Snæfellsjökull

An iconic glacier-capped stratovolcano on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. The mountain dominates the landscape and offers rewarding hiking with panoramic views across the peninsula and into the Arctic.

Things to do

• Summit hike to Snæfellsjökull peak — A challenging day hike to the 1,446-meter summit rewards climbers with views across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and toward Greenland on clear days.
• Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park — Walk marked trails through diverse landscapes including lava fields, coastal cliffs, and glacier-fed streams within this protected area.
• Visit Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall — Photograph the iconic cone-shaped mountain and its cascading waterfall, located just east of Snæfellsjökull on the peninsula.
• Glacier hiking on Snæfellsjökull glacier — Join guided tours across the active glacier to experience crevasses, ice formations, and the volcano's frozen crown.
• Visit Arnarstapi fishing village — Explore this charming coastal settlement with basalt cliffs, sea caves, and traditional Icelandic turf-roofed houses.
• Walk Holmavík cave routes — Discover sea caves and natural formations along the peninsula's coastline near the village of Holmavík.

Food to try

• Fresh Arctic char from local rivers — Snæfellsnes Peninsula restaurants serve this delicate freshwater fish caught in glacial streams and prepared simply with local herbs.
• Lamb stew (Kjötsúpa) — A traditional Icelandic comfort dish featuring slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables, commonly served in peninsula guesthouses.
• Fresh seafood at Arnarstapi harbor — Local restaurants near the fishing villages offer daily catches of cod, halibut, and lobster prepared in Nordic style.
• Rye bread baked in geothermal springs — A unique Icelandic specialty where bread dough is buried near hot springs; available at local bakeries and cafes on the peninsula.
• Skyr yogurt with local berries — This creamy Icelandic dairy product is commonly topped with wild cloudberries and crowberries harvested from the peninsula's moorlands.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the mountain's literary significance — Locals take pride in Snæfellsjökull's inspiration for Jules Verne's classic novel; references to the story appear throughout the region.
• Check weather conditions before hiking — The mountain is notorious for rapid weather changes; always consult local guides and forecasts even in summer, as conditions can shift within hours.
• Support small family-run businesses — The peninsula's communities depend on tourism; eating at local restaurants, staying in guesthouses, and hiring local guides directly benefits residents.
• Practice leave-no-trace ethics on lava fields — The volcanic landscape is fragile and protected; stay on marked paths, avoid removing moss or rocks, and respect signs marking restricted areas.