Snaefellsjokull National Park
The glacier-capped volcano at the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula — Jules Verne's gateway to the centre of the Earth.
Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano above lava fields
What to expect at Snaefellsjokull National Park
Snaefellsjokull is a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano crowned with a small ice cap, standing right on the Atlantic at the western tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The national park protects the lava fields, sea cliffs and fishing hamlets on its flanks, and the ring road around the mountain (Route 574) is one of the most scenic day drives in Iceland — often bundled with the black beaches and hot springs elsewhere on this coast.
Drive up from Borgarnes in the morning and follow Route 574 clockwise: stop at Arnarstapi for the coastal cliff walk to Hellnar, then Djupalonssandur black pebble beach, the Saxholl crater and the Vatnshellir lava tube. Two hours from Reykjavik puts you in the park by 11:00. If the weather is clear enough to see the summit, add a guided snowcat trip to the glacier ($180). Otherwise plan on 6-7 hours for the loop with photo stops.
Questions about Snaefellsjokull National Park
Park entry and parking are entirely free. The Vatnshellir cave tour costs $30 per adult, cash or card.
Everything is free at all times, including both visitor centres.
A full day to loop Route 574. As a two-day trip, base in Stykkisholmur and add the north coast of the peninsula.
The park never closes. Visitor centres close October to May (Hellnar) and September to May (Malarrif).
No for self-driving. Yes for glacier snowcat tours ($180, 2-3 days ahead) and horse rides.
There is no public bus into the park. Route 574 loops the mountain; the closest fuel is at Olis Hellissandur on the north side.
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