Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Coastal Charms and Artistic Depths

Today was a day of contrasts, blending the tranquility of coastal Iceland with the thought-provoking depths of art and history. Maximilian and I set out to explore the northern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, eager to soak in all the unique experiences it had to offer. It's days like these that remind me why I love travel so much – the unexpected discoveries and the way a new place can shift your perspective.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hótel Snaefellsnes. The free breakfast was a delightful spread, and I especially enjoyed the freshly baked bread. Maximilian, of course, couldn't resist the strong Icelandic coffee, which he declared was the perfect fuel for our adventures ahead. We chatted about our plans for the day, both of us excited to see what Stykkishólmur had in store. The hotel itself had a cozy, cottage-like feel, and I could see why it's so popular with both tourists and locals.


Experience unparalleled comfort at Hótel Snaefellsnes while exploring the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

First on our itinerary was the Vatnasafn, or the Library of Water, in Stykkishólmur. This unique installation, conceived by American artist Roni Horn, is housed in a former library building. The building itself sits on one of the highest points in Stykkishólmur, offering panoramic views. Inside, 24 glass columns hold water collected from Iceland's major glaciers. Some columns were crystal clear, others opaquely murky. It was a very interesting experience, and it was a multi–faceted, long-term installation and community center.


Discover the Library of Water in Stykkishólmur, a modern art museum that harmoniously merges contemporary art with Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.

The interior was striking, with light refracting through the glass columns onto a rubber floor inscribed with Icelandic and English words related to weather. It was a space for reflection, and I found myself contemplating the fragility of our planet's glaciers. Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the engineering of the installation. We spent a good hour wandering through the library, discussing the art and its message. It's amazing how art can make you think about the world in new ways.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After immersing ourselves in art, we decided to embrace the coastal beauty of Stykkishólmur and headed to Súgandisey Island Lighthouse. This charming lighthouse is perched on a small island connected to the mainland by a road. The walk to the lighthouse was short but invigorating, with the wind whipping around us as we made our way up the small hill. The island acts as a natural shield, sheltering the town from the harsh north winds.


Experience the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere at Súgandisey Island Lighthouse, a must-visit attraction in Stykkishólmur, Iceland.

The views from the top were simply breathtaking. We could see across Breiðafjörður, dotted with numerous islands. The town of Stykkishólmur looked picturesque from above, with its colorful buildings and bustling harbor. The lighthouse itself is quite small and painted red with a yellow base. It originally stood in Seltjarnarnes and was moved to this location in 1948. It has a light signal that flashes every three seconds.

Maximilian and I spent a long time just soaking in the scenery and taking photos. I tried to capture the vastness of the landscape, but no photo could truly do it justice. It's one of those places you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. We even saw a white-tailed eagle soaring overhead, which was a special treat.

By lunchtime, we were both ravenous. We drove to Grundarfjörður, a charming fishing village, to Bjargarsteinn Mathús. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere. The building itself has an interesting history, as it was originally built in Akranes in 1908 and later moved to Grundarfjörður.


Discover Bjargarsteinn Mathús: A delightful dining experience showcasing local flavors amidst breathtaking views in Grundarfjörður, Iceland.

We started with the seafood soup, which was brimming with fish, shrimp, scallops, and mussels. The broth was sweet and flavorful, and it was the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. For my main course, I opted for the fish of the day, while Maximilian chose the lamb. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and we savored every bite. The service was friendly and attentive, and we felt right at home. I was able to order a vegan dish, which was amazing. The menu changes daily.

After lunch, we took a stroll around Grundarfjörður, admiring the colorful houses and the imposing Kirkjufell mountain. The village has a peaceful, laid-back vibe, and it was a welcome change of pace from the more touristy areas we had visited earlier in the trip. We stopped at a local bakery for some pastries, which we enjoyed while sitting by the harbor, watching the boats come and go.

As evening approached, we made our way back towards Ólafsvík, where we had reservations for dinner at Hverinn - Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant is known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious comfort food. It's a popular spot with both locals and tourists, and we were looking forward to trying it out.


Experience the essence of Icelandic cuisine at Hverinn - Restaurant & Bar, a cozy spot for food lovers and travelers alike.

Hverinn did not disappoint. The fish and chips were cooked to perfection, and the fries were especially well-seasoned. Maximilian went with a burger, which he devoured in minutes. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable, especially considering Iceland's reputation for being expensive. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and we felt right at home. Everything was great and it was a fairly reasonable price. There is also a trampoline to jump on.

After dinner, we decided to check out Hjá Góða Fólki, a local bar in Ólafsvík. This cozy spot is known for its friendly atmosphere and local art. We sipped on Icelandic beer and chatted with some of the locals, learning about their lives and experiences in Snæfellsnes. It was a great way to end the day, connecting with the community and getting a glimpse into the local culture.


Discover the charm of Hjá Góða Fólki, where exquisite Icelandic cuisine meets artistic inspiration in a picturesque setting.

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's adventures. From the thought-provoking art at the Library of Water to the stunning coastal views from Súgandisey Island Lighthouse, and the delicious meals, it was a day filled with memorable moments. It's days like these that make travel so rewarding, reminding me of the beauty and diversity of our world.

Tomorrow, we are planning on visiting the Landbrotalaug Hot Springs and the Seagulls viewpoint [The Landbrotalaug Hot Springs are very small, so I hope we can get in!]. I am also excited about our reservations at Stapinn for breakfast and Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant for lunch. For dinner, we're booked at Sjávarkjallarinn [I am hoping they have some good seafood options!]. To end the night, we plan to stop by Skúli Craft bar for a drink.

Back at our cozy accommodation, I'm already excited for what tomorrow will bring. Good night from Snæfellsnes!