Exploring the Wonders of Snæfellsnes with Friends

Friday's Fjords and Finds

Today was all about embracing the raw, natural beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The kind of day where you feel utterly immersed in the landscape, breathing in the crisp air and feeling the presence of something ancient and powerful all around. It's days like these that remind me why I started this blog in the first place – to share these moments of profound connection with the world.

Our day kicked off with a hearty breakfast at Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant. The views of Mount Stapafell were stunning, even through the early morning mist. I opted for the Icelandic meat soup, a staple I’ve grown quite fond of during this trip. It’s funny, back in Hawthorne, Olivia makes a great chicken noodle, but there is something about the Icelandic lamb that is just different. The others went for the fish and chips, which apparently are some of the best on the island. Fueled up, we were ready to tackle our first adventure: hiking Lýsuhóll.


Discover Lýsuhóll in Snæfellsbær: A perfect blend of Icelandic cuisine, cozy cottages, and breathtaking horseback riding adventures.

Lýsuhóll, with its promise of panoramic views, did not disappoint. The hike itself was invigorating, a good climb that got the blood pumping. The landscape was rugged, dotted with volcanic rocks and hardy vegetation. Reaching the summit, the view was simply breathtaking. You could see for miles in every direction, the vast expanse of the peninsula laid out before us. I took a moment to just breathe it all in, feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty. I snapped a few photos, of course, trying to capture the essence of the moment, but some things are just impossible to truly convey through a lens. I made a mental note to show Ethan some of the pictures when I got back home, hoping to inspire a little bit of wanderlust in him too.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After descending Lýsuhóll, we were ready for a bit of a change of pace. We drove towards the Dagverðará River on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a spot I had read about in my guidebook. The river is known for its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance. The area around Dagverðará is rich in geological history and biodiversity. It was easy to see why it's a favorite among nature lovers and photographers. The crystal-clear water meandered through the landscape, reflecting the sky above. We spent a peaceful hour or so walking along the riverbank, enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. I even tried my hand at a bit of fishing, though I didn't have any luck. Still, it was a lovely way to connect with nature and unwind after our hike. I could imagine spending an entire afternoon here, simply soaking in the peace and quiet.


Explore the breathtaking Dagverðará River, a hidden gem of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering stunning landscapes and serene nature experiences.

For lunch, we stopped at Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa, a charming restaurant in Arnarstapi. The place had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I opted for the lamb soup, eager to try another local specialty. It was absolutely delicious, hearty and flavorful, and just what I needed after our outdoor adventures. Olivia went for the mashed fish, and the others had crepes. Everyone was happy with their meals, and we lingered over our lunch, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the place.


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

After lunch, we took some time to explore Arnarstapi itself. The village is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and unique rock formations. We walked along the cliffs, marveling at the basalt columns and the dramatic coastline. The views of the Atlantic Ocean were simply spectacular, and we spent a good while taking photos and simply enjoying the scenery. Arnarstapi is a charming village that serves as a base for travelers wanting to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to treat ourselves to a bit of Icelandic hospitality. We headed to Hvanneyri Pub, a cozy grill establishment known for its warm ambiance and friendly service. The pub was indeed charming, with a rustic decor that made us feel right at home. I ordered a local beer and a plate of grilled lamb, eager to sample another Icelandic specialty. The lamb was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, and the beer was a perfect complement. The others tried various grilled dishes, and everyone was impressed with the quality of the food. The Hvanneyri Pub often hosts local events and live music nights. We spent a pleasant couple of hours at the pub, chatting with the friendly locals and soaking in the lively atmosphere.


Savor the essence of Icelandic cuisine at Hvanneyri Pub, where friendly service and delicious grilled dishes await in a cozy atmosphere.

For dinner, we decided to try Hótel Snaefellsnes, known for its traditional Icelandic dinners with organic ingredients. The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, and the menu looked promising. I opted for the seafood soup, eager to taste the fresh catch of the day. It was a fantastic choice, the soup was rich and flavorful, packed with delicious seafood. Olivia went for the lamb shanks, and the others tried various fish dishes. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with their meals, and we agreed that Hótel Snaefellsnes was a culinary highlight of our trip.


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

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we had enjoyed. From the panoramic views atop Lýsuhóll to the tranquil beauty of the Dagverðará River, from the charming village of Arnarstapi to the cozy hospitality of Hvanneyri Pub, today had been a perfect encapsulation of the magic of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s days like these that make me feel so incredibly lucky to be able to travel and share my experiences with all of you. I know Olivia and Ethan would have loved this day, and I made a promise to myself to bring them back here someday.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Súgandisey Island Lighthouse and the Stone Bridge. I’m excited to see what other hidden gems the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has in store for us. Until then, takk fyrir and good night from Iceland.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow's exploration of the Súgandisey Island Lighthouse and the Stone Bridge. I've heard great things about the views from the lighthouse, and I'm always up for discovering unique geological formations like the Stone Bridge. Plus, we're planning to grab some street food at Agnið streetfood for lunch, which I'm excited about. I've been craving something a little less formal after all the delicious restaurant meals we've been having. And of course, we need to stock up on some essentials at Bónus, because you can never be too prepared when you're on the road!