Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A Day of Icelandic Wonders

Today was nothing short of spectacular as Maximilian and I delved deeper into the heart of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The crisp September air, combined with the promise of dramatic landscapes, set the stage for a day filled with exploration and awe. I was especially excited to explore the natural beauty of Iceland with my favorite travel partner.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hlaðan Veitingahús. It's such a cozy restaurant! We fueled up with some traditional Icelandic fare, readying ourselves for the adventures that lay ahead. I opted for the Skyr with berries and Maximilian had the rye bread with smoked salmon. It was the perfect way to start a day of exploring. The restaurant venue looked amazing, with everything having been thoughtfully considered and many things having been hand made.

First on our itinerary was the famed Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. The drive there was scenic, with the landscape transforming into a rugged terrain as we approached Botnsfjall Mountain. The gorge is located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just a short drive from the village of Arnarstapi. The parking area was easy to spot, and from there, it was a short, maybe 10-15 minute walk to the gorge entrance.


Explore the stunning Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge—an Icelandic gem filled with dramatic landscapes, folklore, and unforgettable hiking experiences.

The entrance itself was like stepping into another world. The narrow crevasse in the mountain was barely wide enough for both of us, and as we ventured deeper, the sounds of the outside world faded away. Inside, the gorge was covered in vibrant green moss, with a small stream running through it. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was in his element, capturing the play of light and shadow on the mossy walls. It felt like we had discovered a secret passage, a hidden gem tucked away in the Icelandic wilderness.

Sometimes, the most unforgettable adventures are found in the most unexpected places.

Navigating the gorge required a bit of scrambling over rocks and wading through shallow water. The water was surprisingly cold, a stark reminder of the glacier nearby. Further inside, we found a small waterfall cascading into a chamber. It was a truly magical sight, the water glistening in the dim light, the air filled with the sound of its gentle rush. I was so grateful I had remembered to bring my waterproof hiking boots; Maximilian wasn’t quite so lucky and I think his toes were starting to go numb!. According to local folklore, the gorge was used by the giant Bárðar to punish those who wronged him, adding a layer of mystique to the already enchanting location.

After emerging from the gorge, we were ready for lunch and headed to Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa. This charming restaurant is located in the old community house in Arnarstapi. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with home-cooked Icelandic food on offer. We both opted for the lamb soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that warmed us from the inside out. It was the perfect fuel for our next adventure.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa - where tradition meets breathtaking views.

With our bellies full, we set off to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park. The park is vast, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes, from lava fields to dramatic cliffs and, of course, the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier. We decided to take a hike along one of the many trails, opting for one that offered panoramic views of the glacier.


Explore the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Snæfellsjökull National Park, a jewel of Iceland's natural heritage.

The crisp air was invigorating as we made our way through the park. The landscape was starkly beautiful, with the glacier looming large in the distance. We passed by several lava fields, remnants of past volcanic activity, and the black sand beaches were so different from the golden sand beaches back home.

We chose to hike a portion of the Lóndrangar Cliffs trail. The basalt cliffs were stunning, rising dramatically from the sea. Chris Kaulfuss mentioned in July 2025 that it was an easy walk on old lava beds with great views. Riley Bates had a pleasant breakfast walk there on September 8, 2024, and mentioned excellent geology in action. We kept an eye out for Arctic foxes and various bird species, but didn't see any.

As the day drew to a close, we made a stop at Kirkjufell knitting. The shop was inviting, with displays of colorful Icelandic sweaters, scarves, and hats, all made from local wool. I couldn't resist buying a cozy scarf, a perfect memento of our time in Snaefellsnes. Maximilian bought a hat, determined to brave the Berlin winter in style.


Explore the charming Kirkjufell Knitting store in Grundarfjörður for authentic Icelandic knitted apparel and unique handcrafted gifts.

For dinner, we decided to try Stapinn in Arnarstapi. The restaurant is family run. The menu featured a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood and hearty meat options. I went for the fish and chips, while Maximilian chose the lamb. Both were delicious, a fitting end to a day of Icelandic exploration. The restaurant is conveniently open throughout the week, making it an accessible choice for tourists exploring the area.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Stapinn in Arnarstapi - where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to explore Vatnasafn and the Súgandisey Island Lighthouse [If that’s still on, given the weather]. I am also keen to check out the local bar, Hjái Góða Fólki, for a taste of the local nightlife. I am also looking forward to our breakfast at Hótel Snaefellsnes, lunch at Bjargarsteinn Mathús, and dinner at Hverinn - Restaurant & Bar [Based on tomorrow's itinerary].

As I sit here, reflecting on the day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Iceland. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Iceland's beauty lies not just in its landscapes, but in the spirit of adventure it ignites within us.

Before heading back to our accommodations, we took a moment to simply stand and admire the night sky. The stars seemed brighter here, away from the city lights, and the silence was broken only by the gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a reminder of the simple joys of travel and the beauty of the world around us.