Exploring Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Friends

A Day of Iconic Views and Hidden Gems

Today was all about embracing the iconic beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It felt like stepping into a postcard, with every turn revealing a new breathtaking vista. While I often feel a pang of longing for Maximilian and Astrid when I travel, today was a good reminder of the importance of recharging my own batteries and experiencing the world with my wonderful friends.

The day began in Ólafsvík, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the Harbour Cafe. Discover Icelandic flavors at Harbour Cafe in Grundarfjörður - where every meal offers stunning views and authentic tastes.

The weather in August is mild, with temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F) , but a waterproof jacket is still essential because you can expect some rain. With stomachs full and spirits high, our first stop was the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kirkjufell Mountain, an iconic peak in Iceland, where nature's artistry meets adventure and tranquility.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are those that whisper stories of both serenity and strength.

Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain, is one of Iceland's most photographed mountains. Its unique shape and coastal location make it instantly recognizable. As a Game of Thrones fan, seeing Kirkjufell, or Arrowhead Mountain as it's known in the series, was a real treat. The mountain rises 463 meters above sea level, dominating the landscape. We spent a good hour just wandering around, taking photos from every possible angle. The surrounding greenery was so vibrant, a stark contrast to the dark, rocky mountain.
Just a short walk from Kirkjufell is Kirkjufellsfossar, a series of small but picturesque waterfalls.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kirkjufellsfossar, an iconic waterfall surrounded by stunning landscapes in Iceland.
The combination of the falls and the mountain creates a stunning scene, one that has graced countless postcards and travel blogs. We followed the trails around the falls, enjoying the sound of the cascading water and the fresh, clean air. It's easy to see why this spot is so popular; the view is simply magical.
After soaking in the views at Kirkjufell, we drove to Grundarfjörður for lunch at Bjargarsteinn Mathús.
Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Bjargarsteinn Mathús in Grundarfjörður—where local flavors meet breathtaking views.
This charming restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and local produce. The restaurant building was built as a home in Akranes in 1908 and was transported to Grundarfjörður in 2014. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, the perfect place to warm up after a morning spent outdoors. I opted for the fish of the day, while my friends tried the lamb. Everyone was delighted with their meals, the ingredients were fresh and the flavors were delicious.

Next on our itinerary was Bæjarfoss, a beautiful waterfall located right behind the town of Ólafsvík.
Discover the serene beauty of Bæjarfoss, a captivating waterfall in Iceland's Western Region, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The name Bæjarfoss translates to “Town Falls”. The walk to the waterfall was an easy 700 meters from the town center. The trail led us along the Fossá Stream, with the waterfall becoming more visible as we approached. The waterfall tumbles down the hillside creating a lovely cascade. The town of Ólafsvík also has a maritime garden, the first of its kind in Iceland, designed to commemorate sailors who died at sea.
Before dinner, we stopped by Kirkjufell knitting, a local shop in Grundarfjörður.
Discover the beauty of Icelandic craftsmanship at Kirkjufell Knitting in Grundarfjörður, a must-visit clothing store for unique souvenirs.
I love finding unique, handcrafted items when I travel, and this shop was a treasure trove of beautiful woolens. I picked up a pair of hand-knitted mittens for Astrid, knowing she would love the traditional Icelandic design. It's these little mementos that make travel so special, tangible reminders of the places we've been and the experiences we've shared. The weather was mild but the wind was strong, so it was nice to purchase something warm.

For dinner, we headed back to Ólafsvík and dined at Stapinn.
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Stapinn in Arnarstapi - where delicious food meets breathtaking coastal views.
This cafe is a mixture of fast food restaurant, cafe and international bar all rolled into one. The building looks dwarfed by the volcanic rock mountain it sits beneath. The menu featured grills, burgers and soups. The restaurant also offers takeaway.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible sights we'd seen. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula truly lives up to its reputation as “Iceland in Miniature,” offering a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. From the iconic Kirkjufell to the charming waterfalls and the quaint villages, every moment was a feast for the senses.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore Lóndrangar, Saxhóll Crater, and Lóndrangar View Point. I'm excited to see what other natural wonders await us on this incredible peninsula. I'm also looking forward to trying Hlaðan Veitingahús for breakfast, FRISTA Food Truck Arnarstapi for lunch, and Sjávarkjallarinn for dinner.

Even though I miss my family terribly, I know that these experiences will enrich my life and give me new perspectives to share with them. Perhaps one day, we can all return to Iceland together and explore its wonders as a family. Until then, I'll continue to soak in every moment and share my adventures with you all.