Description
A full-day small-group tour from Reykjavik to Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja and Ytri Tunga, with local stories, music and a traditional Icelandic treat.
A small-group format keeps the journey friendly and engaging while still allowing the peninsula’s mountains, lava coast and fishing communities enough time to make a lasting impression.
Every part of the route adds a different mood, from quiet fjords and mossy lava to dramatic cliffs and celebrated landmarks.
See the contrasts of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in one carefully planned day from Reykjavík. This small-group route links Kirkjufell with black-pebble beaches, fishing villages, coastal rock formations, churches, lava landscapes and the seal habitat at Ytri Tunga.
The journey uses a comfortable minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide, free Wi-Fi, Icelandic music and a small taste of traditional Icelandic food. With no more than 19 passengers, there is space for local stories and well-paced sightseeing throughout the approximately 11.5-hour day.
Stops and their order can change with weather, road conditions and daylight. Ytri Tunga is normally omitted in December and January, and lunch is not included, so bring food and water.
Itinerary
Reykjavik Pick-up
The journey begins
Meet your guide at the confirmed location and settle in for a beautiful journey west, where Reykjavík gives way to broad bays, moss-covered lava and the mountain skyline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
West Iceland and Berserkjahraun
Lava, colour and saga
Travel through the rugged lava of Berserkjahraun, where mossy rock, small lakes and surrounding mountains create an otherworldly scene. The landscape is woven into a dramatic medieval saga, giving the volcanic scenery an unforgettable human story.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland’s iconic mountain
Discover the unmistakable outline of Kirkjufell above the sea, then enjoy the celebrated view from Kirkjufellsfoss. Mountain, waterfall and broad fjord scenery come together here in one of Snæfellsnes’s defining landscapes.
Ólafsvík and Ingjaldshólskirkja
Fishing-village character
Ólafsvík sits between the mountains and Breiðafjörður with a harbour shaped by centuries of fishing. Colourful houses, ocean views and the striking modern church create an engaging glimpse of life on the peninsula’s northern coast.
Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík
Black pebbles, lava cliffs and fishing history
Explore Djúpalónssandur, where polished black pebbles, dramatic lava formations and maritime relics meet the open Atlantic, before continuing to Dritvík. Sheltered by lava on three sides, this historic cove was once one of Iceland’s busiest seasonal fishing stations, welcoming hundreds of fishermen at its peak and preserving a powerful sense of Snæfellsnes’ seafaring past.
Arnarstapi and Miðgjá
Basalt cliffs and ocean arches
Explore the spectacular shore at Arnarstapi, where lava cliffs plunge into the sea and waves surge through sculpted arches. Fishing-village history, mountain views and dramatic coastal geology all meet in one memorable stop.
Búðakirkja
The black church at Búðir
Búðakirkja stands alone in a vast lava field, its black timber walls set against pale beaches, mountains and the Snæfellsjökull landscape. The simple church and dramatic setting create one of West Iceland’s most atmospheric scenes.
Ytri Tunga
Golden sand and seals
Walk to the bright shoreline of Ytri Tunga and scan the skerries for seals relaxing beside the clear Atlantic water. The pale sand, distant mountains and possible wildlife make this a gentle but memorable contrast to the peninsula’s lava landscapes.
Borgarnes
West Iceland gateway
Pause in Borgarnes, a welcoming town beside Borgarfjörður with views towards Hafnarfjall and a strong connection to Iceland’s settlement stories. It is a natural gateway between Reykjavík and the wilder landscapes of Snæfellsnes.
Return to Reykjavik
A relaxed finish
Enjoy the changing evening light on the return journey and revisit the day’s mountains, lava fields, villages and Atlantic viewpoints before arriving at the confirmed drop-off point.
What is included
- Pick-up and drop-off at selected Reykjavik locations
- Small-group transport in a comfortable minibus
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Icelandic music and local stories during the journey
- A small taste of traditional Icelandic food
What do I need to bring
- Warm layers suitable for changing Icelandic weather
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
- Food, snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Lightweight ice grips in winter
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Pick-up: Selected Reykjavík hotels, guesthouses and designated bus stops
Be ready at 08:00 at the location shown on your voucher. Collection normally takes place between 08:00 and 08:30.
- Allow approximately 11.5 hours, with return to Reykjavík normally around 19:00–19:30.
- The minimum age is 6 years.
- The group travels in a minibus with no more than 19 passengers.
- Lunch is not included and there is no guaranteed lunch break. Bring food, snacks and water.
- A small traditional Icelandic treat is included; it contains dairy and no vegan alternative is currently listed.
- Ytri Tunga is normally omitted in December and January because daylight is limited. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Stops and their order may change because of weather, road conditions, safety or daylight.
- Customer cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice.
Highlights
- Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss viewpoints
- Djúpalónssandur and historic Dritvík cove
- Arnarstapi cliffs and the Miðgjá stone bridge
- Ingjaldshólskirkja and Búðakirkja
- Ytri Tunga seal habitat, conditions permitting
- Small group of no more than 19 passengers
- Icelandic music, local stories and a traditional treat
Snæfellsnes & Kirkjufell Small Group Tour - Frequently Asked Questions
The tour lasts approximately 11.5 hours. Arrival back in Reykjavík is normally between 19:00 and 19:30, depending on conditions and the drop-off order.
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