Exploring the Wild Beauty of Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula

First Impressions of Snaefellsnes

The journey begins! After months of planning, dreaming, and packing (and inevitably forgetting a crucial item – this time, it was my European power adapter!), I've finally arrived in Iceland with my friends, ready to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The air is crisp, the landscapes are dramatic, and the sense of adventure is palpable. Today was all about setting the stage for what I know will be an unforgettable nine days.

Our day started early with a flight from Berlin to Reykjavik. I always find those first few hours in a new country so invigorating. The sights, the sounds, even the smells – it's a sensory overload in the best possible way. After landing, we picked up our rental car, a trusty steed that will carry us across lava fields and along winding coastal roads. First stop: the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center.

The drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik was stunning. Even though it's April, there were still patches of snow on the ground, contrasting beautifully with the black lava rocks. The landscape felt raw and untamed, a stark reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this island. After about two hours, we arrived at the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center. This place is a treasure trove of information! We stocked up on maps, learned about the local geology and wildlife, and chatted with the friendly staff who gave us some great tips for hidden gems along the peninsula. It's always worth doing this, even if you have planned an itinerary, as you never know what local knowledge you might pick up.


Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with insights from the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center, your ultimate guide to Iceland's natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Of course, no visit to a visitor center is complete without a little shopping. I picked up a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf – perfect for keeping warm on those blustery Icelandic days – and a few postcards to send back to Hans and Saoirse. I miss them already, but I know they're cheering me on from Berlin!

From the visitor center, we headed to Hotel Langaholt & Restaurant for a much-needed breakfast. Apparently, the hotel is known for its stunning views and cozy atmosphere, and it didn't disappoint. I opted for the classic Icelandic breakfast: skyr with berries and a strong cup of coffee. It was the perfect fuel for our first hike. The breakfast buffet was extensive and I was happy to see they had gluten free options for one of my friends, who has celiac disease.


Discover breathtaking landscapes and delicious local cuisine at Hotel Langaholt & Restaurant in Snæfellsbær, Iceland.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off for the Eldborg Crater Trailhead. The drive there was an experience in itself, winding through surreal landscapes that felt like another planet. Eldborg Crater stands majestically over its surroundings, a testament to Iceland's volcanic past. The hike to the crater is about 6 kilometers round trip and is considered relatively easy, though the terrain is rocky in places.


Explore the breathtaking Eldborg Crater Trailhead in West Iceland, a hiker's paradise showcasing stunning volcanic landscapes and unique geological wonders.

As we started our ascent, the wind picked up, whipping our hair across our faces. But the views! Oh, the views! We could see for miles in every direction: snow-capped mountains, sprawling lava fields, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It was breathtaking. The trail was well-marked, but definitely required sturdy hiking boots, which I was very glad I had remembered to pack. It was a bit muddy in places and I was happy to have my waterproofs on.

Reaching the top of Eldborg Crater was an incredible feeling. Looking down into the immense crater, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the power of nature. It's hard to imagine the fiery eruption that created this landscape thousands of years ago. We spent a good hour exploring the rim, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. I even managed to Facetime Hans and Saoirse to show them the view. Saoirse was particularly impressed by the size of the crater!

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments: a shared laugh with friends, a breathtaking view, or a quiet moment of reflection.

After descending from Eldborg, we were ravenous. We drove to Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant for lunch. Arnarstapi is a charming little village with dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and the restaurant is right in the heart of it all. I had heard great things about their seafood soup, so I had to try it. It was creamy, flavorful, and packed with fresh fish and shellfish – exactly what I needed after our hike. My friends had the fish and chips and a Nutella pizza, which they raved about. The salted caramel cake also seemed to be a favorite! The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We enjoyed a much needed hot chocolate after exploring the magical Arnarstapi cliffs. The cakes looked really good too so we ordered some as well. The hot chocolate was amazing and hit all the right spot and the cakes were sinfully delicious. It was the perfect way to refuel before our next adventure.


Experience fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking ocean views at Arnarstapi Center's Snjófell Restaurant.

Before dinner, we made a stop at the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center again to pick up some last minute items and souvenirs. It's open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

For dinner, we drove to Stykkishólmur, a picturesque fishing town on the northern side of the peninsula. We had reservations at Narfeyrarstofa, a restaurant housed in a beautiful old building with a rich history. The restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist, and the menu featured fresh, local ingredients. I started with the grilled scallops, which were cooked to perfection, followed by the braised lamb. It was tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. My friends had the grilled cod and the seafood pasta, which they both loved. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect ending to our first day in Snaefellsnes.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Narfeyrarstofa in Stykkishólmur – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

As I sit here in our cozy Airbnb, sipping a glass of wine and reflecting on the day, I can't help but feel grateful. Snaefellsnes is even more beautiful than I imagined, and I'm so excited to explore more of its hidden corners in the days to come. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Gerduberg Cliffs, Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint and the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. I'm particularly excited about Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, as I've heard it's a truly unique and awe-inspiring place. I'm also looking forward to trying Hlaðan Veitingahús, a restaurant and bar, for breakfast and drinks tomorrow. I've heard they have a great atmosphere and delicious food. I'm also planning on trying Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips for lunch and Bjargarsteinn Mathús for dinner.

I'm also excited to learn more about the history and culture of this region. I read that the area around Snæfellsjökull is the girlhood home of Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir, an Icelandic woman who traveled extensively in the Middle Ages. Her journeys took her to Greenland, North America, Scandinavia, and on a pilgrimage route to Italy. I find her story incredibly inspiring, and I hope to channel some of her adventurous spirit during my time here.

But for now, it's time to rest and recharge. The Icelandic air is doing wonders for my sleep, and I know I'll need all my energy for the adventures that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more tales from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention – I did manage to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight! It was faint, but still magical. Hopefully, I'll get a better show later in the trip. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Also, I forgot to mention, there is an event called Untitled Event on April 11, 2025 at 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in Iceland.

I am so looking forward to the rest of the trip!