This is a gorgeous peninsula just about two hours drive from Reykjavik. Tour companies run day trips up and back from Reykjavik that cover many places on the peninsula. It makes for a long day (12 hours!) but is do-able. If you are on your own and have a car, you can add a night or a stop on the peninsula to your ring road trip or also as a day trip from the capital. Some spots I like on the peninsula or on the way up are:
- Borgarnes – This small town is a key mid-way point between Reykjavik and Snaefellsnes. There is an excellent N1 gas station and gift shop/rest stop. There are also other larger grocery stores and bakeries. M’s TIP – Stock up! Snacks are essential on a roadtrip in Iceland as stores can often be few and far between!
- Arnarstapi – This is an adorable little village with gorgeous rock formations and a sea walk path along it. Great photo opportunities! In the summer (only!) there are a number of tourist cafes or fish and chips shops also at this stop. Arnarstapi | West Iceland
- Budir Black Church – This is one of my favorite spots in Iceland! The setting, near the sea with mountains in the background, is just stunning. The church has a website for more info and also if you want to inquire about having ceremonies here: Búðakirkja
- I’ve not personally stayed at the nearby Budir Hotel, but it gets good reviews.
- Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss – This mountain (and its nearby waterfall) is often described as the most photographed mountain in Iceland. I’ve visited during winter and summer and it looks great with or without snow!
- Stykkisholmur – This is the largest town on the peninsula and is such a cute little place. If you are a fan of the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” some of the scenes were filmed here. Take a stroll around the town and walk up the hill at the harbor to see the lighthouse and the views out.
- The Foss Hotel is the largest hotel in town and there are not many other options if you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience. M’s TIP – The hotel tends to book up, primarily due to tour groups and the lack of other options nearby, so book early! Fosshotel Stykkishólmur – Hotel in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland – Íslandshótel
- Narfeyrarstofa is a really nice restaurant in Stykkisholmur. It recently had an expansion, but I still strongly recommend making a booking, as it is pretty small. Website: Narfeyrarstofa
- For an extra adventure, there is a ferry that leaves from the harbor here and stops in the middle of the Breidafjordur fjord at Flatey Island (no cars allowed) and continues across to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. There is a lovely hotel on the island for an overnight. The ferry takes about an hour and a half. Ferry info here: Seatours
- Shark Museum: Nearby to Stykkisholmur is the Shark Museum for something truly unique. A family-run museum, the tour includes a sample of shark to eat and a visit to the shark drying racks (caution: they are VERY fragrant.). There is also a scenic cemetery and some friendly Icelandic horses nearby. Shark Museum – Bjarnarhöfn Ferðaþjónusta
