【Ultimate Guide to West Iceland】Top Sights, Activities, Transport & Stays on Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Just a scenic hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the must-explore gem of West Iceland. Its easy roads and milder climate invite visitors all year round, making it a favorite after the South Coast. Whether you drive yourself or join a local guided tour, don’t miss spending one or two extra days exploring Iceland’s “miniature wonderland.” Let’s dive into its unforgettable highlights!
West Iceland’s Top Sights
1. Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is more than a landmark—it’s the most photographed mountain in West Iceland. With its hat-like peak (especially striking in summer), and a trilogy of picturesque waterfalls at its feet, Kirkjufell steals every traveler’s heart. An easily accessible viewing deck by the second waterfall gives you Iceland’s iconic shot. At night, the area is famed for dazzling Northern Lights displays—don’t forget your camera!
▼ The waterfalls, though not huge, perfectly frame the grandeur of Kirkjufell. 
2. Budakirkja (Black Church)
Dramatic and solitary, the all-black wooden Black Church sits stark against the open landscape—its timeless minimalism makes it a wedding shoot favorite and a magical spot for Northern Lights hunting. Built in 1703 and carefully restored in 1987, its interior is intimate with just 12 seats. The church is usually closed except for services, but the views from outside (especially at sunrise or sunset) are spectacular.
▼ The Black Church: a striking, all-timber landmark best admired from outside. 
3. Stykkisholmur
This quaint northern port, recognizable from “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” is bursting with fishing-village charm. Don’t miss the unique “Sushi Boat” cruise—sample sea urchin and scallops caught right before your eyes, paired perfectly with wine or piping hot seafood soup. Cruises depart daily in summer and less frequently the rest of the year (check ahead if you’re a seafood lover!). Climb the tiny hill to the signature orange lighthouse for sweeping views of the whole town.
▼ Everything on the Sushi Boat is freshly caught—an absolute treat. 
4. Ytri-Tunga Seal Beach
Ytri-Tunga is Iceland’s best-known seal-watching beach. Spot harbor and gray seals lounging on rocks—your best chances are sunrise or sunset. Please respect wildlife: don’t approach or feed the seals. The surrounding grasslands are nesting grounds for Arctic terns in summer; enjoy from a distance!
▼ Signs at the beach outline seal-spotting etiquette. (image courtesy: cn.adventures.is) 
5. Londrangar
The sea-battered pinnacles of Londrangar are the haunting sentinels of Snaefellsnes’s western coast—two basalt towers, standing 75 and 61 meters tall, carved over eons. Follow the easy trail from the visitor center for the closest views, or stay back for panoramas worthy of a postcard. Birdwatchers: hundreds of seabirds nest here in summer, while in winter the pillars wear an air of powerful mystery.
▼ Distant views best capture Londrangar’s scale. (image courtesy: adventures.is) 
6. Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a storybook fishing village with breathtaking basalt coastal cliffs and legends galore. Its star: the photogenic sea arch, sculpted by centuries of waves. Visit at high tide for fountain-like sprays, or walk below the arch at low tide for up-close magic. Birdlife teems here in summer—respect their space for everyone’s safety!
▼ At low tide, walk right up to the arch and marvel at the basalt columns. (image: Guide to Iceland) 
7. Vatnshellir Cave
Venture deep beneath Snaefellsjokull National Park in the 7,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave—one of Iceland’s rare accessible lava tubes. Guided tours reveal mineral-streaked walls in brilliant red and yellow, while pitch-black passages deliver that true subterranean thrill. Dress warmly; it’s a brisk 2°C even in summer.
▼ Inside Vatnshellir Cave: a colorful, otherworldly journey. (image: summitguides.is) 
▼ Book your Vatnshellir Cave adventure now ▼
8. Ingjaldsholskirkja
This charming church—with its tiny figure and bright red roof—may look familiar: it’s inspired the “eye test” icon seen around the world! Dating back to 1903, it’s surrounded by purple lupine fields in summer and snowy magic in winter. Perfect for a photogenic roadside stop any time of year.
▼ The long approach to the church is stunning when the lupines bloom. (image: iceland-dream.com) 
Getting Around Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Self-Drive
Stretching 360 km, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is road-tripper heaven. Circle the peninsula via Route 54 from the South or North; it only takes a day in summer, but allow one or two days in winter for weather surprises. Reykjavik makes the perfect hub—no point is more than two hours away, even in icy months.
Bus & Tours
Public transport is limited—only two bus routes run daily between Reykjavik and Snaefellsnes, so sightseeing on foot isn’t practical. Consider joining a full-day or multi-day tour departing Reykjavik. It’s stress-free and covers all the major highlights!
▼ Join a full-day Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour ▼
Where to Stay on Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Hotel Egilsen
▼ Set on the harbor at Stykkisholmur with jaw-dropping bay views, Hotel Egilsen is a boutique delight just 200 meters from the ferry terminal. With only 10 rooms (choose from Standard, Sea View, or Deluxe Suites), it offers rare intimacy and convenience—you’re steps from nearly every attraction in town. 
▼ Check prices & book now ▼
Helgafell Guesthouse
This welcoming family-run guesthouse sits in the heart of Snaefellsnes, just two hours from Reykjavik. Housed in a traditional Icelandic farmhouse beside a tranquil lake, it’s a peaceful base and perfect for Northern Lights viewing. Each apartment features private bathrooms, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens—experience Icelandic life with games and books supplied by your hosts! 
▼ See latest rates & book ▼
