Highlights
• Basalt columns at Gerduberg
• Budir black church
• Arnarstapi fishing village and the Bardur sculpture
• Londrangar rock formations
• The lighthouse and Information Centre at Malarrif
• The Djupalonssandur black sand beach
• Panoramic views from the Saxholl crater
• The photogenic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, also featured in the Game of Thrones series
• Panoramic views over the Berserkjahraun lava fields from the Selvallavatn Lake
• Optional: Settlement Center in Borgarnes
- Duration
- Minimum Age
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More about the Tour
We start the tour with driving north to the town of Borgarnes, named after the farm of Egill Skallagrimsson from the sagas. If you’re interested in history, it is possible to take a look at the Settlement Center.
We continue north to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” because of the incredible variety of sights offered by this small region.
The majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano dominates the peninsula and was also featured in Jules Verne’s famous The Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Our first stop here is the basalt columns of Gerduberg. These perfectly hexagonal pillars were formed when hot lava came in contact with the cold ocean water.
We take the southern coast of the peninsula to the Budir black wooden church set at the edge of a lava field by the sea.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village steeped in history. At the beautiful beach, you will find the huge stone sculpture of the half-man half-troll Bardur, known to be the protector of Snaefellsnes.
Further along the coast are the eroded remains of the Londrangar volcanic crater rising from the ocean are an impressive sight. The basalt columns and surrounding cliffs are home to many species of birds including the puffin, fulmar and kittiwake.
In the vicinity is Malarrif, the site of an old farm and lighthouse, which is now an Information Centre where you can learn more about the peninsula.
We continue around the glacier to the wind swept Djupalonssandur black sand beach with peculiar rock formations.
Once crowded with fishing boats, the bay is now uninhabited but you can still check out the four lifting stones used by fishermen to test their strength.
Further ahead is the Saxholl crater. The easy climb, thanks to the walking path, offers one of the best views of the peninsula, the ocean and the glacier volcano.
The very photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall is the highlight of the northern coast of the peninsula. Translated as “Church Mountain”, it is a favourite with photographers and is also featured in the Game of Thrones series as the “Arrow Head Mountain”.
Our last stop is the Selvallavatn Lake where we have a panoramic view over Berserkjahraun, an ancient lava field. A setting for the 13th-century Eyrbyggja Saga, the landscape is colourful and dramatic with moss-covered lava, red crater hills and unusual rock formations.
If you’re interested in more, it is possible to add an hour to the tour for one of the following detour options:
– A lava cave tour in Vatnshellir, an 8000-year-old lava tube.
– A coastal walk between the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The breathtaking route is dotted with remarkable rock formations abound with seabirds, the most striking being the Gatklettur stone arch with a circular window.
– A walk through the colourful and dramatic landscape of the Berserkjahraun lava field.
Please note that private tour bookings are classed as requests until availability can be confirmed by our staff. Prices shown are flexible and you may be offered different prices, subject to availability.
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Why Book with Us
• Pickup and dropoff from the port
• 100% refund if your ship cancels its visit with more than 24 hours’ notice
• 75% refund with less than 24 hours’ notice
• Customisable tour with a local guide
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