A Northern Snæfellsnes Day Loop from Stykkishólmur: Berserkjahraun, Bjarnarhöfn & Kirkjufell

Snæfellsnes has enough attractions to fill a week, but you don’t need a week to see its best north-coast stretch. From the Stykkishólmur Inn, a single half-day loop along Route 54 covers a lava field, a shark museum, and Iceland’s most photographed mountain — with time to be back in town for the evening.

Berserkjahraun: the lava field first

Leaving Stykkishólmur, Berserkjahraun is about 15-20 minutes west along Route 54. The lava field dates back roughly 4,000 years and is named for two legendary berserkers said to be buried beneath it. The paved highway skirts the edge of the field, but the more interesting way through is Road 558, a gravel track of a few kilometers that cuts directly across the moss-covered lava. Drive it slowly — the surface is uneven — or park at either end and walk a short stretch. Plan 20-30 minutes here, more if you want to walk further into the moss.

Bjarnarhöfn: the shark museum

Back on Route 54 and a short detour off it, Bjarnarhöfn is roughly 25 minutes from Stykkishólmur in total. This working farm has been curing Greenland shark into hákarl for generations, and the small museum explains the process — plus lets you taste the result, which is exactly as strong as its reputation. It’s a compact stop; 30-45 minutes covers the exhibits, the tasting, and the farm buildings outside.

Kirkjufell: the final stop

Continue west on Route 54 toward Grundarfjörður, and Kirkjufell comes into view well before you arrive — about 40 minutes total from Stykkishólmur. The mountain sits right at the edge of town, with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall a short walk from the main parking area, giving the classic view of falls and peak together. Give this stop the most time on the loop: 45-60 minutes for the short walk to the falls, photos from a few angles, and simply looking at the thing up close.

Practical Details

• Getting there: Route 54 runs the whole loop; a rental car is the only practical way to do it in a half-day
• Total loop time: about 3.5-4.5 hours door to door, including stops, at a half-day pace
• Suggested order: Berserkjahraun, then Bjarnarhöfn, then Kirkjufell, then back the same way on Route 54
• Road surface: Route 54 is paved the whole way; only the Berserkjahraun through-track (Road 558) is gravel
• What to bring: sturdy shoes for the lava field and the walk to Kirkjufellsfoss, a light rain layer, and a full tank of fuel before setting out
• Timing: late morning departure gets you back to Stykkishólmur by mid-to-late afternoon

Where to Stay

The Stykkishólmur Inn sits in the walkable old town, right at the start and end of Route 54’s run along the north coast — so the loop begins and ends a few minutes from your room, with no need to pack up and change hotels along the way. Come back from Kirkjufell in the late afternoon and there’s still time for the pool in town before dinner. Book direct on Ourhotels.is for the best rate.

Photo: Hansueli Krapf via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5.