08/19/2025 | 4:00 PM
Often described as 'Iceland in Miniature', the Snæfellsnes peninsula packs all of the country’s most iconic landscapes into one area. Just under two hours’ drive from Reykjavík, it’s an easy escape into a world of towering peaks, windswept coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes.
Whether you’re after a scenic day trip or a longer exploration, this guide will show you why the Snæfellsnes peninsula is an unmissable destination. From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, here’s everything you need to know to help plan your visit.
Is the Snæfellsnes peninsula worth visiting?
The Snæfellsnes peninsula offers a selection of Iceland’s most dazzling natural beauty locations. It’s where sea cliffs rise above black sand and glaciers sit atop ancient volcanoes. Among its famed attractions are mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier, thephotogenic Kirkjufell mountain, and dramatic coastal cliffs teeming with native seabirds. So, whether you come for the landscapes or the peace and solitude, this peninsula has something for every traveler.
From Reykjavík you can easily reach the peninsula in just under two hours, so it’s an excellent choice for a great full-day trip, a weekend break, or a longer stay.
Driving the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Take your experience into your own hands and get behind the wheel to explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula – it’s one of Iceland’s most magical road-trip experiences, after all. Opting to drive yourself around the peninsula also gives you more freedom to explore based on your own preferences and schedule.
This scenic route forms a natural circle, offering a seamless way to explore highlights like Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, and Snæfellsjökull National Park. If time allows, extend your stay over two or three days to enjoy the peninsula at a slower pace, adding in hikes, village strolls, and those moments of quiet awe that make Iceland so special.
How long does it take to drive the Snæfellsnes peninsula?
To reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula from Reykjavík, take Highway 1 and turn north on road 54 just outside the town of Borgarnes. The journey takes around one hour 45 minutes, and the distance is approximately 120km (75 miles).
Once you've reached the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the coastal loop spans roughly 250 to 300km (155 to 185 miles), and it takes around four to five hours to drive around the coastline without stops.
If you’re wondering if you can 'do Snæfellsnes in one day', the answer is yes. But with landscapes this dramatic, and depending on how much you want to explore, you’ll want to give yourself at least a full day (minimum of eight to 10 hours for a day trip) to truly take it all in. Two days is a better timeframe, more if time permits.
Your timings will also depend on the time of year you visit. While the roads are well maintained in the summer, driving in the winter demands more caution – snow, ice, and early nightfall are all considerations to take on board before you go.
Map of Snæfellsnes peninsula
Whether you’re traveling independently or looking for a guided tour, following a Snæfellsnes peninsula map helps you make the most of the rich landscapes and traditional Icelandic culture.
What to do on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
From lava fields to lighthouses, and black-sand beaches to sweet fishing villages, these unmissable attractions are a great place to start your exploration of the peninsula:
Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
Visit Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
Walk the Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal trail
Discover Djúpalónssandur and Lóndrangar
Explore the villages of Stykkishólmur and Hellisandur
Other highlights, activities, and hidden gems
Planning your trip to the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Visit Snæfellsnes with Icelandair
Whether you're chasing windswept black beaches, wandering through storybook villages, or standing in awe, taking in the natural landscape, the Snæfellsnes peninsula captures everything that makes Iceland completely unforgettable – all in one easily accessible region.
Getting there is simple with Icelandair. You can fly into Keflavík airport and set off on a Fly & Drive adventure tailored to your pace, or take a tour of the region with an expert local guide. However you choose to experience this wonderful area, book your trip today with Icelandair.