Snæfellsnes Peninsula Minibus Tour One-day tour
Our partner: Troll Expeditions
Description
The adventure begins when the minibus picks you up in Reykjavík from your designated location. After that, you’ll be headed to all the wonders that the Hidden Gem of the West, the peninsula of Snæfellsnes has to offer.
Kirkjufell, “The Church Mountain”, and Kirkjufellfoss waterfall
This iconic narrow mountain has become the landmark of Snæfellsnes in recent years. It became famous after being presented as the “Arrowhead Mountain” on Game of Thrones. 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 and just across you will see the beautiful waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss which completes your perfect shot of the mountain. There are numerous vantage points for the perfect photograph and our guides know them all!
Búdakirkja, the Black Church of Búdir
On the south coast of the peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búdakirkja that sits alone among a field of lava rocks. Búdakirkja was built on the spot in 1703 and reconstructed in 1987 after a claim by a single member that lobbied to have it back. It has an historic graveyard, a bell and chalice from the time it was erected. It is a listed building, owned by the National Museum of Iceland, but it is in the care of the Búdir parish. Without a doubt, this picturesque chapel has a romantic air about it and is a real attraction to the site
Arnarstapi Fishing Village, Hellnar & Arch
This tiny fishing village has picturesque coastal cliffs which derived from glowing magma hitting the wild waves of the Atlantic. Known in Iceland as the most beautiful harbor of the country. Thousands of years later erosion has formed beautiful stone arcs and a remarkable marine geyser. Enjoy a walk along the coastline while your guide tells you all about Bárður, half-man half-troll, and his misdeeds in the area.
Ytri Tunga beach and seal colony
Ytri-Tunga is a sandy beach that has a little secret hidden away down by the sea, behind the farmhouses… a seal colony! Seals love to spend their time on the rocks of this beautiful beach. They are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks for you to spot them from a distance.
Lóndrangar and Basalt Cliffs
The Lóndrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles in Iceland and are remnants from a bigger crater which has mostly eroded away. Looming over the entire southern coastline, Lóndrangar, a set of 75-meter high basalt pinnacles set the tone for what’s to come. They host a variety of seabirds, northern fulmars and puffins, and others.
Djúpalónssandur, beach of black volcanic sand
A beach of black volcanic sand and stones where for centuries Icelandic fishermen rowed out to the fertile fishing grounds of the Atlantic ocean. Still today we find the so-called “lifting stones” which fishermen of yore 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! In 1948 a British fishing trawler stranded on the sand reefs of Djúpalónssandur. Five men perished while 14 were rescued by local rescue squads. The remains of the ship are still there, strewn across the beach as an eerie reminder of the awesome power of nature.
Saxhóll Volcanic Crater
Formed over 4,000 years ago, this volcanic crater has now been made accessible via an iron staircase giving you the option of hiking it. The hike is not too challenging and gives you a 360° view of the lava fields with Snæfellsjökull glacier looming over.
The adventure ends when your guide drops you off Reykjavík at designated location and then you can go home to tell all tours friends about the wonders that Western Iceland has to offer.
Are you ready to explore the most sci-fi-esque area of the country? Would you like to see black churches, volcanic beaches, and the most photographed sight of Iceland, Kirkjufell, the “Church mountain”? If any of the above ticks your box, then there’s nothing to wait for!
What are you waiting for? Book by selecting the date.
What´s Included
✓ English speaking guide
✓ Small group on a minibus of 18 people max
✓ Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board
What to bring
- Hiking boots (also available for rent)
- Outdoors clothing (waterproof out layers are available for rent)
- Joy and Happiness
Additional information
• We might have to adjust timings and schedule due to the short daylight in the winter time, and also to try to avoid big crowds.
• Pick up is from designated locations in Reykjavík. Pick up from Keflavík airport or outside of the greater capital area is not available.
• Food: We stop at locations like gas stations and small shops and where you will be able to buy snacks/sandwiches and drinks.
At lunch time we will also stop at locations where you will find warm lunch options.
Map
Itinerary
Excursion
Gerðuberg Basalt Columns
Gerðuberg Basalt Columns
Excursion
Berserkjahraun
Berserkjahraun
The name Berserkjahraun comes from one of the Icelandic Sagas, Eyrbyggja-Saga. According to the saga a farmer brought two berserkers from Sweden. He later gave the berserkers to his brother, Víga-Styr, who lived on the other side of the lava field. One of the Swede fell in love with Víga-Styr’s daughter and asked for her hand in marriage. Víga-Styr made a deal with the berserker, he could have his daughter’s hand if the two Swedes could clear a path through the lava field, connecting Víga-Styr’s farm to his brother’s. A feat considered impossible but the berserkers managed to complete the path quite quickly. Instead of keeping his promise, Víga-Styr had the two Swedes killed and buried them near the path.
Excursion
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell
Excursion
Saxhóll Crater
Saxhóll Crater
Saxhóll is an excellent sightseeing attraction for those who do not want to hike too far. The crater is approximately 100 m (100 ft) high with a useful walking path and steps in order to make the ascent as easy as possible for guests. This makes for a simple alternative to visiting Eldborg crater on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which requires a two and a half hour hike to visit. Saxhóll is, in fact, two craters, though most guests will only summit the first due to its close proximity to the road, Útnesvegur (Nr. 574). From the top of the crater, one is blessed with incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean and the expansive, dried lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Saxhóll is one of the best examples of seeing a crater in Iceland that once shot hot magma from the earth, sculpting the landscape around it.
Excursion
Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík
Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík
This is one of the few areas that lead down to the sea along this coast with its high dramatic cliffs. Watch out for the famous ghosts roaming the place! The rests of a shipwreck can be seen on the beach. On the beach there are also big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength in the days of the fishing stations: Fully Strong 154 kg, Half-Strong 100 kg, Weakling 54 kg and Bungler 23 kg. Weakling marked the frontier of wimphood, any man who couldn't lift it was deemed unsuitable for a life as a fisherman.
Excursion
Lóndrangar
Lóndrangar
The farmers in the area never made or make hay on the hill, because it is said to belong to the elves living in the area. Younger lava fields surround this old crater ruin. The higher pillar (75m) was first climbed in 1735 and the lower (61 m) in 1938. Below the hill you may find Thufubjarg cliff where according to a folktale the poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald had an encounter with the Devil. On these cliffs, puffins and fulmars have their nests.
Excursion
Hellnar
Hellnar
Valasnos, a freestanding rock, extends east of the bay. One of Iceland's most peculiar caves, Badstofa, is there. It is known for its special light exposure and colourful interior. A cold water spring is to be found at the lava's edge. It is dedicated to the Holy Virgin, because it is said she had appeared here once. The Hellnar church was built in 1945 on a picturesque site where a church was first raised in 1833.
Excursion
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi
There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A walk along the coastline is recommended to watch the birds and the magnificent lava formations. The seaside and the cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar have been made a Natural Reserve in 1979. A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old lending places of fishermen, lots of birds, like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield. If you take a guided tour, you will also hear a ghost story. A sculpture of Bardur Snaefellsas by Ragnar Kjartansson stands by the beach at Arnarstapi.
Excursion
Ölkelda