Question 1

Why Visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Accepted Answer

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula encapsulates the essence of Iceland’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Its varied landscape makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to experience the diversity of Iceland without travelling far from the capital. Whether you’re looking for adventure, tranquillity, or a journey through history, Snæfellsnes promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Question 2

Where is Snæfellsnes Peninsula Iceland?

Accepted Answer

You might recognise the Snæfellsnes peninsula if you’ve ever looked closely at a map of Iceland. It is the long, narrow peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic on the west coast of the island. To the north, it sits on Breiðafjörður Bay, while Faxaflói Bay (which stretches all the way to Reykjavík) lies on the south coast of the peninsula. Snæfellsnes is around 135 kilometres (83 miles) from Reykjavík and the drive is around two and a half hours.

Question 3

How do I get to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Accepted Answer

To reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can drive from Reykjavík, which is the most common starting point for trips to the peninsula. The drive typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way, depending on the route and weather conditions. You'll want to head north from Reykjavík on Route 1 before turning onto Route 54, which will take you along the southern edge of the peninsula.

Alternatively, for those who prefer not to drive, there are organized day tours available from Reykjavík. These tours often include transportation and a guide who can provide insights into the area's unique geology, history, and folklore. Day tours can be a convenient and informative way to experience the highlights of Snæfellsnes without the need to navigate or plan an itinerary yourself.

Question 4

Best time of year to visit Snæfellsnes peninsula?

Accepted Answer

The best time of year to visit Snæfellsnes depends on what you want to do when you get there. If spotting puffins is on your bucket list, then visiting Snæfellsnes between May and August is the best time of year when the birds are most active and you might see little puffin chicks. If hiking on the Snæfellsjökull glacier is your top priority, you’ll want to visit in the summer months when the daylight hours are at their longest, giving you the most time for the hike. Between September and March, glacier hikes do not run on Snæfellsjökull. Whale watchers should consider visiting Snæfellsnes between December and April when you’re most likely to spot orca whales out in Breiðafjörður Bay. Winter can be a beautiful time of year to visit the peninsula, when Kirkjufell mountain is covered in snow and you have the chance to spot the Northern Lights in the long hours of darkness, away from the lights of Reykjavík.

Question 5

How much time do you need on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on how much time you have. Seeing most of the region’s highlights on a day tour is possible. Some travellers spend an afternoon in Snæfellsnes, while others plan for multiple days.

Question 6

What to see in Snæfellsnes?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps stop off at the Gerðuberg cliffs, which are formed from striking basalt columns, like the kind you might see at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Check out traditional Icelandic architecture at Búðakirkja – a dramatic black wooden church that sits within a lava field. But the most iconic sight on the peninsula is Kirkjufell Mountain which has featured in Game of Thrones and makes for a beautiful photograph due to its bright green hue, conical shape and ocean backdrop. There’s also plenty of opportunity to see wildlife at Snæfellsnes, like seals on Ytri Tunga beach, arctic terns and kittiwakes on the dramatic sea cliffs of Arnarstapi, and whale watching and puffin spotting boat trips from Grundarfjörður.

Question 7

How long does it take to drive the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Accepted Answer

Driving the entire Snæfellsnes Peninsula, following the main road that loops around, takes about 3 to 4 hours without stops. However, you might want to allocate a full day or more with stops at significant sights to enjoy the area thoroughly.

Question 8

Where to stay in the Snæfellsnes peninsula?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of overnight accommodation options across the Snæfellsnes peninsula, from guesthouses and cabins out in the stark wilderness to hotels and B&Bs within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the peninsula, so it has the widest selection of accommodation and a handful of restaurants and grocery shops. You can also find campsites across the peninsula and places to stay in the heart of the wilderness. Almost at the very tip of the peninsula, there are a few places to stay around Arnarstapi where the dramatic rock features of the coastline attract keen hikers.

Question 9

How far is Snæfellsnes from Keflavík airport?

Accepted Answer

From Keflavik Airport, it is around 178 kilometres (111 miles) to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Driving to Snæfellsnes from Iceland’s main airport takes approximately two hours and twenty minutes.

Question 10

How do you pronounce Snæfellsnes?

