Adventurous Escape to Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Whispers of Wonder

Today was a day of mystical exploration, delving into the heart of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula's most enchanting and historically resonant locations. From echoing caves to wish-granting hills, Pieter and I immersed ourselves in the stories and natural beauty that make this region so special. It's days like these that remind me why I love traveling – the chance to connect with a place on a deeper level, to feel the echoes of the past and dream about the future.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kaffi 59 in Ólafsvík. Fuelled with strong coffee and delicious pastries, we set off towards our first destination: Sönghellir Cave. The drive itself was stunning, the rugged landscape unfolding before us like a scene from a movie. The gravel road leading to the cave wound its way through lava fields, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier looming in the distance. It felt like we were venturing into another world.

As we approached Sönghellir, the air grew noticeably cooler. The cave entrance was marked by a small, unassuming sign, and after a short walk, we found ourselves standing before a dark, gaping hole in the earth. Legend has it that Sönghellir, also known as the Song Cave, was once a shelter for the family of Bárður Snæfellsás, the half-man, half-giant guardian spirit of the peninsula. I could almost feel his presence as we stepped inside.

The acoustics inside Sönghellir were truly magical. Pieter, ever the playful one, started humming a tune, and the echoes bounced off the cave walls, creating a haunting melody. I tried singing a few lines of a traditional Icelandic folk song, and the sound was amplified, filling the cave with a rich, resonant tone. It was easy to see why this place was called the Cave of Songs. We weren't the only ones to have experienced this magic; etched into the cave walls were names and runes, some dating back centuries. We even spotted the names of Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson, two 18th-century travelers who explored Iceland to fight against superstition and educate people. It was incredible to stand in the same spot where they once stood, feeling a connection to the past.

To hear one's voice amplified by the earth itself is a humbling reminder of our connection to nature and history.

Explore Sönghellir Cave, a mystical historical landmark in Iceland, where nature and folklore intertwine in stunning geological formations.

Leaving Sönghellir, we drove towards Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing town on the northern coast of the peninsula. Our next stop was Súgandisey Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse, perched atop a basalt island, is connected to the mainland by a short causeway. As we walked towards it, the wind picked up, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. The path to the lighthouse was a bit steep, but the panoramic views from the top were well worth the climb. From our vantage point, we could see the entire town of Stykkishólmur, with its colorful houses and bustling harbor. The Breiðafjörður fjord stretched out before us, dotted with countless islands and skerries. It was a breathtaking sight.

The Súgandisey Island Lighthouse has an interesting history. Originally built in 1948, it once stood at Grotta, near Reykjavík, before being moved to its current location. Standing there, with the wind whipping around us, I thought about all the ships the lighthouse had guided safely through the fjord over the years. It felt like a silent guardian, watching over the town and its people.

Before leaving Súgandisey, we made sure to admire Þórarinn's sculpture, 'Draumurinn' or 'The Dream', located at the base of the island. It was a beautiful piece of art, adding another layer of charm to this already enchanting place.


Explore the breathtaking Sugandisey Island Lighthouse in Stykkishólmur, a scenic gem with stunning views and rich maritime history, perfect for nature lovers.

For lunch, we stopped at Agnið streetfood in Stykkishólmur. I had heard great things about their fish tacos, and they did not disappoint! Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, they were the perfect fuel for our afternoon adventure. Pieter opted for a lamb pita, which he devoured with equal enthusiasm. It's wonderful to find a place that uses local ingredients and offers such delicious, quick bites.

Our final stop of the day was Helgafell, a small, cone-shaped hill located near Stykkishólmur. Helgafell, meaning 'holy mountain,' is a place of great historical and spiritual significance. According to local folklore, if you climb to the top of Helgafell in silence, without looking back, you can make three wishes that will come true.

As we began our ascent, I felt a sense of anticipation. The path was well-worn, but the climb was still a bit challenging. We passed by the ruins of an ancient chapel and the grave of Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, a heroine from the Icelandic sagas. The air was still, and the only sound was the crunch of our boots on the gravel path. I focused on my breathing, trying to clear my mind of any distractions.

Reaching the summit, we were rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Breiðafjörður bay sparkled in the afternoon sun, and the mountains of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretched out in the distance. I closed my eyes, turned to the east, and made my three wishes. I won't reveal what they were, of course, but I can say that they were heartfelt and filled with hope for the future.

Descending Helgafell, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. Whether or not my wishes come true, the experience of climbing this sacred hill was a powerful reminder of the importance of intention and gratitude. It was a fitting end to a day of exploration and discovery.


Explore Helgafell, a breathtaking mountain peak in Iceland known for stunning views and hiking adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Before heading back to our campsite, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Bjarnarhöfn Bistro. Located near the famous Shark Museum, the bistro offered stunning views of the coastline. I opted for the fish soup, a hearty and flavorful concoction of Atlantic halibut, haddock, and spotted wolffish. Pieter, ever the adventurous eater, decided to try the shark fin soup, a local delicacy. He said it was surprisingly delicious, with a unique and slightly tangy flavor.

After dinner, we considered stopping by Hvanneyri Pub for a nightcap, but we were both feeling tired from our day of exploring. Instead, we headed back to our campsite, where we enjoyed a quiet evening under the stars. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about all the incredible things we had seen and done today. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula had truly captured my heart, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and mystical charm.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our adventure here in Snæfellsnes. We plan to visit Lýsuhóll, known for its mineral-rich pools, and the Bæjarfoss waterfall. We'll also explore Álftafjörður, a beautiful fjord known for its birdlife, before we start making our way back towards Reykjavík. I'm also hoping we'll have time to stop by Álfar og Tröll ehf, a shop that sells traditional Icelandic crafts. I'm already feeling a bit sad that our trip is coming to an end, but I know that the memories we've made here will last a lifetime.

As I reflect on our journey, I'm struck by the power of travel to open our minds and hearts. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures can broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world. And when we travel sustainably, with respect for the environment and local communities, we can make a positive impact on the places we visit. That's what I strive to do with my blog – to inspire others to travel responsibly and to connect with the world in a meaningful way. I hope that our adventures in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula have inspired you to do the same.