Snæfellsnes Day Trip: Kirkjufell, Lava Fields & Farm Lunch

Summary

Black church, wild horses and glacier air on Snæfellsnes

You’ll hear seal calls at Ytri Tunga beach, feel volcanic rock under your boots in Berserkjahraun lava fields, and share homemade stew with locals on a working horse farm—all with pickup from Reykjavik and a small group guide who actually knows these stories. This isn’t just scenery; it’s Iceland you can taste and touch.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—the wind coming off the sea as we stepped out near Ytri Tunga beach. It wasn’t cold exactly, but sharp enough to make me zip my jacket higher. Our guide, Björn (who grew up not far from here), pointed out a cluster of seals lounging on the rocks. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just watched them flop around, their fur almost blending into the stones. Someone in our group joked about joining them for a nap. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with something mossy I couldn’t place.

I’d seen photos of Kirkjufell Mountain before—everyone has—but standing there with that odd-shaped peak right in front of us felt different. The clouds kept shifting so sometimes it looked like the mountain was wearing a hat. Björn told us they call it “Arrow Head Mountain” because of Game of Thrones, but he seemed more interested in explaining how old the lava fields were (thousands of years, apparently). Driving through Berserkjahraun was like crossing another planet—jagged rocks covered in this thick green fuzz. I kept thinking how quiet it was except for our boots crunching on gravel.

Lunch happened at a horse farm—honestly, probably my favorite part of this day trip to Snæfellsnes from Reykjavik. The owner’s daughter served us lamb stew and homemade rye bread (I ate way too much bread). There were horses outside flicking their tails and one tried to nibble my sleeve when I went to say hi. It felt like visiting someone’s home instead of being on a tour bus. I didn’t expect that kind of warmth out here between all these wild places.

We stopped at Buðarkirkja—the black church—and the paint looked almost blue against the sky. There’s something quiet about it; everyone lowered their voices without meaning to. On Djúpalónssandur beach we tried lifting these old stones fishermen used to test their strength (I failed miserably). The wind picked up again and whipped black sand around our ankles so we hurried back laughing, half-blind but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula highlights

• Meet guide at bus stop
• Drive 1 hour 15 minutes
• Stop to stretch and buy snacks
• Visit seal colony
• Lunch at horse farm and see horses
• Visit Buðarkirkja black church
• Drive by Snæfellsjökull Glacier
• Explore Arnarstapi basalt formations
• Walk Djúpalónssandur black sand beach
• See Kirkjufell Mountain
• Drive by Berserkjahraun lava fields
• Last toilet break before return

Top questions

How long does the Snæfellsnes day trip from Reykjavik take?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 11 hours including travel time.

Is lunch included on the Snæfellsnes tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a buffet-style homemade meal at a local horse farm.

Are hotel pickups available for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

Do you visit Kirkjufell Mountain on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Kirkjufell Mountain for photos and sightseeing.

Can you see seals during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Ytri Tunga Beach where seals are often visible year-round.

Is WiFi available during the tour?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard the vehicle throughout the day trip.

What should I wear for the Snæfellsnes peninsula tour?

Dress warmly with waterproof clothing; weather can change quickly in Iceland.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are allowed if accompanied by an adult; infants under 4 are not recommended due to duration.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, guidance from a local expert who shares stories along each stop, plus a homemade buffet lunch at an Icelandic horse farm before heading back in the evening.