Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park

A Fond Farewell

Our journey through Snæfellsjökull National Park is coming to an end, and today was all about soaking in those final, breathtaking views and reflecting on the incredible experiences we've had. It's hard to believe our 9-day adventure has reached its conclusion. The crisp Icelandic air, the dramatic landscapes, and the quiet moments shared with Lena have made this trip unforgettable. Today, we explored the rugged coastline near Arnarstapi and delved into the park's natural history at the visitor center in Malarrif.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Hlaðan Veitingahús. The restaurant was located in the Lava Resort at Miðhraun. The cozy atmosphere and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. I opted for a traditional Icelandic breakfast, while Lena enjoyed a vegan tartare, tofu steak, burger and ice cream. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our final day of exploration. As a Foley artist, I always appreciate the subtle sounds of a place, and the gentle clinking of cutlery and soft chatter created a comforting backdrop to our meal. We reminisced about our favorite moments from the past week, already feeling a pang of nostalgia for this magical place. We knew we had to make the most of our last day in Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Our first stop was the Visitor Center at Malarrif (Gestastofa á Malarrif). The drive there was scenic, with the rugged coastline on one side and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. Even in October, the landscape held a stark beauty, a blend of greens and browns under the vast Icelandic sky. The weather was chilly, around 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F), and cloudy. Luckily, we had packed layers, remembering the essential advice to be prepared for four seasons in one day.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park at Gestastofa á Malarrif Visitor Center – your gateway to Iceland's natural wonders.

The visitor center itself was a treasure trove of information. We spent a good hour exploring the exhibits, learning about the park's geology, flora, and fauna. As someone who appreciates the intersection of nature and culture, I was particularly fascinated by the displays on how the local fishermen utilized the nature to make a living. Lena enjoyed the interactive exhibits, especially the barnahorn (children's corner) where kids could touch shells and bones. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, providing insights into the best hiking trails and viewpoints.

The beauty of a place is not just in what you see, but in what you learn and feel while you are there.

After the visitor center, we decided to take a short hike to Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint. The walk from Arnarstapi was easy, about 15 minutes, but the scenery along the way was breathtaking. The dramatic rock formations, carved by the relentless waves of the Atlantic, were a sight to behold. The wind was strong, and the sea was rough, creating a symphony of sounds that resonated with my soul. I could almost hear the echoes of ancient sagas in the crashing waves and the cries of the seabirds. We even spotted some puffins nesting on the cliffs. October is a great time for bird watching, and I was glad I had my camera to capture these moments.


Discover the awe-inspiring Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean in a breathtaking display of nature's beauty.

The Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint offered panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline. The interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs created a mesmerizing spectacle. I took several photos, trying to capture the essence of this wild and beautiful place. Lena and I held hands, savoring the moment and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such natural wonders together. As a sound engineer, I'm always attuned to the acoustic environment, and the raw, untamed sounds of the ocean and the wind were incredibly invigorating.

For lunch, we stopped at Viðvík Restaurant in Hellissandur. This family-owned restaurant offered a spectacular view of the Snæfellsjökull glacier and Breiðafjörður. We enjoyed a hearty meal of traditional Icelandic cuisine, savoring the fresh, local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly service made us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Viðvík Restaurant in Hellissandur, where every dish tells a story of local tradition and fresh ingredients.

In the late afternoon, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Kaffi 59. This cozy café in Grundarfjörður is known for its warm ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. I enjoyed a local beer, while Lena opted for a warm cup of coffee. We sat by the window, watching the sun slowly set over the horizon. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, creating a magical scene. It was the perfect way to end our final day in Snæfellsjökull National Park.


Discover the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi 59, a cozy restaurant in Grundarfjörður offering fresh local cuisine and stunning mountain views.

As we drove back to our campsite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Snæfellsjökull National Park had exceeded all our expectations. The dramatic landscapes, the rich history, and the warm hospitality of the locals had left a lasting impression on our hearts. I knew that we would cherish these memories for years to come. As we prepare to leave Iceland tomorrow, I feel a sense of accomplishment, having explored the untamed beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park with my beloved Lena.

We had dinner at Stapinn in Arnarstapi. This family-run restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic dishes and cozy atmosphere. We indulged in fresh seafood and delectable pastries, savoring the flavors of Iceland one last time. The friendly service and the warm ambiance made us feel right at home.


Discover Stapinn: where traditional Icelandic flavors meet stunning coastal views in Arnarstapi.

Tomorrow, we will begin our journey back to Reykjavik, cherishing the memories we've created in this magical place. While I'm sad to leave, I'm also excited to return to Potsdam and share our adventures with friends and family. Perhaps I'll even incorporate some of the sounds of Iceland into my next Foley project, a subtle tribute to this unforgettable journey.

Before heading back to our campsite for the night, Lena and I took a moment to appreciate the heated public toilets near the Malarrif Visitor Center, a welcome comfort. As we settled into our tent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and gratitude. This trip to Snæfellsjökull National Park was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. As the wind howled outside our tent, I knew that the sounds of Iceland would forever resonate within my soul.