Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell: Black Sand Beach Small-Group Day Trip

Summary

Raw coastlines, kirkjufell’s slopes & the black sands of snaefellsnes

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild side on this Snaefellsnes day trip—walking black sand beaches, watching for seals at Ytri Tunga, hearing old saga tales from your guide, and seeing Kirkjufell up close. It’s not just scenery—it’s little moments: cold wind on your face, laughter over mispronounced words, and stories you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where the elves live,” our guide Jón said, pointing at a mossy boulder that looked like it had been dropped by a giant. I almost laughed but then realized he wasn’t joking—at least not completely. We’d just pulled off the road near Berserkjahraun, the lava field, and the air smelled like wet stone and seaweed. The bus was warm inside but stepping out hit me with that sharp Icelandic wind—kind of wakes you up faster than coffee.

The drive across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula felt longer than it looks on the map, but in a good way. Every few minutes there was something else: black sand at Djúpalónssandur crunching under my boots, seals flopped lazily at Ytri Tunga Beach (one actually yawned at us), and those wild rock arches at Arnarstapi where gulls screamed overhead. Jón told us about Bárðar—the half-ogre from the sagas—while we walked along the cliffs. I tried to pronounce “Snæfellsjökull” right; Li laughed when I butchered it. The glacier itself peeked through clouds for maybe five minutes, blue-white and impossibly far away.

Kirkjufell Mountain really does look like something out of a storybook. There’s a little waterfall nearby (I forgot its name already), and everyone scrambled for photos even though it started to drizzle sideways. My gloves got soaked but honestly, I didn’t care much—I was too busy staring at how green everything was against all that volcanic rock. The black church at Búðir was next; it sits alone in this field of yellow grass, looking stubborn against the weather. I liked that.

I still think about that moment on Djúpalónssandur beach—just standing there with cold hands and listening to nothing but waves and wind. So yeah, if you want a day trip from Reykjavik that feels like more than just ticking boxes, this Snaefellsnes tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula highlights

• Visit Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall
• Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Walk along lava field and black stone beach
• See rock formations in the ocean
• Visit fishing village of Arnarstapi
• Photograph the black church at Budir
• Watch for seals at Ytri Tunga Beach

Top questions

How long does the Snaefellsnes day trip take from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time from Reykjavik with multiple stops around the peninsula.

Is hotel pickup included for this Snaefellsnes tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels or official bus stops in central Reykjavik.

Will we visit Kirkjufell Mountain on this tour?

Yes, Kirkjufell Mountain is one of the main stops along with other sites in Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Are meals or lunch included during the day trip?

No meals are included; you should bring snacks or buy food during stops in villages along the route.

Can children join the Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.

Is this small-group tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels as most walks are short and optional.

Will we see seals on this Snaefellsnes tour?

You might see seals at Ytri Tunga Beach; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

What language does the local guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Reykjavik or nearby guesthouses, comfortable transportation by air-conditioned bus with a knowledgeable local guide sharing stories along every stop—from lava fields to fishing villages—and plenty of time to walk beaches or take photos before returning to Reykjavik in the evening.