Adventurous Escape to Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A Day of Iconic Views

Today was all about capturing those postcard-perfect Icelandic moments! Pieter and I set out early, eager to explore some of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula's most famous landmarks. From the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain to a volcanic crater offering panoramic views, it was a day filled with natural beauty and a touch of adventure.

Our first stop was, of course, the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain. I had seen countless photos of this landmark, often referred to as the most photographed mountain in Iceland, but nothing truly prepares you for its grandeur in person. The mountain rises dramatically from the landscape, its conical shape dominating the horizon. The name Kirkjufell means Church Mountain, a fitting title considering its dignified appearance. It's easy to see why Danish sailors of old called it 'Sukkertoppen' or Sugar Top, though thankfully, that name didn't stick!

We found the perfect vantage point and spent a good hour snapping photos, trying to capture its essence from every angle. The weather was kind to us, with a mix of sunshine and dramatic clouds that added to the scenery. I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather back in Rimouski, who always loved a good landscape photo. I wished he could have been here with us to see this, especially since I learned that Kirkjufell was even featured in Game of Thrones as the 'arrowhead mountain'! I know he would have gotten a kick out of that. I made a mental note to send him a print when we get back to Delft.


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

Just a stone’s throw from Kirkjufell lies Kirkjufellsfossar, a series of charming waterfalls that cascade down the hillside. The combination of the mountain and the falls creates a scene that is almost too perfect to be real. The Kirkjufellsá river, which originates from the Helgrindur volcano, feeds these falls, adding to the area's geological significance. We walked along the trails, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of the water. It was incredibly peaceful, a perfect way to start our day.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kirkjufellsfossar, an iconic waterfall surrounded by stunning landscapes in Iceland.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that allow you to simply be present, soaking in the beauty of nature without any distractions.

For breakfast, we stopped at Kaffi 59 in Ólafsvík. It was a cozy spot with a great view. I had a delicious vegan pastry, and Pieter enjoyed a hearty Icelandic breakfast. The staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was welcoming. It was the perfect fuel for our adventures.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kaffi 59 in Grundarfjörður—where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

After our morning explorations, we drove towards Saxhóll Crater, a volcanic crater offering panoramic views of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The drive itself was stunning, with vast lava fields stretching out on either side of the road. As we approached Saxhóll, the landscape became even more dramatic, with jagged rocks and moss-covered terrain. The crater is located about 9 kilometers south of Hellissandur, right on the peninsula's westernmost tip.


Explore Saxhóll Crater, a breathtaking volcanic site in Iceland that offers stunning views and a unique geological experience for all adventurers.

The climb to the top of Saxhóll was surprisingly easy, thanks to the metal staircase that has been built into the side of the crater. I read that there are 385 steps, but honestly, I was too busy taking in the views to count. From the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Snæfellsjökull glacier, and the surrounding lava fields. It was incredible to see the landscape shaped by volcanic activity, a stark reminder of the powerful forces that have shaped this island. The crater itself is about 100 meters high, and it's one of the best examples of a volcanic crater that you can easily access in Iceland. I felt a great sense of accomplishment standing there, wind whipping through my hair, taking in the vastness of the Icelandic landscape. Pieter, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the geological formations and kept pointing out different rock layers and formations.

For lunch, we drove to Bjargarsteinn Mathús in Grundarfjörður. This restaurant is known for its fresh, local ingredients and stunning views. We had a delicious seafood soup and some freshly baked bread. It was the perfect way to refuel after our climb. The restaurant itself is charming, with a cozy atmosphere and large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. I had heard great things about their lamb dishes, but the seafood soup was calling my name, and I wasn't disappointed. Pieter opted for a traditional Icelandic dish of Plokkfiskur, a fish stew, and declared it delicious. The staff were incredibly friendly, and it was clear that they take pride in showcasing the best of Icelandic cuisine.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Bjargarsteinn Mathús in Grundarfjörður—where local flavors meet breathtaking views.

After lunch, we took a leisurely drive back towards our accommodation, stopping at various viewpoints along the way. The light was particularly beautiful in the late afternoon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We even spotted a few Icelandic horses grazing in a field, their manes blowing in the wind. It was a truly magical sight.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Narfeyrarstofa in Stykkishólmur for dinner. This restaurant is located in a historic building and is known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes. We started with the famous fish soup, which was creamy and flavorful. For our main courses, I had the pan-fried scallops, and Pieter had the grilled lamb. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and the service was impeccable. The restaurant has a warm, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, with a view over Stykkishólm's harbor. I felt a world away from my sustainability consulting job back in Delft, but in the best possible way. This was exactly the kind of escape Pieter and I needed.


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

After dinner, we decided to check out the bar at Narfeyrarstofa for a nightcap. The bar had a relaxed atmosphere, and we enjoyed a couple of local beers while chatting about our day. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, visit Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, and venture into Vatnshellir Cave. I'm particularly excited about the cave, as I've always been fascinated by geology. Pieter is looking forward to visiting the Kirkjufell knitting shop in Grundarfjörður; he wants to get a traditional Icelandic sweater.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is truly a magical place, and I'm so glad that Pieter and I decided to come here. It's a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, and it's a reminder of the importance of taking time to appreciate it.