Stretching out into the North Atlantic, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a little bit of everything. Towering glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. It’s like getting a taste of the whole Iceland in just one region.
Our journey around Iceland started here, as the first stop in our attempt to drive the entire Ring Road in 7 days. If you’re planning your own trip, this Snaefellsnes itinerary will help you make the most of one day in the peninsula. I’ll share both our planned route and the adjusted version we ended up following after an unexpected snowstorm threw off our schedule. Because, well, that’s just how Iceland works!
In case you missed it, I’ve already written about our 7-day Iceland itinerary! Check it out to see how the entire trip unfolded.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Snaefellsnes Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The best time to visit Snaefellsnes really depends on what kind of adventure you’re after.
Winter is magical but unpredictable. Daylight hours are limited (about 4-6 hours in December and January), so plan your itinerary carefully. The weather can shift from clear skies to blizzards in minutes, so always check the forecast. On the plus side, winter is prime northern lights season, and with minimal light pollution, the peninsula is an incredible spot to catch them dancing across the sky.
Summer (June to August) means endless daylight, lush landscapes, and smooth driving. Spring and Autumn offer a nice balance, with fewer tourists and a mix of winter and summer scenery.
Car Rental & Road Conditions
A 4×4 is a must for winter driving in Iceland. Roads can be icy, and the wind is no joke. It can literally push your car off the road. Before heading out, check road.is for closures and safetravel.is for warnings. Gas stations can be few and far between, so fill up whenever you can. N1 and Olis stations are the most common.
For a reliable and hassle-free rental experience, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental. They offer a great selection of 4×4 vehicles, perfect for tackling Iceland’s winter roads. Plus, they include unlimited mileage and insurance with no deposit required.
Where to Stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Since the main landmarks of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are spread along the circular route, your choice of accommodation depends on your preference. For scenic coastal views, Arnarstapi is a great option. Stykkishólmur is ideal if you prefer staying in a town with shops and restaurants. If you want to wake up to a view of Kirkjufell, consider staying in Grundarfjörður.
We stayed in Grund i Grundarfirdi mainly because it was the only place we found accommodation for five people on our travel dates. Located 3 km from Grundarfjörður, it offers stunning views of Kirkjufell and the coast. While it’s not walkable to town, it’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature. Just stock up on food before arriving, as the nearest supermarket is 30 minutes away!
What to Pack for a Trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Icelandic weather doesn’t care about your travel plans, so dress like your life depends on it, because it kind of does. Layer up with thermal base layers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and waterproof boots. Crampons are a game-changer for icy trails and parking lots. Also, bring road trip essentials: a power bank, snacks (because stores are far apart), and a flashlight for those long, dark winter nights.
Journey to Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Stocking Up in Reykjavik
Before hitting the road to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we made sure to stock up on food and other essentials in Reykjavik. Since accommodations in Snaefellsnes are more remote and dining options are limited (especially in winter), it’s best to grab groceries, snacks, and any last-minute necessities before leaving the city. Bonus and Krónan are the best budget-friendly supermarkets, while 10/11 store is open 24/7 but pricier.
If you plan on drinking, keep in mind that alcohol is only sold in government-run Vínbúðin stores, which have limited hours. The best place to buy alcohol is actually at KEF Duty-Free upon arrival, as it’s much cheaper than in the city.
We also fueled up our car and checked road conditions one last time. Because once you’re on the road in Iceland, you never know what surprises the weather might have in store!
Battling Strong Winds on the Road
Our first night driving in Iceland was definitely one for the books. We almost crashed the car, but thanks to my friend’s quick reflexes, we narrowly avoided disaster. He managed to regain control of the steering wheel and hit the brakes just in time.
The distance between KEF and Grundarfjörður is only 178 kilometers, a drive that should’ve taken about 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, strong winds turned it into a grueling journey. We had to stop at multiple gas stations, not just to fuel up, but to wait for the wind to die down. At one point, all my friends went inside to grab coffee, but I decided to stay in the car. Big mistake. The wind was so powerful it shook the entire vehicle, and I’ve never felt so scared on the road.
