View at Mount Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland, July 2025.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula is a great place to discover the dramatic Icelandic landscape and still close to the capital of Reykjavik. Mountains, ocean, and splendid views are everywhere. One can spot seals, unique birds and the "Mount Fuji" of the area: Snæfellsjökull. The volcano of 1,446 metres (4,744 ft) above sea level has a snowy glacier on top, making it look extra impressive - also in summer.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
The towering volcano of Snæfellsjökull is the king of its own national park. This has more to offer than just the big rock. At Anarstapi and Hellnar beach the rock formations, cliffs and coastline is protected since 1979. It even has its own guard: a giant guy made of stone. Word is, it will come alive anytime he is needed. The national park is 183 square kilometres (71 sq miles) big. Hikers will find lava fields up to 4,000 years old, craters, caves and much more.
Seals on Iceland
Iceland is great for seal spotting. Keep your distance and one can watch the seals relaxing on the coast. Harbour seals and grey seals are most common, so it likely are those you will see. Although there are a couple of "famous" seal watching spots, you can also find them on the way to the Snæfellsjökull National Park, like we did.
The landscape of Snæfellsnes
The Snæfellsnes peninsula is a joy to drive through, the landscape changes often, and has hidden gems you might or might not discover along the way.
One doesn't often see "marshmallows" in photo series of Iceland, yet they are everywhere in the country, like here on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
A farm spotted from the road.
The common whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland, July 2025.
The common whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland, July 2025.
A bird-watching spot on the northern side of the peninsula.
Ingjaldshóll church. Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland, July 2025.
Gerðuberg Cliffs. Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland, July 2025.
Kirkjufell
One of the most photographed landmarks on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is the Kirkjufell (literally "Church Mountain" in Icelandic). The 463 metre (1,519 feet) high rock was one of the filming locations for the popular streaming series Game of Thrones. It is a nice stop on the way, and the low waterfalls close to it give the Kirkjufell an extra entourage.
