Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Wild coasts, black sand beaches & fishing villages near reykjavik

You’ll ride out from Reykjavik with a small group and local guide, stopping at seal-dotted beaches, tiny fishing villages, volcanic cliffs, and finally Kirkjufell Mountain itself. You’ll taste salty sea air and maybe get caught in some Icelandic weather — but that’s part of it. The landscapes stay with you long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we nearly missed our pickup in Reykjavik because I’d convinced myself I needed just one more coffee — Icelandic weather does that to you. Our guide, Einar, just grinned when we finally scrambled onto the minibus, cheeks stinging from the wind. He said something about “Icelandic time” and handed me a wool blanket. I was still half-asleep as we left the city but the landscape outside snapped me awake fast — mossy lava fields, then these sudden glimpses of ocean that felt almost too blue for real life.

We stopped at Ytri Tunga Beach first. The sand was paler than I expected (not black yet), and there were seals flopped out on the rocks like they owned the place. Einar told us some story about fishermen and spirits — honestly, I only caught half of it because I was distracted by how salty the air tasted and this weirdly sweet smell from seaweed drying in the sun. At Hellnar, we got out for coffee (again) and walked along a path where the cliffs dropped straight into churning water. The wind kept snatching words out of our mouths so mostly we just laughed and pointed at birds.

Arnarstapi was full of those jagged basalt formations you see in photos but it’s stranger in person — like someone built a playground for trolls. Djúpalónssandur Beach was next, with its black pebbles that crunch underfoot (I still have one in my pocket). Einar showed us these old iron weights left behind by fishermen; he tried to get us to lift them but I gave up after about two seconds. The clouds started rolling in around Snaefellsjökull Glacier — that kind of low mist that makes everything look softer, quieter somehow. It felt like being inside a storybook.

Kirkjufell Mountain was our last big stop. It’s even more dramatic than it looks online, especially with that little waterfall in front — though honestly my phone photos don’t do it justice. We all just stood there for a minute not saying much, which is rare for any tour group. On the way back to Reykjavik, Einar played some Icelandic music and everyone sort of drifted off or stared out at the endless fields of green and grey. I keep thinking about that silence at Kirkjufell — not empty at all, just full in a different way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula highlights

• Meet at tour starting point
• Visit Ytri Tunga Beach
• Explore Hellnar village
• Visit Arnarstapi village
• Walk Djúpalónssandur Beach
• Pass by Snæfellsjökull Glacier
• See Kirkjufell Mountain

Top questions

How long is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours including all stops and return transport.

Is pickup included for this Snaefellsnes tour?

Yes, hotel or bus stop pickup in Reykjavik is included.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

The tour visits Ytri Tunga Beach, Hellnar, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Snaefellsjökull Glacier area, and Kirkjufell Mountain.

Is this small group or private?

This is a small-group tour with other travelers joining.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infant seats are available and prams/strollers can be used.

What should I bring for the Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour?

Dress warmly with layers; weather can change quickly along the peninsula.

Does this tour include lunch?

No lunch is included; there are stops where you can buy food or snacks.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation or bus stop in Reykjavik, comfortable coach transport with a small group size, carbon-neutral travel support through Vaxa Technologies partnership, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout every stop—from beaches to fishing villages—and return to Reykjavik by evening.