Driving in Complete Darkness
By the time we began our drive to Grund I Grundarfirdi, our guesthouse in Grundarfjörður, the world around us was pitch black. The only sources of light were the occasional headlights from cars passing in the opposite direction and the faint glow of reflectors lining the sides of the road. The darkness felt all-encompassing. Every turn and stretch of road feels even more daunting as we pressed on toward our destination.
As we navigated the roads under the night sky, something magical happened. We caught our first glimpse of the northern lights dancing across the sky. It was crazy how we got to witness this incredible natural phenomenon on our first night in Iceland! It felt like Iceland was showing us its wild and beautiful side, and we were lucky to experience it all.
Stranded in the Snow at Grundarfjörður
When we reached the road leading to the guesthouse, the snow and wind were relentless. Blowing so hard that the path ahead was buried under knee-deep drifts. Our rental car couldn’t make it through. Armed with a small shovel from the car, my friend Maki began digging furiously to clear a path. The rest of us pushed the car with all our strength. Despite our efforts, the car wouldn’t budge.
I was starting to feel a mix of worry and the biting cold creeping in. The guesthouse was just a few meters away, so close yet so frustratingly out of reach. Just when I thought we might have to abandon the car, Mirro, with his expert driving skills, managed to maneuver us out after all the digging and pushing. The relief was overwhelming, but that whole ordeal left us shaken. It was a stark reminder of how unforgiving Icelandic winters can be.
That night, exhausted and still reeling from the day’s events, we finally settled in at the guesthouse. Iceland had already given us a taste of its unpredictable nature. A force that completely changed our Snaefellsnes itinerary for the next day.
Planned 1-day Snaefellsnes Peninsula Itinerary
Our original plan was to hit some of Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s most iconic spots in one day, covering waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and viewpoints. Here’s what our 1-day Snaefellsnes itinerary looked like on paper before Iceland’s unpredictable nature threw a wrench in our plans:
- Kirkjufell Viewpoint
- Búlandshöfði View Point
- Snæfellsjökull View Point
- Búðakirkja (Black Church of Búdir)
- Gerðuberg Cliffs
This itinerary was meant to showcase the best of Snaefellsnes in winter, but, as you’ll see, things didn’t exactly go according to plan!
What Actually Happened: Our 1-day Snaefellsnes Peninsula Itinerary
If there’s one thing we quickly learned, it’s that Iceland’s weather doesn’t care about your plans. Our carefully mapped-out Snaefellsnes Peninsula itinerary had to be thrown out the window before the day even started.
A snowstorm overnight completely buried our guesthouse driveway, trapping us until 11 AM. If we had been staying another night in Snaefellsnes, this delay wouldn’t have been a big deal. But we had a long drive ahead to Husavik, so every lost hour meant fewer stops along the way.
With limited time, we had to prioritize our must-see spots, focusing on Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, an iconic landmark (and a Game of Thrones filming location!). Sadly, this meant skipping Snæfellsjökull Viewpoint, Gerðuberg Cliffs, and other stops we originally planned.
Final Thoughts
Despite the setbacks, was Snaefellsnes worth visiting in winter? Absolutely! Even just to see Kirkjufell dusted in snow! This region is often called “Iceland in Miniature” for a reason.
If I were traveling in winter again, I’d stay 3 days and 2 nights in Snaefellsnes to allow more flexibility. Another option is I’d save Snaefellsnes for last. Starting the Ring Road adventure with the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, Husavik, and Akureyri before heading down to Snaefellsnes ensures that the areas with fewer weather-related closures are checked off first. This way, if a storm hits the peninsula, I won’t have any booked tours affected, and I can easily delay the drive by a day or two without messing up my itinerary.
If you’re planning your own trip, my biggest tip is to stay flexible. Iceland in winter has a mind of its own, and sometimes, the best moments come from just rolling with it. Have a solid itinerary, but be ready to swap stops, shift schedules, or even take an unexpected detour. The weather can change in an instant, and road closures are common, but with the right mindset, even the surprises can turn into unforgettable adventures.
That’s it, my dear readers! I hope you found this Snaefellsnes Peninsula Itinerary post helpful. Don’t forget to share it or drop a comment below with your own Iceland travel experiences! Safe travels! 🙂
