If you want to experience all the geological wonders Iceland has to offer in the course of an afternoon, head northwest from Reykjavik and to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snæfellsjökull has some of the most photographed sights in Iceland, from Instagram’s famous Budirkirkja and Kirkjufell to the region’s namesake glacier and Lóndrangar, the stone towers seen around the world in ‘Game of Thrones’.
If you are heading to the west fjords, this is an easy stop on your way. But if you were planning on just heading south, consider adding a detour to your trip to visit Snæfellsjökull.
History and background
The area that passes in your unit is called Hvalfjörður or Whale Fjord. It used to be a common place to pass migrating whales. Today, it is a very popular spot for travelers heading to the West Fjords to stop for a scenic break.
The national park is surrounded by a handful of villages, the largest being Olafsvik, Rif, and Hellissandur. These villages have a history as some of the most important fishing centers in the country in the last 1,000 years. The nearby bay of Breiðafjörður welcomes the success of fishing in the region: its easy access to the ocean prompted the construction of fishing stations throughout the region. Today, fishing still exists, but tourism has also contributed to keeping this area of the country active.
How to get there
Snaefellsjokull National Park fights the western fjord region for being the westernmost point in the country. There are two ways to get to Snaefellsjokull from Reykjavik: the 3.5-mile Hvalfjörður Tunnel (which has a ~ $ 10 toll) or the more scenic route along Route 1 which will add about an hour to your travel time. Taking the tunnel route will take you from Reykjavik to the national park in less than three hours.
What to expect
There is no big sign (although there is one) to greet you at the park entrance. In fact, you won’t be able to see much of a difference between the area surrounding the park and the actual park. Much of Iceland is covered in lava rock fields and Snaefellsjokull National Park is no exception.
For this reason, you’ll want to do a little research before visiting. While there are directive signs pointing to the various landmarks, some of the best views are slightly hidden. Read on local blogs to find the best places that are worth your vacation. Guide to Iceland and I Heart Reykjavik are two blogs that are useful for general knowledge.
Activities and things to see
As mentioned above, this area of the country has a little bit of everything: black sand beaches, picturesque churches, impressive cliffs, volcanic craters, and lava tube systems. Here are some things not to be missed on your trip:
Budirkirkja – Iceland’s black church is on strike against mossy surroundings. While the church is impressive, expect to see a wedding party or two during the summer hoping to share vows and take photos, the area behind the church should not be missed. There are fields in the back that will lead you to the cliffs. There, you will find out where the sounds of your white noise sleeping machine were recorded. (Not really, but maybe).
Kirkjufell: Known as “Church Mountain”, it will be difficult to find a time when this area is not packed with photographers. You can hike around the base of the mountain, but there is a more challenging hike up the steep incline. At a certain point, there is a rope that was laid down by the locals that will help you keep your balance. Hire a guide if you’re doing the more challenging hike – they can also point out the fossils the mountain is known for.
Don’t miss the nearby waterfalls, Kirkujufellsfoss. They are small and you can climb to the top in less than a minute. There is also a great view of the mountain from the falls.
Lóndrangar: Lóndrangar is actually the remains of a crater, which today appears as a set of towers that jut out into the ocean. You can walk to the towers by a path called Þúfubjarg that will take you away from the parking lot and closer to the beach. Be sure to look back too – the proximity to Snæfellsjökull is not to be taken lightly.
Djúpalónssandur Beach – This black sand beach is located behind Budirkirkja and is home to a host of tourist delights. Nicknamed Black Lava Pearl Beach, there is a path (Nautastígur) from the nearby parking lot that will take you through a lava field with huge rock formations. Behind the path, you will find two deep lagoons that give the beach its name (translates as “Deep lagoon sand”). It is believed that Guðmundur the Good once blessed these waters.
You can also see parts of an airplane, left behind from The Epine GY7 crash that occurred on March 13, 1948. Also keep an eye out for Söngklettur, or Singing Rock, which is said to be the Church of the Elves.
Saxhóll Volcano Crater – You can climb this entire crater of the extinct volcano. A set of stairs has been added to the side of the Saxhóll crater, winding it up and giving you a fantastic view of the surrounding national park. It’s very windy so be careful while navigating the rocky terrain. The crater itself is large, but there are still dangerous ledges.
Vatnshellir – A spiral staircase will take you 115 feet underground in an 8,000-year-old lava tube system. The only way to get in is by paying an entrance fee to the tour company that will take you (safely) to the metro and to Vanshellir. Tours of this cave take place every hour between 10 am and 6 pm during the summer and twice a day during the winter. The cave is a 10-minute drive from the town of Arnarstapi.
Snaefellsjokull Glacier – This glacier-capped volcano is over 700,000 years old and can even be seen from Reykjavik. There are tons of tour operators who will take you on a glacier hike. Fun fact: This is where Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” originated.
Where to stay nearby
If you want to spend the night next to what may be the most photographed church in Iceland, head to Hotel Budir. While it’s the best option, there are a handful of other accommodations in the area: Fosshotel Hellnar, Hotel Olafsvik, and Arnarstapi Hotel. Airbnb is also a great resource if you are looking for a more local experience.
