Skarðsvík Beach: A Hidden Gem of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Discover the breathtaking golden sands of Skarðsvík Beach, a serene coastal gem on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, perfect for relaxation and stunning views.
Skarðsvík Beach is a breathtaking destination located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its unique golden sands and stunning coastal views. This lesser-known beach offers a serene escape into nature, perfect for sunbathing, photography, and peaceful walks along the shore. Visitors will find the beach framed by dramatic cliffs, creating a striking contrast against the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its vibrant beauty, unlike the more common black sand beaches of Iceland, makes it a must-visit for any traveler seeking a unique and tranquil experience.
A brief summary to Skarðsvík Beach
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for the best light for photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy while taking in the beautiful scenery.
- Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly in coastal areas.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore the cliffs and surrounding trails.
- Respect the natural environment and follow local guidelines to preserve the beach's beauty.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car within Snæfellsjökull National Park, head towards the direction of Hellnar, taking Route 574. Once you reach Hellnar, continue towards the coast, and follow signs for Skarðsvík Beach. The beach is approximately 15 kilometers from Hellnar. Look for a gravel road on your left that leads down towards the beach. The parking area is located just above the beach, and from there, it’s a short walk down to the sandy area.
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Public Transportation
If you are using public transportation, you may take a bus to the nearest town, which is Grundarfjörður. From Grundarfjörður, you will likely need to arrange for a taxi or a ride-sharing service to take you to Skarðsvík Beach, as public transportation options directly to the beach are limited. Make sure to check the local bus schedules in advance, as they may not run frequently. The distance from Grundarfjörður to Skarðsvík Beach is approximately 30 kilometers.
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Walking/Hiking
If you are already within a hikeable distance of Skarðsvík Beach, you may be able to walk from nearby trails. There are several scenic hiking paths within Snæfellsjökull National Park that lead towards the coastline. Ensure to have a map or a GPS device, as some trails may not be well-marked. The beach is located at latitude 64.8814472 and longitude -23.98642, which you can input into your GPS for exact navigation.
Discover more about Skarðsvík Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gufuskálar
3.1 km
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Ólafsvíkurkirkja
13.0 km
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Reks
13.2 km
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Tourist Information Centre - Snæfellsbær
13.2 km
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Gallerí Jökull
13.2 km
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Hotel Olafsvik
13.2 km
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Sker Restaurant
13.3 km
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Við Hafið Guesthouse/Hostel
13.4 km
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Snæfellsbær
13.5 km
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Bikers Paradise
13.7 km
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Campsite Ólafsvík
14.1 km
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Tindur Boat SH-179
14.3 km
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Gestastofa á Malarrif (Visitor Center at Malarrif)
18.9 km
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Lóndrangar
19.1 km
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Malarrif Lighthouse
19.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rauðfeldsgjá
0.3 km
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Öndverðarnesviti
2.8 km
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Írskrabrunnur
2.8 km
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Fiskbyrgin á Gufuskálum
3.1 km
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Svörtuloft Lighthouse
3.2 km
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The Torch
3.2 km
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Saxhóll
4.4 km
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Saxhóll Crater
4.5 km
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Trail Geldingafell
4.9 km
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Rauðhóll (Snæfellsnes)
5.2 km
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Snæfellsjökull National Park
5.9 km
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Þjóðgarðsmiðstöð á Hellissandi (National Park Center)
5.9 km
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Beðið í von- Grímur Marinó
6.0 km
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The Maritime Museum in the Fisherman's Garden
6.0 km
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Sjóminjasafnið Hellissandi - The Maritime Museum in the Fisherman's Garden
6.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Viðvík Restaurant
5.7 km
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Matarlist
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Gilbakki
6.2 km
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FRISTA Food Truck Arnarstapi
20.7 km
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Arnarbær
21.0 km
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Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa
21.1 km
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Stapinn
21.1 km
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Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant
21.1 km
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Fjöruhúsið café
21.6 km
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Kaffi 59
34.3 km
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Bjargarsteinn Mathús
34.6 km
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Mæstro - Street food
34.6 km
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Lýsuhóll
36.4 km
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Kast Guesthouse
37.0 km
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Hotel Langaholt & Restaurant
40.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kaffihús Sjóminjasafnins
6.0 km
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N1 Self-Service Station
6.1 km
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Roche
6.2 km
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Mary Dundon
6.2 km
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Wool ARTelier
6.3 km
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Útgerðin - Concept Store & Wine Room
6.3 km
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Kassinn
13.2 km
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Apótek Ólafsvíkur
13.3 km
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Orkan
13.4 km
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Ó.K. Söluskálinn
13.4 km
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Vínbúðin
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Hrund
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N1 Ólafsvík
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N1
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G. Hansen
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Freezer Hostel, Apartments & Culture Centre
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Stöð Guesthouse and Apartments
34.6 km
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Valeria Kaffi Back Parking
34.8 km
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Framnes
34.8 km
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Kirkjufell Hotel
34.8 km
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Sudur-Bár Guesthouse
37.9 km
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RJÚK ANDI
59.3 km
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Nesbrauð ehf
62.6 km
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Vatnsás 10
62.6 km
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Hótel Breiðafjörður
63.1 km
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Snæfellsnes
63.1 km
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Norwegian House
63.1 km
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Walter Mitty Bar (Movie Location)
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Akkeri Guesthouse
63.1 km
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Hótel Egilsen
63.2 km
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