Family Adventure on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A Day of Iconic Views

Today was all about embracing the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The kind of day where you feel utterly insignificant against the backdrop of nature's grandeur, yet deeply connected to it all at the same time. It was a day of iconic views, of battling the elements, and of creating memories with my family that I know we'll cherish for years to come.

We started our day in typical fashion, which is to say, a little chaotic but full of laughter. Breakfast at Hlaðan Veitingahús was a warm and inviting experience. The kids were thrilled with the pancakes, and Ana and I enjoyed some hearty Icelandic breakfast fare. I opted for the 'Ærlegur Kindaborgari', a local sheep burger, while Ana chose a lighter grilled sandwich. It's always interesting to try the local cuisine, and this burger definitely had a unique, earthy flavor. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, perfect for gearing up for a day of exploration.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Hlaðan Veitingahús, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Snæfellsnes.

Our main destination for the day was, of course, the legendary Kirkjufell Mountain and its adjacent waterfalls, Kirkjufellsfossar. Even though I had seen countless photos of this iconic landmark, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magnificence of seeing it in person. The mountain, dusted with snow, rose majestically against the winter sky. The waterfalls, partially frozen, added an ethereal quality to the scene. We spent a good chunk of the morning simply wandering around, taking photos from every conceivable angle. I even managed to get a few decent shots, despite the less-than-ideal lighting conditions.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kirkjufell Mountain, a must-visit national park in Iceland, famed for its stunning landscapes and iconic waterfall.

I experimented with different settings on my camera, trying to capture the perfect balance between the mountain's imposing presence and the delicate beauty of the frozen waterfalls. I even tried to get some shots with Luka in the foreground, but he was far more interested in throwing snowballs than posing for his dad's photography project. I even remembered to bring the tripod, which I usually forget back at the hotel in Zurich. The wind was fierce, and the ground was icy, but the views were more than worth the effort.

Sometimes, the most breathtaking views are the ones you have to work for.

After thoroughly exploring Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfossar, we decided to grab some lunch in Ólafsvík at Sjávarkjallarinn. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. Ana and I shared a delicious fish soup, while Luka devoured a plate of fish and chips. It was the perfect way to warm up after spending the morning in the cold. While the food was good, the service could have been better. It was a busy time, and the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed. Still, we enjoyed the meal and the chance to relax for a bit.

With our bellies full, we decided to explore the charming town of Grundarfjörður. We popped into Kirkjufell Knitting, a local shop that was bursting with colorful, handcrafted wool products. Ana, who is always on the lookout for unique souvenirs, spent a good hour browsing through the shelves. She ended up buying a beautiful hand-knitted scarf for herself and a cozy hat for Luka. I found myself admiring the intricate patterns and the obvious skill that went into creating each piece. I even considered buying a traditional Icelandic sweater for myself, but I ultimately decided that it wouldn't quite fit my style. Still, it was fascinating to see the local craftsmanship on display.


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

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Hótel Snaefellsnes for dinner. The hotel restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the menu featured a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes. I opted for the lamb, which was cooked to perfection, while Ana chose the Arctic char. Luka, of course, went for the kids' menu, which featured the usual suspects: chicken nuggets and fries. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a long and eventful day.


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

One of the highlights of the evening was chatting with some of the other guests at the hotel. We met a couple from Germany who were on a photography tour of Iceland, and they shared some incredible stories about their adventures. We also met a family from the United States who were on a road trip around the entire island. It's always fascinating to hear about other people's travel experiences and to get their perspectives on the places we're visiting.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from the comfort of our room, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had today. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is truly a magical place, and I feel so fortunate to be able to share it with my family. The combination of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious food has made this a day to remember.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum and explore the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. I'm particularly excited about the shark museum, as I've always been fascinated by these creatures. Ana is looking forward to the gorge, as she loves hiking and exploring new places. We'll also be stopping by Kaffi 59 for a drink in the evening. It sounds like another exciting day ahead, and I can't wait to see what Snaefellsnes has in store for us.

Before drifting off to sleep, I found myself reflecting on the differences between this trip and my usual, more solitary adventures. While I cherish the solitude and freedom of solo travel, there's something incredibly special about sharing these experiences with my family. Seeing the wonder in Luka's eyes as he gazed at Kirkjufell, or the smile on Ana's face as she found the perfect scarf at Kirkjufell Knitting – those are the moments that make travel truly meaningful. It reminds me that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about creating lasting memories with the people you love.

And as I close my eyes, I'm already dreaming of the adventures that await us tomorrow. The stark beauty of Iceland in winter has a way of seeping into your soul, leaving you with a sense of awe and wonder that lingers long after you've left its shores. It's a feeling that I know I'll be carrying with me for a long time to come.

I'm also reminded of how lucky I am to be able to take these trips, thanks to my stable job as a software engineer in Zurich. It's a far cry from my childhood in Škofja Loka, Slovenia, but I'm grateful for the opportunities that life has given me. And I'm especially grateful for Ana, who shares my passion for travel and adventure. Without her, these trips wouldn't be nearly as special. Good night from Iceland!

The beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter is a stark reminder of nature's power and resilience.