Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature” – and for good reason. On one compact peninsula you’ll find black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages, lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs. If you’re planning a trip from Reykjavík towards West Iceland and Snæfellsnes, a bit of smart planning will help you see more, drive less, and enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
Here are some practical Snæfellsnes travel tips, with ideas on how to use Ourhotels.is properties – Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn – as comfortable bases along the way.
Snæfellsnes: When to Go and How Long to Stay
Snæfellsnes is a year‑round destination, but your experience will differ by season:
– **Summer (June–August):** Long days, easier driving, most tours running. Ideal for hiking around Snæfellsjökull National Park and exploring the coastline.
– **Shoulder seasons (May, September–October):** Fewer crowds, often good road conditions, beautiful light for photography.
– **Winter (November–April):** Short days, possible snow and ice, but magical landscapes and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights on clear nights.
For a relaxed visit, plan **2–3 days** for Snæfellsnes itself, plus travel days to and from Reykjavík or the Westfjords. Many travelers combine Snæfellsnes with Borgarfjörður and then continue north to the Westfjords, which is where Ourhotels.is locations fit naturally into your route.
Starting Point: Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn
Before you even reach Snæfellsnes, West Iceland’s Borgarfjörður region is worth a stop. It’s less crowded than the Golden Circle but just as rich in nature and history.
**Highlights around Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes):**
– **Hraunfossar & Barnafoss:** A unique series of waterfalls streaming out of a lava field into a turquoise river. Easy walks and great photo spots.
– **Deildartunguhver hot spring:** One of Europe’s most powerful hot springs, with steam rising dramatically from the ground.
– **Reykholt:** A historic site connected to the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson, with a small museum and church.
– **Hiking and river views:** Gentle trails and scenic drives along the Hvítá river and surrounding valleys.
Staying at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, part of Ourhotels.is, puts you in a peaceful countryside setting, yet within easy driving distance of Borgarnes and the main Ring Road. It’s an ideal first night after leaving Reykjavík: you can explore Borgarfjörður during the day, sleep in quiet surroundings, and then head out early towards Snæfellsnes the next morning. In winter, the darker skies here also make it a good spot for Northern Lights watching when conditions are right.
Driving to and Around Snæfellsnes
From Borgarfjörður, you can reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula in about 1.5–2 hours, depending on your exact route. The main road is generally well maintained, but always check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter.
**Driving tips:**
– **Fuel up in larger towns** like Borgarnes or Stykkishólmur; smaller villages may have limited services.
– **Check road.is and vedur.is** for road and weather updates.
– **Allow extra time** for photo stops – the scenery is constantly changing and very tempting.
Must-See Stops on Snæfellsnes
You can drive the peninsula as a loop, either clockwise or counter‑clockwise. Here are some of the most popular stops:
– **Gerðuberg Cliffs:** Impressive basalt columns rising from the landscape, a great first stop as you enter the peninsula.
– **Ytri Tunga Beach:** Known for its seal colony; visit quietly and keep a respectful distance.
– **Búðir Black Church and lava field:** A striking black church set against golden sand, lava and the sea.
– **Arnarstapi & Hellnar:** Coastal villages with dramatic cliffs, sea arches and easy walking paths between them.
– **Lóndrangar & Djúpalónssandur:** Rugged rock formations and a black sand beach with remnants of old shipwrecks.
– **Snæfellsjökull National Park:** The glacier‑capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” In summer, guided tours and hikes are available.
– **Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss:** One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, especially beautiful at sunset or under the Northern Lights.
Base Yourself in Stykkishólmur: Stykkishólmur Inn
On the northern side of the peninsula lies **Stykkishólmur**, a charming harbor town with colorful houses, a picturesque church, and views over Breiðafjörður Bay and its countless islands.
Staying at **Stykkishólmur Inn**, part of Ourhotels.is, gives you a comfortable base in the heart of town. From here you can:
– Explore the **old harbor**, climb the small hill by the lighthouse for panoramic views, and wander the quiet streets.
– Take a **boat tour on Breiðafjörður Bay** to see islands, birdlife, and sometimes even taste fresh seafood on board.
– Use Stykkishólmur as a hub to explore the **northern and western parts of Snæfellsnes** without rushing, returning each evening to a cozy inn and local restaurants.
If you’re continuing north to the Westfjords, Stykkishólmur is also a natural stepping stone, with ferry connections (seasonal) and a logical driving route towards Ísafjörður.
Combining Snæfellsnes with the Westfjords: Ísafjörður Inn
Many travelers who fall in love with Snæfellsnes’ wild coastline are drawn further north to the even more remote **Westfjords**. The drive from Stykkishólmur to Ísafjörður is longer and more rugged, but the reward is dramatic fjords, steep mountains and quiet fishing villages.
In the heart of the Westfjords, **Ísafjörður** is the main town and a perfect base for exploring the region. **Ísafjörður Inn**, another Ourhotels.is property, offers a comfortable place to rest after long days of scenic driving and outdoor activities.
From Ísafjörður Inn you can:
– Take day trips to **Súðavík, Bolungarvík** and other nearby fjords.
– Join tours for **hiking, kayaking or boat trips** to remote areas.
– Enjoy local cafés, restaurants and the small‑town atmosphere that makes the Westfjords feel very different from the busier south.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
– **Pack layers:** Weather on Snæfellsnes and in the Westfjords changes quickly. Windproof and waterproof outer layers are essential.
– **Good footwear:** Many of the best viewpoints involve short walks on uneven ground, gravel or wet grass.
– **Plan your days, but stay flexible:** Weather may influence which side of the peninsula you visit first or whether you focus on coastal walks or indoor museums.
– **Book accommodation in advance:** Especially in summer and during holiday periods. Ourhotels.is makes it easy to plan a route that links **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, **Stykkishólmur Inn** on Snæfellsnes, and **Ísafjörður Inn** in the Westfjords into one coherent trip.
A Simple Itinerary Idea
– **Day 1:** Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður. Explore Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver and Reykholt. Overnight at **Hvítá Inn**.
– **Day 2:** Drive to Snæfellsnes. Visit Gerðuberg, Búðir, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur and Kirkjufell. Overnight at **Stykkishólmur Inn**.
– **Day 3:** Explore Stykkishólmur and northern Snæfellsnes, or take a Breiðafjörður boat tour.
– **Day 4+:** Continue north to the Westfjords and base yourself at **Ísafjörður Inn** for deeper exploration.
By linking these regions and staying with Ourhotels.is along the way, you can experience the best of West Iceland and Snæfellsnes at a comfortable pace, with welcoming places to return to each night after your adventures.