Accepted Answer

Don’t let the ‘æ’ intimidate you, Snæfellsnes is quite an easy Icelandic word to pronounce. It is said like Snay-fell-snes.

Question 11

How to set up a day trip to Snæfellsnes peninsula with kids?

Accepted Answer

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is a great place to take the kids on a day’s adventure – you can introduce them to Icelandic folklore and let them experience the island’s unique scenery in one small space. There are short hikes suitable for families with kids and a smattering of towns and villages to stop and refuel throughout the day. You can rent a family-sized car and drive to Snæfellsnes peninsula yourself, or join a family-friendly Snæfellsnes peninsula tour that departs from Reykjavík.

Question 12

What to do in Snæfellsnes?

Accepted Answer

The main thing you’ll want to do on Snæfellsnes peninsula is to explore the varied landscape – ice caps, lava fields, basalt cliffs and rugged hills. Those seeking active adventure can join a glacier hike at Snæfellsjökull National Park or perhaps descend into an 8,000-year-old lava tube at Vatnshellir Cave. If taking it easy is more your thing, you can embrace Iceland’s bathing culture in naturally-heated pools at Landbrotalaug hot springs. A different kind of bravery is involved at Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum where you can try the famous Icelandic delicacy of hákarl, aka fermented shark.

Question 13

Is Snæfellsnes included in the Golden Circle tour?

Accepted Answer

Snæfellsnes is not on the route of the Golden Circle, but it has its own selection of natural highlights. Day trips around the Snæfellsnes peninsula also leave from Reykjavik and some say the landscape is just as beautiful as along the Golden Circle. Stops along the Snæfellsnes peninsula include chasing tumbling waterfalls, the possibility of a glacier hike at Snæfellsjökull, visiting pretty fishing villages and spotting puffins on clifftop walks.

Question 14

What town to stay in the Snæfellsnes peninsula?

Accepted Answer

Apart from Stykkishólmur, the largest town on the peninsula, Grundarfjörður is a good option for an overnight stay. There’s a selection of simple hotels, guesthouses and apartments, a couple of places to eat and plenty of things to do on your doorstep. Whale watching tours out into Breiðafjörður Bay leave from Grundarfjörður’s little harbour and from the town, you can walk to the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Ólafsvík is another coastal town on the north shore of the peninsula where a scattering of simple hotels, hostels and apartments sit by the sea.

Question 15

How to get to Snæfellsnes peninsula in December?

Accepted Answer

If you are planning a Snæfellsnes Peninsula self-drive from Reykjavík, you’ll need to take the main Route One road from the capital to Borgarnes and then join Road 54 to reach Snæfellsnes. Both are main roads and are often cleared of snow in December, but winter driving in Iceland can be challenging in general, especially if you get caught in a blizzard. The Snæfellsnes peninsula can experience high winds in winter. Always check the SafeTravel app before you leave to keep up to date with road closures and weather warnings. The safest and easiest way to get to the Snæfellsnes peninsula in December is to join an organised tour from Reykjavík. Let someone else take care of the driving and itinerary so all you have to do is enjoy the scenery.

Question 16

How to dress for a trip to Snæfellsnes peninsula?

Accepted Answer

Jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean, there is often a bracing wind blowing across the Snæfellsnes peninsula, so dressing in a waterproof windbreaker jacket is a good idea. It’s all about outdoor adventures here and most people visit to hike along cliff tops or take a boat out to spot puffins and whales. In winter, you’ll want to wrap up warm with layers of woolly jumpers, hats, scarves and gloves, maybe even thermal layers in the coldest months. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are the best footwear for Snæfellsnes.

Question 17

Must see attractions near Snæfellsnes peninsula?

Accepted Answer

Close to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and on the way to and from Reykjavík, there are plenty of must-see attractions. You can pause to refuel and refresh at Borgarnes and admire the beauty of the area around the Borgarfjörður fjord where the majority of the Icelandic Sagas were set. The nearby region of Húsafell is a short drive from Snæfellsnes where you can bathe in the naturally heated water of the Krauma Spa, which is geothermally powered by Europe’s most powerful hot spring. In Húsafell, you’ll also find Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Here, you can embark on a monster truck adventure onto the glacier’s surface or explore a man-made ice tunnel through the glacier which is open year-round.

