Experience enchanted days under the enigmatic Snæfellsjökull glacier's shadow.

Experience enchanted days under the enigmatic Snæfellsjökull glacier's shadow.

Discover the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region brimming with natural wonders and charming villages that's perfectly accessible for a day trip from Reykjavik, even during winter. As I recently experienced firsthand, you just need a car with good winter tires and a willingness to brave the icy roads.

In this epic adventure, our destination was the enchanting Fosshotel Hellnar, nestled at the edge of the precarious coastline. This delightful country hotel offers an unforgettable stay, boasting magnificent ocean views, a sophisticated yet cozy Scandinavian style, and comfortable rooms.

We started our day at Fosshotel Hellnar by embarking on a delightful hike towards the fishing village of Arnarstapi. The picturesque journey along the coastline takes just over an hour each way and is a must-do for any visitor. The village, though small now, was once a significant trading post and is encircled by stunning rock formations that resemble the design of the modern Harpa Concert hall.

After returning to Hellnar, we feasted on a stunning three-course meal at the hotel restaurant, which serves unique Icelandic dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The culinary experience comes complete with incredible views of the ocean, where Orcas are often spotted swimming.

One of the highlights of our stay at Fosshotel Hellnar was meeting Iceland's most famous cat, Tabby Cat Pal. This charming feline serves as the hotel's "Mousekeeper" and even has a staff card to prove it.

The next day, we ventured further into the Snæfellsjökull National Park, where you'll be captivated by the lava fields and mesmerizing coastal formations. Our first stop was the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, where a 45-minute tour with Summit Guides awaits. Explore the cave's awe-inspiring formations under total darkness and prepare to be amazed. Don't forget to dress warmly – it gets chilly down there!

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula also boasts numerous beautiful black sand beaches, including one particularly long stretch between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík. Its golden sands and black cliffs make for a breathtaking scene that's worth pulling over to appreciate.

Visit the charming village of Stykkishólmur for a taste of old-world Iceland. Admire the beautiful harbor with its surrounding small islands, and don't forget to explore the scenes of Ben Stiller's movie, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." The village is home to a myriad of restaurants, making for an ideal lunch stop.

Before returning to Reykjavik, be sure to visit the sophisticated Krauma geothermal baths, opened in 2017 at the Deildartunguhver hot spring. Relax in the outdoor hot pools while taking in the stunning nature Views, enjoy a drink from the bar, and rejuvenate your senses before heading back to the city. The baths also feature a relaxation room with a fireplace, an excellent restaurant, and a modern twist on local farm-produced fare.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers an endless array of adventures and stunning landscapes that can only be fully experienced firsthand. So pack your bags and embark on a journey to this magical corner of Iceland!

1. Fosshotel Hellnar, a delightful country hotel in Reykjavik, offers an incredible stay, with breathtaking ocean views, a Scandinavian style, cozy rooms, and a stunning three-course meal with unique Icelandic dishes.
2. During our stay, we met Iceland's most famous cat, Tabby Cat Pal, who serves as the hotel's "Mousekeeper," adding a charming touch to our travel experience.
3. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is not just about the geothermal wonders; it also boasts beautiful black sand beaches, with a mesmerizing stretch between Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík that offers a breathtaking scene.
4. As we ventured further into the peninsula, we were captivated by the lava fields and coastal formations of Snæfellsjökull National Park, and took a tour of the Vatnshellir Lava Cave with Summit Guides.
5. To unwind after our adventures, we visited the Krauma geothermal baths, opened in 2017 at the Deildartunguhver hot spring, where we soaked in outdoor hot pools, enjoying the stunning nature views, drinks from the bar, and rejuvenating our senses.
6. The charming village of Stykkishólmur offers a taste of old-world Iceland, with its beautiful harbor, surrounding small islands, and scenes from Ben Stiller's movie, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." It's an ideal lunch stop before heading back to Reykjavik.

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