Snaefellsjokull National Park Travel Guide

Snaefellsjokull National Park is found on the tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and is one of three National Parks in Iceland. The area is known as "Iceland in Miniature" because of its diverse landscapes, and it's named after its crowning Snaefellsjokull glacier and volcano.

The diverse Snaefellsnes peninsula is home to the Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, incredible coastlines, cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and dramatic lava fields. Many of the top things to do on the Snaefellsnes peninsula are located within the Snaefellsjokull National Park, which sits at the edge of the region.

The area encapsulates many of the geological and geographical features that define Iceland as a whole. This offers visitors a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into the country's stunning beauty, which is why the region is sometimes referred to as "Iceland in Miniature."

Snaefellsnes tours are a popular option for day trips from Reykjavik, either with a guide or on your own with a rental car. There are also plenty of charming fishing villages lining the coast, where there are great Snaefellsnes accommodations for those who want to take more time to explore all that the peninsula has to offer.

Features in Snaefellsjokull National Park

Photo from Snowcat Tour on Snaefellsjokull Glacier

Snaefellsjokull National Park, or "Snæfellsjökulsþjóðgarður" as it's known in Icelandic, is one of three national parks in Iceland. The other ones are at Thingvellir and around the Vatnajokull glacier.

The main feature of Snaefellsjokull National Park is the sub-glacial volcano Snaefellsjokull. This twin-peaked glacier sits at the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula and is visible from Reykjavik across Faxafloi bay on clear days.

The glacier has been an inspiration for artists and writers. Most famously, it was the primary setting for the Jules Verne novel "A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and the Halldór Laxness novel "Christianity Beneath the Glacier."

The location was also foretold to be an alien landing site. On November 5th, 1993, around 500 people were there to greet extraterrestrial visitors, but sadly, they did not appear.

Beyond its place in cultural history, the Snaefellsjokull glacier also provides adventure to thrill-seekers. It's a popular place for glacier tours, where you can go on this glacier hiking tour or this Snaefellsjokull snowcat tour!

Another feature within the Snaefellsjokull National Park is the Budahraun lava field, which encircles the glacier. This moss-coated terrain gives the area a haunting, otherworldly air, especially when draped in snow over the winter months. It's where you'll find the beautiful Budakirkja, an iconic black church that is one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland, along with the Hotel Budir.

The Snaefellsnes coastline is also worth taking time to explore. The beaches of Djupalonssandur and Skardsvik have interesting geology, beautiful seascapes, and rich histories. The Londrangar basalt cliffs and the Gatklettur rock formation, however, are perhaps the most dramatic and picturesque locations. There are many hiking paths along the coastline, with one of the most popular ones being between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

Another interesting feature of the Snaefellsjokull National Park is the Vatnshellir lava cave. It was formed in a volcanic eruption over 8,000 years ago and offers insight into the forces that have shaped Iceland over millennia.

You can only visit with this unforgettable 50-minute Vatnshellir cave tour, which is one of the more popular lava cave tours in Iceland. You'll be able to descend through a spiral staircase to explore its colorful chambers preserved in the volcanic rock formations. Just remember to book ahead of time!

Other Features of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Within an hour of driving from Snaefellsjokull National Park, you can reach many other sites of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The most famous of these is the Kirkjufell mountain, which appeared as "Arrowhead Mountian" in the Game of Thrones television series. It's one of the must-see locations in Iceland and is a beautiful photography destination.

There are many other interesting locations to see, such as the Gerduberg cliffs, one of the longest rows of basalt columns in Iceland, and the Eldborg volcanic crater. Enjoy a hike to the Raudfeldsgja, a mightily impressive gorge that slices into a mountainside, or explore the beach of Ytri Tunga, which is a great location for seal-spotting during the summertime.

How to Visit Snaefellsjokull National Park

Seals at Ytri-Tunga beach

Snaefellsjokull National Park is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Reykjavik. In summer, it's easily explored with a small and affordable rental car, but in winter, it's recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle.

From Reykjavik, travel Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, towards the west. Once you drive through the town of Borgarnes, turn onto Route 54 towards the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Once you arrive at Snaefellsjokull National Park, there are several parking areas available near popular attractions. From there, you can explore the park on foot or by joining Snaefellsnes tours.

Accommodation Options in Snaefellsjokull National Park

The Stykkisholmur harbor is beautiful

Snaefellsjokull National Park is adjacent to historic fishing villages. This is where you can find nice hotels, convenient hostels, and cozy cottages for your stay.

On the edge of the peninsula, choose from accommodation in Arnarstapi or Hellnar to the south or stay in a hotel in Hellissandur and Rif to the north.

Along the north coast, you can stay in Grundarfjordur or find Olafsvik accommodation. This is also where you'll find the charming Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. That's where you'll find main services, restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, fun tours, and more. This is why staying in Stykkisholmur accommodation is a very popular option for travelers.