Snæfellsjökull National Park

Established in 2001, this national park is located on the west-most tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. From black sandy beaches to volcanic craters, scenic churches to lava tube systems, there are so many things to do and see within this Snaefellsjokull National Park.

Snaefellsjökull National Park is one of the three national parks in Iceland and is definitely the most stunning one located right at the tip of the peninsula. Although not the largest or the oldest of national parks in Iceland, Snaefellsjökull is home to a diverse and picturesque landscape. Established in 2001, this park was named after the stratovolcano and glacier Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsjökull is the crown of this national park and is also one of the 32 active volcanic systems in Iceland.

Starting from the coastline to the Snæfellsjökull volcano, the boundaries of this national park vary drastically. If you simply browse through the pictures of this park, you'll want to add it to your bucket list almost immediately. Having inspired several renowned artists and authors, this national park is filled with stunning landscapes and historic relics that must not be missed.

Located right at the tip of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this Snaefellsjökull National Park & Glacier is about a three-hour drive from the capital. If you are looking to enjoy the views and travel at your pace, it's always best to rent a car. Take the Hvalfjörður fjord in a 3.5-mile underwater tunnel to get to the park quickly.

From black sandy beaches to volcanic craters, and scenic churches to lava tube systems, there are so many things to do and see within this Snaefellsjokull National Park. Enjoy the picturesque views and breathtaking landmarks. Some of the most important sites to cover within the national park include:

• Budirkirkja, the black church

• Djúpalónssandur Beach, the black sand beach

• Spiral staircase at Vatnshellir that takes you to an 8,000-year-old lava tube system

For those interested in taking on hikes and trails, Lóndrangar, Snaefellsjokull Glacier, Kirkjufell and Saxhóll Volcano Crater are some to consider. Snaefellsjokull Glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-topped volcano with several challenging trails, for professionals, it takes about five hours to complete the hike up to view Snaefellsjokull up close. For more, explore our top 10 things to do in the area.

Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Hellissandur and Ríf are historic fishing villages that are located near the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Take a peek into the local culture, enjoy a culinary adventure and experience a different lifestyle in these Icelandic villages. Take some time and travel another hour or so to Mount Kirkjufell, Ytri Tunga, a seal-watching beach, and Rauðfeldsgjá, an impressive gorge, which are some places that you can explore around the Snaefellsjokull National Park.

Snæfellsjökull National Park & Glacier is open throughout the year and is absolutely free to visit. But to explore this vast area of diverse landscapes, you may need some help. There are several guided day-trip providers that can be booked in advance to help you scout through the area and create an unforgettable travel experience.