Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Day Trip from Reykjavik with Kirkjufell & Black Sand Beach

Summary

Walk ancient lava fields & see Kirkjufell’s quiet beauty on a day trip

You’ll travel west from Reykjavik across wild lava fields to Kirkjufell Mountain and its waterfall, wander black sand beaches at Djúpalónssandur, and try your hand at lifting ancient fishermen’s stones—all with stories from your local guide along the way. Expect moments of silence, odd textures underfoot, and a kind of calm that lingers after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for ages, mostly because someone told me it’s like “Iceland in miniature.” That stuck in my head. So when we left Reykjavik early (still half-asleep, honestly), I didn’t expect to feel so awake the moment we hit those old lava fields at Berserkjahraun. The ground looked twisted and frozen mid-motion, moss everywhere, and our guide—Sigrún—told us how it’s tied into old sagas. She had this way of pausing before a story, like she was letting the wind fill in the gaps. It was cold but not sharp, just enough to make you tuck your hands deeper into your pockets.

Kirkjufell was next, and yeah, I’d seen it on Instagram a million times—but standing there is different. The path around is easy, even if you’re not much of a hiker (like me). The waterfall nearby makes this constant low sound that mixes with the gulls overhead. I tried taking photos but ended up just watching the light shift over the mountain instead. There were a few other travelers around but it never felt crowded—maybe everyone was just as quietly stunned as I was? Sigrún pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed something here; I pretended to know which scene she meant.

Snæfellsjökull itself loomed over everything—sometimes hidden by clouds, sometimes bright against the sky. We drove through tiny fishing villages like Arnarstapi (the houses look almost too small for real people) and stopped at Djúpalónssandur beach. Black sand underfoot, bits of shipwreck rusting away, and those odd “lifting stones” that fishermen used to test their strength. I tried one (the smallest), barely got it off the ground—my hands still gritty hours later. Sigrún laughed and said most people can’t lift them either.

Last stop was Budir Black Church—just this little building alone in a sweep of yellow grass and dark lava fields. The wind picked up while we were there; I could smell sea salt and something earthy I still can’t name. On the drive back to Reykjavik I kept thinking about how quiet everything felt out there. Not empty—just calm in a way that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula highlights

• Visit Berserkjahraun lava field
• See Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall
• Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Walk along Djúpalónssandur black sand beach
• View volcanic rock pinnacles
• Walk coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi village
• Observe seals at Ytri Tunga beach
• Photo stop at Budir Black Church

Top questions

How long does the Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip from Reykjavik take?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included for this Snaefellsnes day tour?

Pickup is available for an additional fee; check during booking.

What are the main stops on this Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour?

You’ll visit Berserkjahraun lava field, Kirkjufell Mountain, Snæfellsjökull area, Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, Arnarstapi village, Ytri Tunga beach for seals, and Budir Black Church.

Is lunch included on this Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour?

No lunch is included; bring your own or buy food during stops.

Are there hiking sections on this day trip?

No major hikes; all walks are short with well-maintained paths suitable for most fitness levels.

Will I see wildlife on this Snaefellsnes tour?

You may spot seals at Ytri Tunga beach and seabirds along Arnarstapi cliffs.

Does this tour operate in winter or bad weather?

The tour runs year-round in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for Icelandic weather.

How far is Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik?

The peninsula is about 150 km (93 miles) west of Reykjavik; travel time varies due to stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes sightseeing across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional English-speaking guide sharing stories along each stop; pickup from Reykjavik hotels is available for an extra fee so you don’t have to worry about transport logistics throughout this full-day journey.