West Iceland and the Snaefellsness peninsula: 5 places you can’t miss

As I settled in on the inaugural Icelandair flight from Montreal to Keflavik, mesmerized by the enchanting aurora light displays above, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventure ahead.Prepare to be dazzled by my four-day journey around the breathtaking Snaefellsness Peninsula.

Many people describe the Snaefellsness Peninsula as a mini version of Iceland, and for good reason! It encompasses everything that makes Iceland so special: dramatic coastlines, lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers, and lunar-like landscapes.If you’re short on time in Iceland (maybe you’re just passing through), traveling to Snaefellsness will give you a little taste of what Iceland as a whole looks like.

Kirkjufell

Iceland is a dream destination for many photographers, and it’s no surprise that one of its most photographed mountains is also one of the country’s best and most loved aurora-watching spots. The mountain, which is shaped uniquely and is framed by the charming Grundarfjörður village on one side and the impressive Kirkjufellsfoss on the other, is sure to leave you in awe. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in the winter, this is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss! If you’re planning a trip there in the summer, I’d highly recommend going to Kirkjufell at sunrise or in the morning to catch the best light for photography.

Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar may not be as grand or awe-inspiring as the waterfalls in the south, but it’s still a real gem. The spring water that flows through it travels underground for over a kilometer, passing through a thick lava field (because, well, Iceland). It’s a journey that’s truly unique and worth experiencing.

Langjökull

Get ready, my friends, because this adventure is absolutely amazing! It takes visitors to Europe’s and Iceland’s second largest glacier, which is also the world’s largest man-made ice cave and one of the deepest, at 40 meters below the surface. Into the Glacier truly puts “ice” in Iceland, as glaciologists and geologists have worked together to open this 500-meters long subterranean gallery. You’ll get to travel in style, as you’ll only be using specially modified four wheelers that were once used to carry missiles back in the NATO’s Iceland days. While many of Iceland’s glacier tours take place in naturally-formed ice caves at the edges of the glaciers, this one is entirely man-made and located right in the middle of this ice monster.

Stykkishólmur and Bridafjordur Bay

The Viking Sushi adventure is a wonderful blend of scenic beauty and educational value. Our captain, full of passion, shared his extensive knowledge about the diverse local wildlife and the intriguing science behind the unique basalt islands scattered throughout Breidafjordur Bay. As the name of the cruise suggests, we had the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood right on board. I have to say, those salty scallops were absolutely delicious, and I’m someone who usually doesn’t even like seafood. That’s how good they were!

Djúpalónssandur

Last but not least, we have the incredibly photogenic pebbled beach and lava field of Djúpalónssandur, which you can find at the very western tip of the peninsula. It’s one of the very few ocean access points in an area that is otherwise mostly made up of dizzying cliffs; as such, it used to be a thriving fishing community. Although signs of this era are few and far between nowadays, you can still catch a glimpse of “strength stones,” ranging from 23 to 154 kilos. These stones were used as a test of a prospective fisherman’s strength. Those who couldn’t lift all of them effortlessly were deemed unsuitable for a life at sea.

Similar Posts