped stratovolcano is the main landmark. Climbing this peak is a challenging but rewarding excursion that requires a day in itself, but even viewing the scene from the bottom is impressive. For travellers keen on taking a less crowded Iceland tour, Snæfellsnes is a smart choice even in summer. However, don’t think for a minute that its status as a relatively underrated part of the country means its sights aren’t as remarkable as popular tour destinations such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast. This striking peninsula really delivers on jaw-dropping views and has charm in abundance. Let’s take a look at where we stop during our small group tour to Snæfellsnes from Reykjavik:

Ytri Tunga

Much of Iceland’s coastline is characterised by black sand beaches or steep-sided fjords. In this respect, Ytri Tunga is entirely different: a swath of golden sand that has the added bonus of hosting a seal colony. If you’re lucky – of course like anywhere, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed – you’ll see the seals hauled out on the rocks; be sure to keep your distance so as not to disturb them.

Arnarstapi

Perhaps the most extraordinary stretch of coastline on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is at Arnastapi. We stop here long enough for you to take a stroll and see the result of wave action on the area’s cliffs. Over time, the rocky shoreline has been sculpted into magnificent arches and other formations that provide a home for nesting seabirds.

Djúpalónssandur

This striking beach is known for its abraded, smooth pebbles, sometimes referred to as lava pearls. It’s a case of look but don’t touch, as these stones are protected by law. Here, you’ll also find a historic shipwreck. Test your own strength through a series of lifting stones; four rocks of different weights were once used to make sure that anyone who went to sea had the physical strength and stamina necessary for such a demanding job.

Hólahólar

Snæfellsnes has a mix of well-known sights and hidden gems, and this place falls into the latter category. It’s a group of volcanic craters and once a farm, though that’s been abandoned for well over a century. According to local folklore, since then, the Huldufólk (hidden people) have moved in.

Ólafsvík

It’s not only nature that draws people to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Located on the northern coast of the peninsula, Ólafsvík has an attractive church and a small harbour. Our stop at this sleepy fishing village enables you to gain a little insight into what everyday life is like for those who work here.

Kirkjufell

Of all the stops we make as we tour the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Kirkjufell is the most famous. In English, it’s known as Church Mountain because of its shape. The view of the peak rising behind its waterfall is as iconic as it gets in these parts and will most certainly have you reaching for your camera.

What to expect during your West Iceland day trip from Reykjavík

Logistics

Our Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour day trip is a convenient way of exploring this enthralling peninsula and jewel of the West Iceland region. For anyone hoping to get a flavour of Iceland in one day, Snæfellsnes ticks a lot of boxes. The tour operates year-round and lasts about 12 hours. It departs at 8am, enabling you to return to the city for a late dinner or a nightcap. As with all our tours, hotel pickups by feeder bus mean that you don’t have to make your way very far from your accommodation no matter where you are staying. There’s a small additional charge for this but many of our guests tell us that it’s worth paying for the convenience. Speak to your guide on the day if you prefer to be dropped off at a different bus stop to the one from which you were picked up. Once you pull in to the BSÍ Bus Terminal, a ten minute walk from iconic Hallgrimskirkja, you’ll board the bus that will take you to Snæfellsnes. The process couldn’t be simpler; simply walk through the terminal and a member of our team will ensure you’re settled into your comfortable seat in next to no time. The journey to the heart of Snæfellsnes takes around two hours, so we make a pitstop at the edge of the peninsula at Borgarnes after about one hour on the road. There’s a bakery close by, so if you’re keen to grab a coffee and pastry for a late breakfast it’s the ideal place. From there, it’s around an hour to the first stop at Ytri Tunga, but there’s plenty to see out of the window along the way.

Seasonal variations

No matter when you come to Iceland, you can book to go on our Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour day trip as it runs in all seasons. It’s a daily tour and you’ll travel with an English-speaking guide who’ll provide interesting and entertaining commentary. Note that for operational reasons, in low season the tour may not run every day but there’s sure to be an opportunity to join us before you return home.

