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Snæfellsnes, the Hidden Gem of the West

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Would you like to see black churches, volcanic beaches, and the most photographed sight of Iceland, Kirkjufell, the “Church mountain”?

From

About this activity

16900 ISK

Free Cancellation

24 h before the tour

per person

Duration

Language

~12 hours

English

Select participants and date

Experience

Highlights

• Kirkjufell, “the Church Mountain” & Kirkjufellfoss waterfall
• Búðakirkja, “the Black Church of Búðir”
• Ytri-Tunga Beach and Seal Colony
• Snæfellsjökull Glacier (sightseeing)
• Arnarstapi Fishing Village & Hellnar Aarch
• Lóndrangar and Basalt Cliffs
• Djúpalónssandur Beach
• Saxhóll Crater
• Ólafsvík Fishing Village

Full description

Kirkjufell, “the Church Mountain”, has become the landmark of Snæfellsnes in recent years. The erosive powers of the glaciers during the last Ice Age gave this mountain its shape. Due to this unique look, it is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland and just across you will see the beautiful waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss.

On the south coast of the peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búdakirkja that sits alone among a field of lava rocks. It was built on the spot in 1703 and reconstructed in 1987 after a claim by a single member that lobbied to have it back. It has a historic graveyard, a bell and chalice from the time it was erected. Without a doubt, this picturesque chapel has a romantic air about it and is a real attraction to the site

Arnarstapi, a tiny fishing village has picturesque coastal is known in Iceland as the most beautiful harbour of the country. Thousands of years later erosion has formed beautiful stone arcs and a remarkable marine geyser. Enjoy a walk along the coastline while your guide tells you all about Bárður, half-man half-troll, and his misdeeds in the area.

Ytri-Tunga is a sandy beach that has a little secret hidden away down by the sea, behind the farmhouses, a seal colony that loves to spend their time on the rocks of this beautiful beach.

The Lóndrangar are a pair of 75-meter high basalt pinnacles and are remnants from a bigger crater which has mostly eroded away. They host a variety of seabirds, northern fulmars and puffins, and others.

Djúpalónssandur is a beach of black volcanic sand and stones where for centuries Icelandic fishermen rowed out to the fertile fishing grounds of the Atlantic ocean. Still today we find the so-called “lifting stones” which fishermen of yore used to test out their strength and. In 1948 a British fishing trawler stranded on the sand reefs and its remains are still there.

Formed over 4,000 years ago, the Saxhóll volcanic crater has now been made accessible via an iron staircase giving you the option of hiking it. The hike is not too challenging and gives you a 360° view of the lava fields with Snæfellsjökull glacier looming over.

Includes

✓ English speaking guide
✓ Small group on the Minibus (max 21 persons)
✓ Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board

Meeting point

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