Waymark

Iceland · West Iceland

Snæfellsnes travel guide

"Iceland in miniature" on a wild peninsula

Kirkjufell mountain. Photo: Anjali Kiggal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3hflight from London
KEFnearest main airport
11° in Julwarmest month
-0° in Febcoolest month

The Snæfellsnes peninsula packs much of Iceland into one area: a glacier-capped volcano, lava fields, black and golden beaches, fishing villages and the much-photographed Kirkjufell mountain.

It's about two hours from Reykjavík and much quieter than the south coast.

Good forSceneryPhotographyWalkingQuiet

What Snæfellsnes is known for

  • Kirkjufell

    The arrowhead mountain.

  • Snæfellsjökull

    Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

  • Arnarstapi

    Sea arches and cliffs.

  • Búðir

    A lone black church.

Top things to do in Snæfellsnes

  1. 1

    Kirkjufell

    With its waterfall in the foreground.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Arnarstapi to Hellnar

    A short coastal walk.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Djúpalónssandur

    A beach of black pebbles and shipwreck iron.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Búðakirkja

    The black church on the lava.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Snæfellsnes

Where to stay in Snæfellsnes

Find a hotel in Snæfellsnes

Best time to visit Snæfellsnes

Best value: Sep–May. May to September; winter for aurora over Kirkjufell.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-0.2 C-0°J-0.4 C-0°F0.1 C0°M2.2 C2°A5.1 C5°M8.8 C9°J10.6 C11°J10.2 C10°A7.6 C8°S4.1 C4°O1.5 C2°N0.3 C0°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Snæfellsnes, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h from London to KEF, and flights from most UK airports.

A car is essential. The loop road takes a full day.

Find flights to Snæfellsnes (KEF)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Fewer places to eat, so plan meals.
  • Weather changes quickly.
  • Combine with a night in Stykkishólmur.
Iceland guidesWomen travellersVisasPlugs & adaptersDriving abroadWhen to go

Snæfellsnes FAQ

Day trip from Reykjavík?

Yes, but it's a long one.

Is it worth it?

Yes, it's quieter than the south.

More places in Iceland

Back to the Iceland travel guide + Add Snæfellsnes to your bucket list