Exploring the Mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Friends

Landmarks and Local Flavors

Today was a day of iconic views and unexpectedly bold flavors. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula continues to surprise and enchant me with its diverse landscapes and unique cultural experiences. It's a journey that feeds both the eyes and the spirit, offering moments of serene beauty and thrilling discovery.



Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Langaholt & Restaurant, where we’re staying. The buffet was a delightful spread of Icelandic staples – skyr, smoked salmon, and freshly baked bread. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the selection of cheeses, while I couldn't get enough of the strong, dark Icelandic coffee. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploration. The hotel itself is lovely, with views that stretch out over the landscape. I made sure to take a moment to appreciate the scenery before we headed out.



First on our itinerary was the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain. As we approached, its distinctive, almost symmetrical shape dominated the horizon. Even though I had seen countless photos of it, nothing prepared me for the sheer presence of this natural wonder. The mountain seemed to rise impossibly from the earth, its slopes a tapestry of green and brown. I can see why it's one of the most photographed peaks in Iceland. We parked nearby and walked towards Kirkjufellsfossar, the series of small waterfalls that cascade in the foreground of Kirkjufell. The scene was picture-perfect, a blend of raw power and serene beauty. I took countless photos, trying to capture the essence of this iconic landscape. Astrid, of course, was more interested in chasing the sheep that were grazing nearby, but even she paused for a moment to admire the view. I think the crisp air and stunning scenery made us all feel alive and invigorated.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland's iconic landmark, surrounded by stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor adventures.

We spent a good hour exploring the area around Kirkjufell, soaking in the views and breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. I even considered popping into Kirkjufell Knitting to see if I could find a pattern inspired by the mountain itself, but we had a schedule to keep and a shark to taste! Apparently, there are knitting patterns inspired by Kirkjufell, so maybe I'll try to find one online when I get back to Berlin. I even saw a Kirkjufell puzzle in my online research!


Discover the beauty of Icelandic craftsmanship at Kirkjufell Knitting in Grundarfjörður, a must-visit clothing store for unique souvenirs.

The beauty of Iceland lies not only in its landscapes but also in its willingness to embrace the unusual and the unexpected.

Our next stop was the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, a place I had been both excited and apprehensive about. Fermented shark, or hákarl, is a traditional Icelandic dish that's known for its… unique flavor. The museum itself is a family-run affair, and we were greeted by a friendly gentleman who was eager to share the history of shark fishing in the region. He explained the process of fermenting the Greenland shark, which involves burying the shark meat for several months to break down the urea and trimethylamine oxide, which are naturally present in the shark's flesh. Without this process, the meat would be toxic. It’s a practice that dates back centuries, born out of necessity and a deep respect for the sea.


Explore the unique heritage of shark fishing at Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum, where Iceland's culinary traditions come alive in a breathtaking natural setting.

After the informative tour, it was time for the tasting. The shark is served in small cubes, and I braced myself as I took my first bite. The texture was rubbery, and the taste was… intense. It had a strong ammonia flavor that lingered long after I swallowed. Maximilian, ever the adventurous one, declared that it wasn't as bad as he had expected. Astrid, on the other hand, made a face and politely declined a second bite. I must admit, it was an experience, and one that I’m glad I tried. It certainly gave me a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity of Icelandic cuisine. I learned that the hunting and processing of shark has been a part of the culture here for generations. The farmer gave us a personal tour of the exhibition, explaining the process while we looked at an old shark-hunting boat and historical artifacts.



For lunch, we stopped at Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips in Stykkishólmur. After the pungent shark, we needed something a little more… familiar. The fish and chips were cooked to perfection – crispy batter, flaky cod, and perfectly salted fries. It was simple, satisfying, and exactly what we needed. We sat by the harbor, enjoying the view and the sunshine, feeling grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company. The reviews I read online were right – this place is a gem. The fish was definitely fresh, and the batter was light and not overly oily.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips in Stykkishólmur – fresh fish served with stunning coastal views.

In the evening, we had dinner at Narfeyrarstofa, a charming restaurant in Stykkishólmur. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with nautical decor and soft lighting. I had read online that it had excellent food, presentation, and vibe. We started with the blue mussels from Breiðafjörður, which were served in a garlic and butter sauce. They were absolutely delicious, fresh, and flavorful. For my main course, I had the grilled cod, which was cooked to perfection. Maximilian opted for the braised lamb, which he declared was tender and succulent. Astrid, surprisingly, devoured the fish soup, declaring it the best soup she had ever tasted. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. It was the perfect end to a day of exploration and adventure.


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

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences of today. From the iconic beauty of Kirkjufell to the bold flavors of hákarl, today was a reminder that travel is about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the simple moments. I am very much looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, venture into Vatnshellir Cave, and take in the views from Lóndrangar View Point. I've heard whispers of an Ísey Skyr Bar, which sounds like the perfect spot for a post-adventure treat. I think I'll need something sweet after today's shark tasting!



I also have to remember to charge my portable phone charger and find some binoculars – I really wish I hadn't forgotten those! I have a feeling tomorrow will be full of incredible sights, and I want to make sure I'm fully prepared. Good night from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula!