The Wonders of Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to some of Iceland’s most visited locations. The peninsula boasts small villages nestled between magnificent snow-capped mountains. The Snæfellsjökull stratovolcano is one of these exquisite locations. It is believed to be over 700,000 years old. It is part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park that serves as an abode for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
On the western edge of the Peninsula lies the Hellnar fishing village. Once a major port for fishing vessels in the region, there have been mentions of the village in writings dating back to the Middle Ages. The Valasnös cave formation at the beach is a stunning tunnel that is known for its colorful light patterns caused by the movements of the sea.
Arnarstapi, another small fishing village, lies at the foot of Mount Stapafell. It was used as Danish shipping port as far back as 1565. Today, Arnarstapi has continued its legacy as a center for private fishing vessels and recreational boats. The waves of the ocean distort sunlight and reflect it on the nearby rocks, making the rock formations along the coast host natural light shows.
Djúpalónssandur is a quiet black-pebbled beach in the peninsula. It is known for its ‘Four Lifting Stones’; massive rocks that Icelandic men once lifted to prove their worth. The Kirkjufell Mountain, featured in the sixth episode of the incredibly popular TV show, Game of Thrones, is another fascinating sight on this tour.

It would not be an understatement to say that the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is bound to be a paradise for any ardent fan of Game of Thrones. In the series, many of the scenes ‘beyond the wall’ were filmed in places like Kirkjufell (Arrowhead Mountain) and Svínafellsjökull. The Svínafellsjökull glacier is where you will begin your tour. Marvel at the incredible glacier and the fantastic sights all around before heading to the fishing villages.
At Arnarstapi and Hellnar, you will learn about how these tiny villages served as essential trading posts and fishing centers. Savor the local culture and find something to eat in these beautiful hamlets.
You will get some time to sit back and watch the waves lapping the black sandy beach of Djúpalónssandur. Be amazed by the fascinatingly-shaped Kirkjufell Mountain before ending your tour of the peninsula.