Question 18

Can you see the northern lights from Snæfellsnes?

Accepted Answer

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an excellent spot for viewing the northern lights when it is dark enough, with no cloud cover and plenty of solar activity, thanks to its dark skies and minimal light pollution.

Question 19

Where to stop between Akureyri and Snæfellsnes?

Accepted Answer

A great stopping point between Akureyri and Snæfellsnes is Hvammstangi, known for its seal-watching opportunities, or the historic town of Stykkishólmur on the peninsula’s north side.

Question 20

What is the meaning of Snæfellsjökull?

Accepted Answer

Snæfellsjökull translates to “Snow Mountain Glacier” in Icelandic, referencing its prominent snow-covered peak visible throughout the year.

Question 21

Is Snæfellsjökull an active volcano?

Accepted Answer

Snæfellsjökull is considered a dormant volcano, having last erupted around 1,800 years ago, and is not currently active.

Question 22

How much does it cost to go to Snæfellsjökull National Park?

Accepted Answer

There is no entry fee for Snæfellsjökull National Park itself, but guided tours, especially those involving glacier hikes, can vary in cost based on the provider and length of the tour.

Question 23

Can you climb Snæfellsjökull?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can climb Snæfellsjökull, which is one of Iceland's famous glaciers and located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Climbing Snæfellsjökull is a popular activity for those visiting the area, offering a chance to experience the stunning views from atop the glacier.

The climb is typically done as a guided tour, which is highly recommended due to the challenging nature of glacier hiking and the specific safety equipment required, such as crampons and ice axes. These guided tours also provide valuable insights into the glacier's geography and the surrounding environment.

The hike itself can be quite demanding and is suitable for those in good physical condition. The weather can also significantly affect the climb, so it's important to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions and temperatures. Climbing Snæfellsjökull provides a unique adventure and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, making it a memorable part of visiting Snæfellsnes.

Question 24

Is Snæfellsnes crowded?

Accepted Answer

It is not. Although it's unlikely we will be alone for our entire tour, this is a road far less traveled than the classic and very popular Golden Circle for example or the highlights of the South Coast. The main reason is that this is a longer tour, and slightly further from Reykjavik with lesser known but no less beautiful attractions.

Question 25

What makes the Snæfellsnes Peninsula different from the Golden Circle?

Accepted Answer

The Golden Circle showcases Iceland’s most famous highlights close to Reykjavík — Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature,” offers a more diverse and less crowded experience. In a single day, you’ll see volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches, glacier-topped mountains, lava fields, waterfalls, and fishing villages — a condensed version of all Iceland’s landscapes in one region.

Question 26

Can I travel with my pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed on coach tours.

Question 27

I am a senior. Can some Day Tours be too difficult for me?

Accepted Answer

Nature is the main attraction on many of our excursions, meaning that some day tours require short to medium-long walks. If walking is required on the tour, it will be mentioned in the tour description.

We recommend that you find a tour suitable to your needs. Please read the tour descriptions for further information on each tour.

Question 28

Can I change my dates?

Accepted Answer

We understand that your travel plans might change. You can easily change the dates for your booked tours with only one phone call: (+354) 580 5400 by stopping by one of our sales offices, or by sending us an email to main@re.is. You will need to quote your confirmation number to change your dates and give us all the necessary information.

Please remember: Your date change must be requested at least a day before the scheduled departure.

Question 29

How can I make a booking for a group of people?

Accepted Answer

You can book for a group of people using our online booking system. Each booking must contain at least one adult.

Reykjavik Excursions Kynnisferðir takes pride in tailor-making and organising tours for private groups, from short trips within Reykjavik to full-circle programs. Our fleet of modern coaches consists of 80 vehicles, ranging from 6 to 70 seats and 4x4 coaches suitable for crossing un-bridged glacier rivers, reaching almost any destination in the highlands. For a tailor-made tour for groups, please send us an email to main@re.is.

Question 30

Where are your sales offices?

Accepted Answer

Icelandia operates a sales office at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and a sales office at Keflavik Airport.

