Snaefellsnes Peninsula : Mount Kirkjufell > Saxhóll Crater > Djúpalónssandur Beach > Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs > Arnarstapi > Ytri Tunga Beach

Snaefellsnes Peninsula > Laugarbakki

It was a peaceful and lovely morning, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead.

We savored a simple breakfast at the Kirkjufell Guesthouse, enjoying freshly baked bread we had picked up from the supermarket in Grundarfjörður the previous day. The quiet start to the day allowed us to recharge and prepare for the journey ahead.

Resuming our road trip, we couldn’t resist stopping by Mount Kirkjufell once again to marvel at its breathtaking beauty. Standing tall and majestic against the ever-changing Icelandic sky, the mountain remains a timeless icon that never fails to captivate and inspire awe.

As we drove along Iceland’s scenic roads, each turn revealed stunning new landscapes. Before long, snow began to gently fall, a magical moment that transformed the surroundings, even though it lasted only a few minutes. True to Iceland’s nature, the weather shifted as quickly as it arrived, serving as a vivid reminder of the country’s ever-changing and unpredictable climate.

Saxhóll Crater was formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption, leaving behind a striking feature in the rugged Icelandic landscape. Standing at approximately 100 meters high, the crater is easily accessible thanks to a metal staircase that makes the ascent simple and enjoyable.

From the top, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular. Surrounding lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with other craters and framed by adjacent mountains and ridges. The majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier towers in the distance, while the shimmering Atlantic Ocean completes the breathtaking scene.

Djúpalónssandur Beach, also known as Black Lava Pearl Beach, boasts a unique charm that makes it a must-see destination on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

From the parking area, a short walk down the Path of the Bull leads to the beach. The trail first winds through a rugged lava field, offering an otherworldly landscape. Along the way, keep an eye out for Gatklettur, a peculiar rock with a hole in it. If you look through the hole, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

Continuing down the path, the landscape transforms again as you arrive at the beach. Scattered across the sand are the rusted iron remains of the British trawler, Epine GY7, which wrecked east of Dritvík cove on 13March1948. Of the 19 crew members, only five survived.

The beach itself is extraordinary, covered in smooth black pebbles known as Djúpalónsperlur, “Pearls of Djúpalón.” These unique stones give the beach its nickname and make it a truly enchanting spot.

We spent time exploring the area, admiring the dramatic rock formations that dot the landscape. However, we remained cautious, keeping a safe distance from the ocean after hearing many warnings and seeing videos of dangerous sneaker waves, a reminder of the coastline’s unpredictable nature.

Djúpalónssandur Beach is not just a visual treat but also a place rich in history and geological wonder, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs offer a truly majestic coastal spectacle on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, embodying the raw beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. These towering basalt columns are believed to be the eroded remnants of an ancient volcanic crater, sculpted over thousands of years by the relentless forces of wind and sea.

Formed from rapidly cooled lava flows, the columns are composed of basalt rock, renowned for its distinctive hexagonal shapes. The most prominent formations, known as Lóndrangar, rise dramatically against the backdrop of the ocean, with the larger column standing at approximately 60 meters and the smaller, Djúpáll, at 45 meters.

While photos of Lóndrangar capture its beauty, they fall short of conveying the sheer majesty of the cliffs. To truly appreciate their grandeur, you need to stand before them, feel the power of the crashing waves, and sense the untamed energy of the landscape. It’s an experience that stirs awe and wonder, one that only being there in person can deliver.

For lunch, we stopped at Stapinn, a cozy spot perfect for warming up after a chilly morning. We treated ourselves to their delicious fish and chips and a hearty bowl of fish soup. The food was absolutely delightful, fresh, flavorful, and comforting.

To our joy, the sun made an appearance during our meal, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold day. Sitting there, enjoying the sun’s gentle rays and the wonderful food, felt like the perfect little break in our adventure.

Arnarstapi, or simply Stapi, renowned for its dramatic cliffside scenery, the area offers breathtaking views that perfectly showcase Iceland’s raw natural beauty. Exploring the coastal walking trail is the best way to experience this stunning area, with every step revealing unique and unforgettable sights.

The trail begins at the iconic Bárður Snæfellsás Statue, a tribute to the legendary guardian spirit of Snæfellsnes. As you continue, you’ll encounter the striking Gatklettur Arch, a natural rock formation carved by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Further along, you’ll arrive at Port Arnarstapi, a picturesque harbor surrounded by basalt columns, where the village’s fishing heritage comes to life.

We were fortunate to visit on a sunny day, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of the cliffs, the sparkle of the ocean, and the vibrant contrast between the black basalt rocks and the surrounding landscape.

Ytri Tunga Beach is another popular spot and is renowned for its seal colony. However, during our visit, it was low tide, and many of the seals were further away from the shoreline, basking on distant rocks. While we couldn’t get as close as we hoped, it was still fascinating to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

With Ytri Tunga Beach being our final stop on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we then embarked on a 2.5-hour drive to Laugarbakki, ready to begin the next chapter of our Icelandic journey.

The scenic drive to Laugarbakki was yet another breathtaking journey. Midway through, we came across stunning landscapes where snow blanketed lava fields and grasslands, creating a serene white canvas. The contrast of the snow-covered terrain on both sides of the road, coupled with a cloudy yet bright sky, made for an awe-inspiring sight.

The peaceful and untouched beauty of the landscape felt almost otherworldly, as if we were driving through a scene from a winter fairytale. It was a reminder of the endless surprises Iceland’s nature holds, making even the drive itself a memorable part of the adventure.

We had dinner at the hotel restaurant, where we once again enjoyed Iceland’s delicious cuisine. While food in Iceland is undeniably pricey, it’s worth noting that the portions are generous, and the ingredients are incredibly fresh. So far, each meal feels like a treat, showcasing the high quality produce and care that goes into Icelandic cooking.

The night was very cloudy, making it difficult to see the aurora clearly. Although we could spot faint green patches of light breaking through the clouds, the heavy overcast skies obscured most of the display. Despite this, the experience of searching the skies for glimpses of the aurora added a sense of anticipation to the evening, keeping us hopeful for clearer nights ahead.

Overnight at Hotel Laugarbakki

Hotel Laugarbakki is a charming and modern hotel located in a serene rural setting at Laugarbakki, in northwestern Iceland. Surrounded by vast open landscapes, the hotel offers 360-degree panoramic views of the countryside, making it a tranquil retreat for travelers. Its remote location, far from city lights, makes it an excellent spot for aurora viewing during the northern lights season, provided the skies are clear. Guests can also enjoy an on-site restaurant that serves delicious Icelandic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, offering a true taste of the region. The friendly and attentive staff add to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay for every guest.