Exploring the Wonders of Snæfellsjökull National Park

Day 6: Waterfalls and Whispers of Icelandic Horses

Today was a day of serene beauty and gentle adventures here in Snæfellsjökull National Park. After five years of living in Dublin, I've come to appreciate the quiet moments, and today was filled with them. Liam and I set out to explore more of what this stunning peninsula has to offer, trading the dramatic coastlines for the tranquil heartland, and it was exactly the reset we needed.

Our first stop was Bæjarfoss, a waterfall just a stone's throw from Ólafsvík. The drive there was easy, and I was excited to see the waterfall. It's funny, even though I grew up near Lake Constance, I've always been drawn to the power and peace of cascading water. After parking near the Ólafsvíkurkirkja, we took the short walk to the waterfall. The path was well-maintained, and it only took us about 10 minutes to reach the base.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of nature's gifts.

The waterfall itself was stunning. Bæjarfoss, meaning town waterfall, certainly lives up to its name. The water gracefully cascades down, creating a mesmerizing bridal veil effect. I learned that the waterfall has a single drop of approximately 30-40 meters. Even in December, the area was accessible, and the views were incredible. Apparently, the Icelandic government has even implemented avalanche mitigation measures in the area, which made me feel a bit safer, considering the time of year. It was a clear day, and as we walked back, we enjoyed the panoramic views of Breiðarfjörður and the Atlantic Ocean.


Explore the stunning Bæjarfoss Waterfall, a magnificent Icelandic natural wonder surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and serene hiking trails.
After our refreshing waterfall visit, we drove to Lýsuhóll. This family-run horse farm offers horseback riding tours, which I was particularly excited about. As someone who appreciates ethical and sustainable practices, I was happy to support a local business that clearly cares for its animals. Plus, I’ve heard that Lýsuhóll is an excellent spot for Northern Lights viewing due to low light pollution, though we weren't planning on staying that late.
We had a delightful breakfast at Lýsuhóll, which set a cozy tone for the day. Unfortunately, their horses are in a well-deserved winter break until April 1st, so we couldn't ride. Instead, we decided to explore the area on foot. The landscape was beautiful, with mountains, colorful sandy beaches, and lava fields all around. Even without the horseback riding, it was easy to appreciate the serene beauty of the place.

Experience the flavors of Iceland and the thrill of horseback riding at Lýsuhóll in Snæfellsbær, a perfect retreat for all travelers.
For lunch, we headed to Mæstro - Street food, and it was a great choice. This cozy cafe is known for its fantastic hot dogs made from lamb, which we had to try. Liam went for the “Isabella” with jalapenos, cheese, and onions, while I opted for the classic Icelandic hot dog. The fries were also delicious – perfectly cooked and lightly salted. It’s a tiny spot, but the flavors were huge, and it was the perfect quick bite to keep us going.


Experience the authentic taste of Icelandic street food at Mæsto in Grundarfjörður, where fresh ingredients meet local flavors.
In the evening, we had dinner at Hlaðan Veitingahús in Snæfellsbær. This restaurant is known for its authentic Icelandic cuisine, and it didn’t disappoint. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I decided to try the fish, which was cooked to perfection, and Liam went for the chicken. For starters, we shared the parmesan soup and burrata with salmon – both were absolutely delicious. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Hlaðan Veitingahús in Snæfellsnes.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Sker Restaurant in Ólafsvík for a quick drink. This cozy spot is owned by a local fishing family, so you know the fish is fresh. The restaurant has a varied menu, but we were just there for a drink and to soak in the friendly atmosphere. The staff were pleasant, and it was a great way to support the local economy.


Discover the flavors of Iceland at Sker Restaurant, where local ingredients meet stunning views in Ólafsvík.
As I reflect on today, I’m grateful for the chance to experience the quieter side of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Gufuskálar and Keflavíkurvör. I'm looking forward to exploring the area and seeing what hidden gems we can find. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll get a glimpse of those elusive Northern Lights.