Question 31

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik Excursions reserves the rights to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for losses, theft or expenses due to delay of any agent, hotel, coach, operator, airline, guide, restaurant or any other persons or companies, however caused. Reykjavik Excursions is not responsible for losses in the event of Force Major, such as natural catastrophes, strikes, weather, war or other causes outside of the control of Reykjavik Excursions. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller. We advice all clients to have a travel insurance, as they travel at their own responsibility on tours and transfers.

All cancellations should be in writing and notified at least 24 hours* prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure will be charged full price. (*Except for Blue Lagoon bookings where cancellations must be received with at least 48 hours notice.)

*Cancellation for 3rd party tours depends on the cancellation policy from the tour operator

To request a refund please fill out a refund request.

Question 32

How far in advance can I book a day tour online?

Accepted Answer

If a tour is displayed online you can book it and hence guarantee your seat on the tour.

Question 33

I don't have a printer. Do I need to print out my ticket/voucher?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you print out your confirmation and bring it with you on paper for your tour. That helps us prevent delays and service you sooner, once you arrive for your tour.

If you cannot print your confirmation, please show up early for your tour so our staff has time to confirm your booking. You will be asked to present your confirmation number and identification. Be advised, that this might require some waiting on your behalf.

Question 34

I got sick and can't use my Day Tour ticket. Can I get it refunded?

Accepted Answer

All cancellations should be in writing and be notified 24 hours* before departure.

If you bought your ticket at one of the Reykjavik Excursions sale offices, and you notify 24 hours before your pick up, your ticket will be refunded.

*Except for Blue Lagoon bookings where cancellations must be received with at least 48 hours notice.

Question 35

I still haven't received a confirmation email about my booking. What is wrong?

Accepted Answer

You can expect up to 24 hours to pass before receiving a confirmation via email.

Try looking in your email's 'Trash' or 'Junk' folder. Sometimes confirmation emails can be misplaced by your email server and not reach your inbox.

If more than 24 hours have passed, or if you booked a tour with short notice, email us at main@re.is, and we will get back to you. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached.

Question 36

I have a problem with my online booking. What is wrong?

Accepted Answer

Our aim is to make it as convenient as possible to book a tour with Reykjavik Excursions. If you experience difficulties, they might only be temporary. Try booking again after a few minutes.

If the problem persists, you can call (+354) 580 5400 and talk to a sales executive. Please disclose tour name, tour date, no. of passengers, your name and contact information so we can complete your booking.

We would appreciate to hear about your booking problem, so that we can improve our booking system.

Question 37

Can I change my booking?

Accepted Answer

If you booked directly through Reykjavik Excursions, either online or at a sales office, you can always change your booking. Just make sure you do it in time, so pick-up information can be changed. To change your booking, contact us via e-mail, main@re.is or by phoning (+354) 580 5400. Please have all the necessary information at hand, including your confirmation letter.

If you booked through another travel agency, you have to make the changes through that agency and follow the terms set by them.

Question 38

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Warm, wind & waterproof jacket

Three layers of clothes as the weather can change quickly

Warm sweater, fleece and thermal layer

Warm trousers – waterproof and breathable

Sturdy water-resistant footwear/boots

Woollen socks

Warm hat and scarf

Warm and waterproof gloves

Crampons (advisable during winter) – can be bought on the spot. Some of our beautiful places in nature are protected and cannot be salted to protect nature. That is why it can get quite icy at Gullfoss and Geysir, so we recommend wearing crampons there.

Question 39

What is included in my tour?

Accepted Answer

All admission to sites, museums or exhibitions visited are included, unless otherwise stated in tour description.

Question 40

What does the guide do?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik Excursions offers guidance in most of the tours. Guidance is in English. Some tours are additionally guided in German, French or Scandinavian (maximum 2 languages per tour).

Our tour guides are professionals with degrees in various languages and/or subjects relating to Icelandic tourism. Your guide tells you about the area you are visiting and leads the way throughout the tour. They will also be able to answer your questions, if you have any. Our aim is to offer quality tours that feature the different aspects of Iceland's nature, history, culture and modern living.

Question 41

I am in a manual wheelchair, can I join one of your day tours?

Accepted Answer

Passengers with reduced mobility and using a manual wheelchair are more than welcome to join our day tours. Please advise your reduced mobility when booking a day tour in order for us to be able to make appropriate measures. Our staff assists as much as possible in moving to/from or within the bus.

