Ólafsvík
Iceland's oldest chartered trading town and a top whale-watching base on the northern Snæfellsnes coast.
Ólafsvík holds the distinction of being Iceland's first town to receive a royal trading charter, granted in 1687 by King Christian V of Denmark. Today it is a bustling fishing hub on the northern coast of Snæfellsnes, backed by towering mountains that plunge toward the sea.
The town is one of Iceland's premier whale-watching destinations, with Minke, Humpback, and even Blue whales spotted in surrounding waters. A striking modern church dominates the townscape. Its accessible harbor and proximity to Snæfellsjökull National Park make it a natural base for peninsula exploration.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier
Iconic glacier-capped volcano, inspiration for Jules Verne's classic novel and centerpiece of the peninsula.
Mt Kirkjufell
This iconic mountain, resembling a church steeple, offers stunning views and is a popular filming location, attracting photographers and tourists alike.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Historic black pebble beach with ancient strength-testing stones, a shipwreck, and dramatic lava rock formations.
Búðakirkja Church
This historic black wooden church, built in 1703, captivates visitors with its unique architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and rich history.
Arnarstapi
This picturesque fishing village features dramatic coastlines, unique rock formations, and is a haven for bird watchers, steeped in rich history and folklore.
Ytri Tunga Beach
This secluded beach features a resident seal colony, stunning black sand, and smooth pebbles, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Stykkishólmur
Snæfellsnes's main town with a historic Norwegian House, scenic harbor, and ferry connections to Flatey Island.
Grundarfjörður
Fjord town offering Iceland's most iconic Kirkjufell views, a local café, and a thriving fishing community.
Hellnar
Tiny atmospheric village famous for Arctic tern nesting, a scenic coastal trail to Arnarstapi, and sea caves.
Ólafsvík
Iceland's oldest chartered trading town and a top whale-watching base on the northern Snæfellsnes coast.
Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon
A narrow lava canyon tied to Bárðar Saga, with a wading stream inside—a dramatic and legend-steeped detour near Arnarstapi.
Gerðuberg Basalt Columns
Striking wall of perfect hexagonal basalt columns, one of Iceland's finest examples of columnar lava formations.
Vatnshellir Cave
An 8,000-year-old lava tube in Snæfellsjökull National Park, explored on guided tours through dramatic underground chambers.
Berserkjahraun Lava Field
Dramatic saga-era lava field named after Viking berserkers from Eyrbyggja Saga, with a road they legendarily carved.
Eldborg Crater
A perfectly symmetrical volcanic crater with a rewarding 3 km hike through lava fields and panoramic peninsula views.
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
Iceland's only shark museum on a working farm, where visitors learn about and taste the infamous fermented hákarl.
Lóndrangar Rock Formations
Twin basalt sea stacks rising 75 m from the shore—volcanic plugs of exceptional drama within Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Skarðsvík Beach
Iceland's rare golden sand beach near the westernmost tip of Snæfellsnes, near a Viking burial site and lighthouse.
Sturlungalaug Geothermal Pool
A small, naturally heated hillside pool with panoramic fjord views—a quiet alternative to Iceland's commercial hot springs.