Adventurous Escape to Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

First Impressions of Snæfellsnes

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has already exceeded all expectations! Today, Pieter and I embarked on our Icelandic adventure, diving headfirst into the raw beauty and unique charm of this region. It's amazing how quickly you can feel grounded in a new place when surrounded by such incredible landscapes. We've seen basalt columns that look like they were carved by giants and tasted water straight from the earth. What a start to our week-long escape!

Our day began bright and early as we picked up our rental car from Keflavik Airport after our flight from Amsterdam. I was excited to finally put our carefully planned itinerary into action. First stop: the Snæfellsnes Visitor Center. Despite my meticulous planning, I still managed to forget my travel adapter at home in Delft! Thankfully, Pieter had packed his, but it was a good reminder that even the most organized travelers can have a little oversight. We made a mental note to pick one up tomorrow; I'm sure we'll find one while grabbing breakfast at Kaffi 59. I was also kicking myself for not bringing my binoculars – the birdwatching opportunities here seem incredible, and I know Pieter would have loved to get a closer look at the coastal wildlife.

At the visitor center, we gathered a wealth of information about the peninsula. The staff were incredibly helpful, providing us with maps and insights into the local culture. It's amazing how much richer an experience can be when you take the time to learn about the history and legends of a place. This peninsula is known for the Snæfellsjökull National Park, which is the first national park in Iceland, with boundaries reaching out into the sea. I picked up a beautiful postcard featuring Kirkjufell Mountain, which we plan to visit tomorrow. According to the information we got, the mountain and its waterfall neighbor, Kirkjufellsfoss, are worth stopping at. With the maps we grabbed, I am now even more excited to see the perfect cone shape of the mountain. Leaving the visitor center, we couldn't resist browsing the small shop, picking up a few locally made souvenirs to remind us of our trip. I found a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf that will be perfect for the cooler evenings.

Next on our list was the Gerðuberg Cliffs. As we drove along Highway 54, the landscape transformed into a surreal panorama of lava fields and dramatic coastlines. I found myself thinking about my work as a sustainability consultant, and how important it is to preserve these natural wonders for future generations. The cliffs are hardly noticeable from the road, but, once we parked, we were greeted by the sight of hundreds of basalt columns standing tall like a fortress wall. It felt like stepping into another world. The columns, ranging from seven to fourteen meters high, were so geometrically symmetrical that they seemed almost hand-carved. We took our time walking along the base of the cliffs, marveling at the incredible geological formations. I am glad we walked on the old walking path just by the columns, instead of climbing up the cliff. I could have spent hours photographing the intricate patterns and textures of the basalt. Pieter, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the science behind their formation, explaining how the lava flows cooled rapidly in the sea, creating these unique shapes. I was also able to capture some stunning photos, capturing both the columns and the views south to Eldborg and Snæfellsjökull.


Explore the breathtaking Gerðuberg Cliffs, home to stunning basalt columns and diverse wildlife, a true Icelandic natural wonder.

For lunch, we stopped at Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips in Stykkishólmur, a charming harbor town. The reviews online raved about their fish and chips, and I must say, they lived up to the hype. We shared a portion of the fresh, flaky cod with crispy fries, seasoned perfectly with a hint of lime. It was the perfect comfort food to warm us up on a breezy day. The food truck was near the docks, and we were able to sit on benches looking out at the water and the tiny orange lighthouse on the hill behind. As we ate, we watched the local fishermen bringing in their catch, a reminder of the town’s rich maritime heritage. Pieter also told me that the wolffish melts in the mouth, and the haddock is tender, so I will definitely need to try that next time! I am also keen to try the sauces.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Hafnarvagninn-Fish & Chips in Stykkishólmur – fresh fish served with stunning coastal views.

Our final stop of the day was the Ölkelduvatn Mineral Spring. Finding it was an adventure in itself, but definitely worth the effort. Driving along the southern side of Snaefellsnesvegur (highway 54), we eventually spotted the small sign indicating the spring. The area around the spring was colored red due to the high iron content of the water. The water was naturally carbonated, with a strong, metallic taste that Pieter described as liquid nickels. I found it quite refreshing, though definitely an acquired taste! We filled up our reusable water bottles, making a small donation as a thank you to the farmers who own the land. The spring was built in 1904 by the farmer on Ölkelda farm, so it is important to be respectful when visiting. The signpost near the spring said that the water possesses a much higher concentration of minerals than ordinary water, lending it curative properties. I don't know about that, but it was definitely a unique experience.

Sometimes, the most unforgettable travel experiences are the ones that connect us directly to the earth, offering a taste of its raw, unfiltered essence.

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ölkelduvatn Mineral Spring, a historical landmark renowned for its healing waters and stunning landscapes.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Arnarstapi for dinner at Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with large windows offering stunning views of the coastline. I am really happy that we managed to get a table with a view. We both opted for traditional Icelandic dishes, savoring the flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Pieter chose the lamb soup, while I decided on the fish and chips. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the chips were perfectly crispy. For dessert, we shared a slice of skyr cake, a light and creamy treat that was the perfect end to our meal. The staff was incredibly friendly, making us feel right at home. I heard that the Nutella pizza is great, so perhaps I will try that next time!


Experience fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking ocean views at Arnarstapi Center's Snjófell Restaurant.

After dinner, we took a stroll along the Arnarstapi cliffs, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. The rugged coastline, with its dramatic rock formations and crashing waves, was a sight to behold. We walked to the Stone Bridge and Gatklettur, taking in the views. The fresh sea air filled our lungs, and we felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over us. I am excited to explore them further tomorrow. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kirkjufell Mountain and Saxhóll Crater, so it will be another day filled with adventure.

As I sit here in our eco-friendly accommodation, writing in my travel journal, I can’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Today has been a whirlwind of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has already captured my heart, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. I'm also looking forward to breakfast at Kaffi 59!

Tomorrow promises more breathtaking sights as we head to Kirkjufell Mountain, Kirkjufellsfossar, and Saxhóll Crater. I'm also excited to try the local cuisine at Kaffi 59, Bjargarsteinn Mathús, and Narfeyrarstofa. I'm sure we'll find plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and I'm already planning to stock up on those travel adapters I forgot!