Question 42

What languages are spoken on the tours?

Accepted Answer

Guidance is in English.

Some tours are additionally guided in German, French or Scandinavian (maximum 2 languages per tour). Further information and details are listed with each tour.

Question 43

When is my pick-up / drop-off?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik Excursions offers pick up at designated bus stops, and selected hotels, guesthouses and hostels at an extra cost. Pick up starts 30 minutes before departure and passengers are requested to be ready in time at your pick up location. Passengers are responsible for being ready and visible for their pick up. If passengers miss their Reykjavik Excursions pick up they need to arrive at BSÍ Bus Terminal in time for their tour´s departure at their own cost.

Attention passengers staying in hotels and guesthouses in the restricted area in the city centre need to go to the nearest bus pick up spot. For more information on pick up locations refer to our pick up location page. The pick up is operated by smaller and bigger coaches throughout the city, dictated by accessibility.

Drop off starts after indicated arrival time. Please note that drop off locations may not be directly in front of your hotel or guesthouse dictated by actual conditions (e.g. narrow streets, coach size, roadworks, etc.). Those staying in hotels and guesthouses in the restricted area in the city centre will be dropped off at the same place they were picked up from.

Pick up and drop off for day tours operated by subcontractors may vary, please refer to each tour.

Question 44

What kind of coaches do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik Excursions bus fleet is one of the best in Iceland. Our fleet of modern coaches consists of 80 vehicles, varying from 6 to 70 seats and 4x4 coaches suitable for crossing un-bridged glacier rivers, hence reaching almost any destination in the highlands. Constant supervision, maintenance and upkeep ensure the quality of the coaches and professional drivers enhance the safety of all passengers.

Question 45

What about bicycles and larger baggage/suitcases?

Accepted Answer

Packaged and unpackaged bicycles can be transported if space is available. The cost per bicycle is 2.500 ISK. For maximum efficiency in the luggage compartment, we prefer that bicycles are packaged in boxes. Unpackaged bicycles must have the pedals removed and the chain covered. Additional luggage will be loaded as space allows and is subject to freight charges. The cost for each item, such as golf bags, skis etc. is 1.000 ISK per item.

If you are travelling with more luggage than is estimated per person we recommend you send us an e-mail (main@re.is) or call our main BSI Bus Terminal office, (+354) 580 5400 in order for us to make appropriate arrangements before your arrival.

Question 46

How much luggage am I allowed to take with me?

Accepted Answer

Flybus passengers are allowed to store two bags per person, weighing a maximum of 23 kg (50 lbs) each in the luggage compartment of the bus. Day tour passengers usually don't bring that much luggage, except for tours that have drop off at Keflavik International Airport, e.g. some Blue Lagoon tours. Passengers can also take aboard one small carry-on item.

Reykjavik Excursions take no liability for luggage, fragile valuables or perishable articles. All baggage must be claimed promptly upon arrival.

Question 47

What is your policy on smoking?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is prohibited on board Reykjavik Excursions coaches.

Question 48

What should I be aware of regarding liabilities?

Accepted Answer

Icelandia reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice should the necessity arise.

No liability is accepted for losses or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departure of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, war or other causes outside the control of Icelandia. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller.

Question 49

Do I need to bring my passport?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to bring your passport for the day tours. If you are going snowmobiling, you do need to bring a driver's license.

Question 50

Are the prices fixed?

Accepted Answer

Tours and services are subject to currency fluctuation and conditions of cooperative contractors that may provide transportation and other services.

Question 51

Can I request a Seat Belt Extender?

Accepted Answer

If you need a seat belt extender for your tour or Flybus transfer, please email us in advance to request one.

Wonders of Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Small Group Tour

Sample the best of Iceland in a smaller group away from the crowds

Top sights on our Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour:

A Sustainable Way to Explore Snæfellsnes

See Snaefellsnes in Every Season

BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center

Need to know

Tour itinerary

Borgarnes

Ytri Tunga

Arnarstapi

Djúpalónssandur

Hólahólar / Saxhóll

Ólafsvík

Kirkjufell

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

Included

Not included

Tour highlights

Are you wondering about something?

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