When travelers plan a trip to Iceland, many rush to the Golden Circle, but just a couple of hours west of Reykjavík lies a destination that feels far more untouched and diverse—the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” this region packs nearly every element the country is famous for into a single stretch of land: waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. It is also home to the country’s most iconic mountain, Kirkjufell, a spot that has graced countless postcards and travel photographs.
Exploring the Peninsula
Driving around the peninsula is simple enough to do in one long day during the summer when daylight lingers for nearly 24 hours. I chose to loop around, starting on the northern coastline and returning south, which allowed me to take in a wide variety of landscapes without ever backtracking. The roads are good, and the scenery makes it hard not to stop every few kilometers.
Highlights Worth Visiting and Photographing
Selvallafoss (Sheep’s Waterfall)
A hidden gem just off the road, Selvallafoss sits tucked below a ridge, invisible from the parking area until you walk a short path. The setting feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by rugged hills and open skies.
Kolgrafarfjördur Bridge
Crossing this bridge feels dramatic, with dark mountains rising on either side of the fjord. There’s a convenient pull-off where you can pause for photos of the stark contrast between sea and stone.
Grundarfoss
Before reaching the town of Grundarfjörður, a short walk leads to Grundarfoss, a tall waterfall framed by cliffs. Sheep often wander freely here, which only adds to the Icelandic countryside atmosphere.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
No trip to Snaefellsnes is complete without seeing Kirkjufell. The triangular peak, paired with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, is perhaps the most photographed scene in the country. Arrive early or stay late to capture the best light. On clear nights, this is also an excellent place to wait for the Northern Lights.
Svöðufoss
Located a short distance from Ólafsvík, this waterfall requires a brief walk along a gravel track. If you cross a shallow stream, you can get closer to the base or even hike toward the top for a new perspective.
Snæfellsjökull Volcano and Glacier
This glacier-topped stratovolcano dominates the western edge of the peninsula. Rising to 1,446 meters, it has layers of hardened lava clearly visible from certain angles. Snæfellsjökull inspired Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth and remains a place of mystery and beauty. Hiking routes circle the volcano, and on clear days the views are astonishing.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
A hauntingly beautiful black sand beach, Djúpalónssandur is dotted with unusual lava formations. A short drive from the main road leads to this dramatic coastal spot, where the Atlantic crashes against jagged rocks.
Arnarstapi
This small coastal village became my personal favorite stop. The cliffs here are sculpted into arches and bridges by centuries of ocean waves, with Gatklettur rock arch being the most famous. Walking the coastal path at sunset felt surreal, as golden light spilled across the lava formations.
Everywhere in Between
One of the best things about driving the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is that beauty isn’t limited to specific attractions. Nearly every bend in the road offers something worth stopping for—orange mossy plains, volcanic craters, distant glaciers, or tiny fishing harbors.
Final Reflections
Spending a day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula left me with the impression of having seen a condensed version of all that Iceland has to offer. It’s quieter than the Golden Circle, less crowded, and every bit as dramatic. From the otherworldly lava fields around Snæfellsjökull to the calm reflection of Kirkjufell in the fjord waters, the peninsula delivers scenes that stay with you long after you’ve left.
For photographers, it’s an endless canvas of light and landscape. For travelers, it’s a reminder that some of the most magical places in Iceland are found just beyond the most popular routes.
