Full-day Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Hidden Treasure of the West, from Reykjavik

Come on an unforgettable journey with a small group and an experienced guide to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. This area is known as "Iceland in miniature" as it is characterized by magnificent and picturesque sites: glacial-carved mountains, endless black beaches, moss topped lava fields, volcanic craters, coastal cliffs topped off by the volcanic glacier Snaefellsjökull and the Center of the Earth.

From your accommodation in Reykjavik, your journey begins in the morning with an 8:00 a.m. pickup. Check out the following to read more about your stops along the way.

Arnarstapi fishing village

This tiny fishing village's coastal cliffs formed when a volcanic eruption's glowing magma hit the wild waves of the Atlantic. Arnarstapi's picturesque coast is known as the most beautiful harbor in the country. Thousands of years of erosion have formed beautiful stone arcs and a remarkable marine geyser. Enjoy a walk along the coastline while your guide tells you stories of Barour, half-man half-troll, and his misdeeds in the area.

Ytri Tunga beach and seal colony

The sandy beach of Ytri-Tunga hides a delightful secret down by the sea behind the farmhouses… a seal colony! Seals love to spend their time on the rocks of this beautiful beach. The friendly, curious creatures tend to climb up on the rocks so you can spot them from a distance.

Londrangar basalt cliffs

The Londrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles in Iceland and are remnants from a bigger crater which has mostly eroded away. Step along the jagged coastline and marvel at this set of 75-meter high basalt pinnacle looming over the entire southern waters. Keep your eyes out for seabirds, northern fulmars and puffins, and others flying by.

Djupalonssandur beach of black volcanic sand

For centuries, this beach of black volcanic sand and stones is where Icelandic fishermen rowed out to the fertile fishing grounds of the Atlantic ocean. Still today you find the so-called “lifting stones” which fishermen used to test out their strength and prove themselves worthy of the physically straining life of Atlantic rowboat fishing. You can try to lift them yourself! Peer out to the sandy reefs of Djúpalónssandur to see the remains of a fishing vessel that was stranded in 1948.

Saxholl crater

Formed over 4,000 years ago, this Volcanic crater has now been made accessible via an iron staircase. You may choose to hike up the staircase. The not too challenging hike gives you a 360° view of the lava fields with the Snaefellsjokull glacier towering over.

Kirkjufell, “The Church Mountain” and Kirkjufellfoss waterfall

This iconic narrow mountain has become the landmark of Snaefellsnes in recent years. The erosive powers of the glaciers during the last ice age about 12,000 years ago gave this mountain its shape. Due to this unique look, it is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland. Look across to see the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall which completes the perfect picture of the mountain. The guides share their tips on the numerous vantage points for the perfect photograph!

Budakirkja, the Black Church of Budir

On the south coast of the peninsula, a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Budakirkja sits alone among a field of lava rocks. Budakirkja was built in 1703 and reconstructed in 1987. It has a historic graveyard, a bell and a chalice from the time it was erected. After arriving to the church, you'll sense the romantic and historic air of the building right away.