Breakfast at The Old Post Office
Enjoy a quick self catered breakfast at your accommodation before starting your exploration of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure
July 14-24, 2025
🌋 Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
July 23
"The earth has music for those who listen."
Day Summary
Explore the diverse wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" for its concentration of landscapes from around the country. Today's journey takes you around this magical peninsula with its dramatic coastlines, black pebble beaches, lava fields, and the glacier-topped Snæfellsjökull volcano that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth." From rugged sea cliffs to hidden hot springs, today showcases some of Iceland's most unique and photogenic landscapes.
Total Driving: ~295 km (183 miles), 5 hours
- The Old Post Office, Grundarfjörður to F570 Scenic Drive Start: ~15 km (9 miles), 15 minutes
- F570 Scenic Drive to Arnarstapi - Snowcat Tour Meeting Point: ~35 km (22 miles), 1 hour
- Arnarstapi to Djúpalónssandur: ~15 km (9 miles), 15 minutes
- Djúpalónssandur to Western Peninsula Stops: ~70 km (43 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes
- Western Peninsula to Ytri Tunga Beach: ~40 km (25 miles), 35 minutes
- Ytri Tunga Beach to Lanbrotalaug Hot Spring: ~20 km (12 miles), 25 minutes
- Lanbrotalaug Hot Spring to Gerðuberg Basalt Columns: ~15 km (9 miles), 20 minutes
- Gerðuberg Basalt Columns to Airbnb in Akranes: ~65 km (40 miles), 55 minutes
Daily Schedule
Drive F Road to Snowcat Tour Meeting Point
F570 is an old mountain road connecting Ólafsvik with Arnastapi. The road is steep and narrow at several spots, but beautiful! It is also the closest road to Snæfellsjökull glacier. Super jeep tours use it for reaching the glacier and also for bringing the snowmobiles up towards the glacier.
Hellnar to Arnarstapi Coastal Path
Hike this stunning 2.5-mile one-way coastal trail featuring dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, arches, and nesting bird colonies. The path offers constant views of the ocean and volcanic rock formations created by ancient lava flows meeting the sea.
The Diamond Snowcat Tour on Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Experience an unforgettable adventure on a snowcat vehicle driving up the famous Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the summit and learn about this iconic glacier that inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.'
Lunch in Arnastapi
Have a quick light lunch at one of the cafes in Arnastapi. You can also pack a lunch from the grocery store in Grundarfjörður to enjoy at one of the scenic spots along the way.
Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach
backtrack on utnsvegur to explore this dramatic black pebble beach with its uniquely shaped rocks, rugged lava formations, and remnants of a British trawler shipwreck from 1948. The beach is known for the 'lifting stones' that were used to test the strength of fishermen.
Drive back along the western tip to see the highlights of the snuffleupagus peninsula
Backtrack to see the sights on the peninsula's western tip. stopping to explore the sights.
Ytri Tunga Beach
Visit this golden sand beach (rare in volcanic Iceland) known for its resident seal colony. The seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks just offshore, especially during low tide.
Lanbrotalaug Hot Spring
Relax in this small, natural hot spring located in a scenic valley. The hot spring is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Dinner in Borgarnes
Enjoy dinner at Settlement Center Restaurant in Borgarnes, known for its quality Icelandic cuisine. The restaurant offers dishes made with local ingredients and has a cozy atmosphere.
Drive to Akranes
Complete your journey to Akranes, a town situated on a peninsula just north of Reykjavík.
Check in at Airbnb in Akranes
Arrive at your accommodation and settle in for your final night in Iceland.
Key Highlights of the Day
- SnowCat tour of the snuffleupagus glacier
- The dramatic black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur
- Hiking the spectacular coastal path from Hellnar to Arnarstapi
- Spotting seals at Ytri Tunga Beach
Accommodations
Airbnb - PatrycjaAkranes, Iceland
Cost: $163.89
Room Type: Room
Note: Akranes is conveniently located about 40 minutes from Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, making it a good base for your final night in Iceland.
Alternative Activities
- Berserkjahraun Lava Field: 4,000-year-old lava field with fascinating history from the Icelandic Sagas. The name comes from the Story of Hörður and the Berserkers, who allegedly cleared a path through the lava.
- Svörtuloft Lighthouse: Striking orange lighthouse perched on dramatic black cliffs at the westernmost point of the peninsula. The area offers excellent birdwatching and views of the North Atlantic.
- Ingjaldshóll Church: Historic church with fascinating Christopher Columbus connection - he allegedly studied here before his voyage to America. One of Iceland's oldest concrete churches with beautiful mountain views.
- Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge: Narrow canyon with stream running through it that you can enter and explore. According to legend, a young boy named Rauðfeldur was thrown into the ravine by his uncle Bárður (the half-troll, half-man protector of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula).
- Stykkishólmur Town: Charming fishing town with colorful Norwegian-style houses and excellent seafood restaurants. Featured in the film 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and offers ferry connections to the Westfjords.
Bad Weather Alternatives
- Pakkhús Museum: Cultural history museum in Ólafsvík with exhibits on local fishing industry and culture, housed in an old fish packing house.
- Library of Water: Unique art installation in Stykkishólmur featuring 24 glass columns filled with water collected from Iceland's major glaciers. Created by artist Roni Horn.
- Shark Museum (Bjarnarhöfn): Learn about the traditional process of fermenting Greenland shark to make hákarl, Iceland's infamous fermented shark dish. Includes taste samples for the brave.
Hot Springs
- Landbrotalaug: A tiny natural hot pot that fits only 2-3 people (already in your itinerary), good for afternoon relaxation.Location: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaCost: Free✨ Evening Relaxation
- Sturlungalaug: A hidden gem hot spring on the Snæfellsnes peninsula with mountain views, less visited than others.Location: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaCost: Free
- Krauma Geothermal Baths: Located near Borgarnes on your way to Akranes, these modern thermal baths use water from Europe's most powerful hot spring. Ideal for evening relaxation with both hot and cold baths.Location: Near BorgarnesCost: 4,900 ISK (~$35) per person✨ Evening Relaxation
Notes
- The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a perfect finale to your Iceland Ring Road adventure, showcasing many of the landscape features you've seen throughout your trip in one compact area.
- This is a flexible day with many possible stops; adjust based on weather and your interests.
- If planning to visit Vatnshellir Cave, consider booking the tour in advance during high season.
- Look into this self guided audio tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula:https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g608868-d27989125-Snaefellsnes_Peninsula_Self_Guided_Driving_Audio_Tour-Borgarnes_Borgarbyggd_West_R.html