Snaefellsnes Peninsula – or "Iceland in a nutshell" – is a geological wonderland in West Iceland with vast, spectacular views reaching over mountains, lava fields, and empty roads. Driving along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can visit charming Danish-influenced fishing villages, the most photographed mountain in Iceland, and other extraordinary sights!
Snæfellsnes is a peninsula in West Iceland so there are various places to mention. Stykkishólmur is 165 km (102,5 mi) from Reykjavík and 96.1 km (60 mi) from Borgarnes.
Mt. Kirkjufell is 172 km (106,8 mi) from Reykjavík. Arnarstapi is 186 km (115,6 mi) from Reykjavík and Hellnar is 4.3 km (36,7 mi) from Arnarstapi and 188 km (116,8 mi) from Reykjavík.
Where is Snaefellsnes Peninsula located exactly?
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 64.8703° N
Longitude: 23.1136° W
There are so many different options when it comes to visiting the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You can easily visit an exciting tour, be it a day or multi-day tour. You can jump on a public bus to reach Snaefellsnes, or you can easily rent a car and drive!
Road to Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland
How to get to Snaefellsnes from Reykjavik?
Driving from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes should take about 1,5-2 hours. For the most part, you will follow the Ring Road 1 through Mosfellsbær, into Borgarfjörður valley, and the town of Borgarnes.
Here you will make a left turn at the last roundabout onto road 54. Road 54 will take you well into the beautiful peninsula.
Cliffs by the beach at Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
How to get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Akureyri?
Driving from Akureyri to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula should take about 4.5-5 hours, and again you will mainly be following road one. The drive will take you into the horse mecca of Iceland, Skagafjörður, and into the area of Reykholt.
Following route 1, you'll reach the border of the town of Borgarnes. You will turn on road 54 on the roundabout and continue to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is 90 km (56 mi) long.
It is recommended to spend 2-3 days on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to visit all of the main attractions.
Scenic view of Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, Iceland
There's so much more to uncover about the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. If you're itching to dive deeper into the wonders of this region, check out our detailed guide on Best Things to See and Do on Snæfellsnes. Read on and plan your Iceland trip easier!
Icelandic seafood dish
From South clockwise around the peninsula – Firstly South, West then North and East.
Gilbakki Kaffihus in Iceland
If you want to find out more, read our detailed article about the best places to eat on Snaefellsnes!
There is something truly special about the peninsula. In the year 1864, it became famous, along with its towering Glacier Volcano, Snæfellsjökull. It became famous when author Jules Verne wrote it to be the opening to the center of the earth in his book Journey to the Center of the Earth.
The book became a big hit and ended up being portrayed in movies, in 1959, 1978, 1989 and lastly in 2008. It starred the Icelandic actress Anita Briem and the famous Brendan Fraser.
Monument made by rocks at Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The story has also been portrayed in theatre, theme parks, radio, video games, television, and film. But long before all this, Snæfellsnes was mentioned in the Icelandic Bárðar Saga.
The saga tells the story of Bárður, who according to legend was half-ogre and half man. There is a tall sculpture of Bárðar on the hillside at Arnarstapi, a picturesque fishing village.
View of waterfall from a distance in Iceland