Summer is peak season in Iceland but this region sees fewer visitors than, say, the Golden Circle or perennially popular South Coast. If you’re travelling between June and August, this is an enticing reason to book as it’s a part of the country that still flies relatively under the radar. If you’re hoping to experience Iceland’s famous isolation and wild side, this is the most convenient place to do so for Reykjavik-based visitors.

Winters can be extreme out here on the west coast, but that’s a huge part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula’s appeal at this time of year. As you drive through the enchanting countryside, snow-covered peaks and dreamy lowland landscapes take on a magical quality. The weather can be challenging, with squally showers and gusty winds, but if you dress appropriately it’s a great experience.

In between, spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons. The gap between sunrise and sunset is greater than in December and January which means you’ll spend more of the journey in daylight. However, it’s hard to predict what conditions will be like – thick cloud and persistent downpours can follow delightful fine and sunny days. Whatever the weather, though, the place has enough character to be attractive to visitors.

What to see on a Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip can be unique to specific times of year. For instance, puffins are seasonal visitors to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, so if you’re keen to spot these cute and comical birds, then timing is crucial. They spend a lot of the year far out to see, but they return to Icelandic shores to nest and rear their chicks. Most years they arrive at some point in April and depart around mid-August, though the exact date varies from year to year.

Meanwhile, if you’re keen to see the Northern Lights, we recommend a trip between late August and early April. You’ll need clear skies and plenty of solar activity. In addition, the aurora is only visible when skies are dark enough, which rules out seeing them in the Icelandic summer. However, during our winter trips you might even catch a glimpse of the aurora from the bus window if you’re really fortunate.

What should you pack for your Snæfellsnes peninsula day trip?

If you’ve signed up for our Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip from Reykjavik, then you’ll be out for 12 hours, so it’s a good idea to prepare. You might wish to bring along some snacks and drinks, though there are stops along the way where it’s possible to purchase refreshments, such as at Borgarnes in the morning. Your guide will explain the stops to you so that you don’t miss the chance to eat out if that’s your preference.

As with any outdoor tour in Iceland, wearing the right kind of clothing is essential if you are to remain warm and dry – the recipe for a happy traveller. Nothing kills the mood quicker than being damp and cold, no matter how amazing the scenery is. The weather anywhere in the country is unpredictable, even in summer. For that reason we advise our guests to dress in layers that can be pulled on or taken off as necessary. Bring a small backpack that you can store discarded garments – you can leave it on the bus when we make our stops.

Make sure that the outer garments you choose are windproof as well as waterproof. You’ll be glad of gloves and a snug hat if it is forecast to be cold – remember much of the body’s heat is lost through the top of your head – but make sure it isn’t likely to blow off if it’s gusty. For the same reason there’s little point in bringing an umbrella.

Though there’s not any significant hiking during this day trip, the paths at some of the coastal stops can be a little uneven. It’s manageable for most people without significant mobility issues. Nevertheless, you may wish to wear hiking boots with ankle support. That’s especially true if conditions are icy, and in fact in those instances we suggest wearing crampons – these pull over the soles of your shoes to give you a bit more grip on slippery surfaces. You can bring them with you or buy them in Reykjavik once you arrive in Iceland.

No matter when you take our Snæfellsnes day tour from Reykjavík, we can pretty much guarantee that you’ll want to be able to take loads of pictures. Set your smartphone to low power mode to extend the battery and bring a power bank to top up. If you have a traditional camera, make sure batteries are fully charged and you pack a spare. Some of the stops on this tour, such as Kirkjufell, are among the most photographed places in the country.

The Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour by Reykjavik Excursions packages up this stellar region into one easily manageable day trip. If you have limited time in the country and wish to see Iceland in one day, Snæfellsnes is it. This place delivers, combining glacial, volcanic and coastal scenery. Alongside this diverse array of landscapes, you’ll get a glimpse into rural life in Iceland, a stark contrast to Reykjavik’s lively city vibes. It’s this dramatic change of pace that is so compelling, so why not book yourself a place on this Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip from Reykjavik and see a different side to Iceland?