Private Snaefellsnes

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature”. It is the perfect combination of waterfalls, rough lava fields, black sand beaches, and Icelandic folklore.

After driving past some of South-west Iceland’s most iconic mountains, such as Mount Esja and Skessuhorn, our first stop in the Snæfellsnes peninsula is Berserkjahraun Lava Field. It was created around 4.000 years ago after the three surrounding volcanos erupted shortly after each other. The name also comes from an exciting story back from the Viking age. Your guide will tell you all about it and he’ll show you the way to a secret and hidden waterfall. 

Kirkjufell mountain, which for sure is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, made famous by jaw-dropping appearances in Game of Thrones. Its name literally means “Church mountain” and witnessing it in person, you start to understand why some people liken it to a religious experience. It is surrounded by a beautiful waterfall you’ll get enough time to stroll around the walking paths to explore the area. 

Countless volcanic craters can be seen during the drive. Now it’s time to put a foot on one of the dormant craters on the peninsula. Saxhóll volcanic crater was created around 3.000 years ago and it is 100m high. A staircase makes the walk to the top very easy and the reward is a brilliant view over the surrounding lava fields. 

Iceland is known for its black sand beaches. Djúpalónssandur is one of them and this place will definitely amaze you. Back in the day, a harbor for fishing boats could be found here and all the fishermen had to prove their strength beforehand. To do that, they had to lift stones of different weights. Only the strongest were able to secure a spot on one of the boats. The stones still can be found on the beach and you will have a chance to test your own strength.

The next stop will be in Arnastapi, a beautiful and charming fishing village. During the time, powerful waves eroded the cliffs and left the stunning rock formations behind that can be seen today. Also, a sculpture of Bárður Snæfellsás, the guardian of the Penninsula, can be found here.

Of course, you can’t miss Budakirkja Black Church when you are around the peninsula. The church was build in 1703. After the Danish king decided to dismiss the church in 1819, several residents fought for the reclamation and in 1849 they gt the allowance to build a new chapel. A woman named Steinunn saved some of the old artifacts and thanks to her, we can still see them today.

We will have one last stop at a beautiful golden-colored beach called Ytri-Tunga. Huge seal colonies can be found at this beach during the whole year and your guide will lead you to the place where you can find them.