Snæfellsnes Peninsula – waterfalls, cliffs and beautiful spas

Hvammsvík Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful spas in Iceland. It is located approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik. It has amazing views of the surrounding countryside, it’s incredibly quiet and you can even go for a swim right in the ocean. The water temperature of each pool varies depending on the tide.

You can’t get in without booking in advance, so book on their official website, ideally well in advance. You can rent a towel here for a small fee. Free parking is available on site.

Ytri Tunga is one of Iceland’s lesser-known but all the more magical beaches. Located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Ytri Tunga is covered in fine golden sand and smooth pebbles, unlike the typical black beaches that are iconic in Iceland. But what really sets it apart is the local seal colony. These curious creatures often bask on the coastal rocks or swim in the waters near the shore, making a visit to Ytri Tunga a wonderful experience.

The best time to see seals is during the summer months when the beach is particularly lively. Although Ytri Tunga is best known for these marine mammals, the beach itself has its own charm even during the cooler months. We were here ourselves towards the end of October and saw a few seals in the water from a distance. It was also worth it for the beautiful autumn light that filtered through the clouds and created a lovely atmosphere.

The Black Church in Budir, also known as Búðakirkja, is one of the most famous and distinctive churches in Iceland. It is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. This church is known for its unusual appearance as it is built of black painted wood, which gives it its characteristic dark colour. Búðakirkja also has a small white steeple, which creates a beautiful contrast with the black church.

Translated as stone bridge, it is a rock formation on the coast of western Iceland, in the town of Arnarstapi. It is an inconspicuous place at first sight, but it is extremely photogenic. Especially if you dare to put your camera or phone on a tripod (or a friend’s) and head up the narrow “alley” on this natural phenomenon. In fact, the bridge is located on the very edge of the cliff, where you have only a few centimeters on each side to a large abyss into the cold sea water.

Not far from here is Gatklettur, a similar natural “structure” that resembles a bridge. However, this stone bridge is more accessible.

Gatklettur, also known as “rock gate” or “stone arch”, is a natural formation located near the town of Arnarstapi on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This rock formation, created by the tireless work of the ocean and the wind, has the shape of an arch that seems to frame the view of the endless sea. When the waves crash against the rocks and break through the arch, they create a dramatic and fascinating spectacle. Gatklettur is a favourite destination for photographers.

The surroundings of Gatklettur are perfect for leisurely walks along the coast. The trail connects the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar and offers stunning views of the sea, cliffs and bird colonies. Legend has it that the area is home to ghosts and trolls, which only adds to its mystical atmosphere. There is a similar ‘stone bridge’ near Gatklettur, which you can even walk across.

Lóndrangar are two majestic basalt rock towers that rise from the coast in the western part of Iceland, on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. These dramatic rock formations are the remains of an ancient volcanic crater that has been gradually exposed by erosion. The tallest of the towers measures over 70 metres high, and their dark silhouette contrasts with the wild Atlantic waves and green cliffs full of nesting seabirds.

Lóndrangar is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike – short hiking trails lead here and it is often possible to spot puffins or gulls circling the rocks. Locals consider Lóndrangar a sacred place – according to legend, elves and other hidden creatures reside here. The atmosphere of the place is strong, especially at sunset or when the sea mist rolls in.

Saxhóll is a volcanic crater about 100 metres high on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which was formed more than 3 000 years ago. Thanks to a metal staircase, the climb to the top is easy and almost anyone can make it – the reward is a panoramic view of the lava fields, the coastline and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance.

The crater is a great stop on a tour of western Iceland and shows how dramatic and raw the Icelandic volcanic landscape can be. It doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to visit Saxhóll, but the experience and views are among those that will remain in your memory.

You must know this mountain from thousands of photos and videos, but when you see it with your own eyes, it is a real experience. Its shape is completely unique – that iconic pointed cone that gives it the nickname “Church Mountain”. It’s no Himalayan giant, at just 463 metres, but it rises so sharply from the coastal plain that it looks much more majestic. Its silhouette is so unmistakable and iconic that it has rightly become the symbol of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and has also appeared in the popular Game of Thrones series.

This mountain looks great from many sides, but in truth, the most famous and best view is simply at Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. But be prepared to not be alone. Sometimes there’s a really big crowd and you have to wait for the right moment for a photo, but despite the crowds, the view when you have the waterfall in front of you and the iconic cone behind it is absolutely unforgettable. Even though it’s already a tourist attraction, the mountain has so much power that it makes the trip worth it and gets you as soon as you get out of the car.

Kirkjufellsfoss is a waterfall located near the small town of Grundarfjörður on the northwest coast of Iceland. Next to it is the 463-metre high Mt. Kirkjufell.

Grábrók is an easily accessible volcanic crater in Iceland, located in the northwest of the island near the town of Borgarnes. Grábrók is still an active but currently dormant volcano. Grabrok is one of several craters that were formed during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Its summit is easily accessible by a staircase, you can climb to the top and walk all the way around it. The view from here is beautiful.

Hraunfossar patří mezi méně známé vodopády na Islandu. To však neznamená, že by byl méně krásný nebo dokonce, že nestojí za návštěvu. Ba naopak! Tento soubor vodopádů, jejichž jméno znamená „Lávové vodopády,“ se nachází v západní části ostrova, poblíž vesnice Reykholt. Na rozdíl od typických vodopádů, které padají z výšky, Hraunfossar vytékají přímo z lávového pole Hallmundarhraun, které vzniklo při erupci sopky pod ledovcem Langjökull. Desítky menších pramenů stékají v širokém pásu do řeky Hvítá, čímž vytvářejí dechberoucí kaskády.

Největší kouzlo Hraunfossar spočívá v kontrastu mezi temnou lávou, bílou pěnou padající vody a tyrkysovými tóny řeky pod nimi. V okolí vodopádu vede krásná a krátká stezka, skrze kterou se dostanete na několik vyhlídek na vodopád a jeho nádherné barvy. Určitě doporučujeme projít všechny z nich, nezabere vám to víc jak 30 minut.

Krauma is a lesser known geothermal spa in the northwestern part of the island. The spa offers a total of 5 pools of varying sizes and temperatures, ranging from around 37 to 42 degrees. So if you want to warm up during your journey through Iceland, you’ll definitely have the opportunity here. The spa is also popular with the locals, and on our two visits here (February and October 2024) we met not only tourists but also locals who are just over an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, for example. The closest town is Borganes, about 30 minutes by car. In addition to the aforementioned warm pools, there is also a sauna, steam room and relaxation room on site. For the hardy, there is a tub of cold water – which is around 4 degrees all year round.

The spa is located in a small valley and you can tell that there is something here especially because of the rising steam.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for around CZK 1,200 per person, with an extra charge for a towel. We recommend booking at least a few hours in advance. In addition to well-equipped changing rooms, there is also a bar and restaurant on site.