Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day Tour: Kirkjufell, Black Church & Seals | Troll.is
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Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small Group Day Tour from Reykjavík

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Ingjaldshóll Church Stop

Tour Description

This 12-hour day trip from Reykjavík explores the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature." Highlights include the chance to see a seal colony at Ytri-Tunga Beach, visiting the historic Búðakirkja Black Church set in lava fields, exploring the dramatic coastal cliffs of Arnarstapi, viewing the unique Lóndrangar basalt pinnacles, and seeing the famous Kirkjufell Mountain (featured in Game of Thrones). This tour is an efficient way to experience a wide array of Iceland’s geology, history, and wildlife in a single day.

Join this easy, full-day small-group tour for a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s natural wonders, history, and volcanoes, departing from Reykjavík. The 12-hour adventure begins with pick-up and a scenic drive north, passing the historic Viking settlement town of Borgarnes before reaching the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The itinerary is designed to showcase the peninsula’s geological diversity. You will first stop at Ytri-Tunga, a sandy beach known as one of the best spots to observe a local seal colony in the wild. Next, you visit the iconic Búðakirkja, the tiny, picturesque Black Church of Búðir, dramatically isolated amidst vast lava fields.

Continuing along the coast, the tour explores the rugged shoreline of Arnarstapi, where erosion has carved striking basalt formations, cliffs, and the Gatklettur arch rock. Further stops include the imposing Lóndrangar basalt pinnacles, remnants of an ancient volcanic crater, and Djúpalónssandur, a mysterious black pebble beach featuring the wreckage of a British trawler and ancient lifting stones. The journey culminates at the foot of Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland's famously photographed landmark. Transportation and guidance are included, ensuring a factual and well-organized exploration of this extraordinary region.

Start from

From Reykjavík

Open season

All Year

Duration

12 hours

Pick-up

Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included

Difficulty

Easy



Map and Itinerary

Day tour: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

On the morning of your tour, we will pick you up from your chosen bus stop or hotel in Reykjavík. We will then start our unforgettable adventure towards Snæfellsnes.

As we travel to the north, we will see mountains that were not previously there but had been recently created – after hundreds of volcanoes erupted in the area. When lava cools down, it sometimes creates extremely spectacular things to nature.

1

Pickup in Reykjavik

Your adventure starts 8:00 AM in Reykjavík; after meeting your group, you will begin a comfortable minibus journey through the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, complete with local stories and photo tips from your guide.

Please note: We advise our participants to be ready at their designated pickup location at 8:00 am and wait for the bus to arrive around 8:05am till 8:45am depending on road and weather conditions.

2

Borgarnes

On the drive toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, our route takes us through a spectacular landscape of scenic mountains and a beautiful fjord as we approach the charming town of Borgarnes.

This town is historically significant as it was one of the first settlements established by the Norwegian Vikings upon their arrival in Iceland. We may make a quick stop here for snacks before continuing our journey further north, getting remarkably close to the Arctic Circle!

3

Ytri Tunga Beach: Seal Colony

Your first stop on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a paradise for animal lovers: Ytri-Tunga beach, home to a local seal colony!

This sandy beach hides a little secret down by the water, where friendly and curious wild seals gather. They love to haul themselves out onto the rocks, allowing you to easily spot them from a distance.

Historically hunted for food and fashion, seals are now celebrated by Icelanders as a beautiful part of the culture. Visitors are encouraged to respectfully observe them in their natural habitat.

4

Búðir: The Black Church in the Lava Fields

Your next destination is Búðir, a historic site nestled dramatically within vast lava fields.

Once a thriving settlement known as Hraunhofn ("The Harbor of Lava"), today the village is famous for one striking structure: the tiny, iconic Búðakirkja, better known as the Black Church of Búðir. Built in 1703, this wooden church is often considered one of Iceland's most beautiful and is the only original building remaining (alongside the modern Hotel Búðir).

The story behind placing the church in the middle of a lava field is unique: Legend holds that an elderly woman had a man spin until dizzy before shooting an arrow. The church's location was then chosen based on where that arrow finally landed.

5

Arnarstapi: Fishing Village

Our next stop takes us to a small, picturesque fishing village nestled at the foot of a mountain, boasting one of Iceland’s most beautiful harbors.

This tiny village is framed by spectacular coastal cliffs. Formed thousands of years ago when glowing magma was slammed by the wild waves of the Atlantic, the resulting erosion has sculpted dramatic stone arches and even a remarkable marine geyser.

As we explore this stunning coastline, we'll share fascinating local legends about Bárður, the half-man, half-troll, and his influence on the area.

Afterward, we will visit the famous naturally formed stone arch, Gatklettur, also known as the "Hellnar Arch". With its unique structure and dramatic coastal views, Gatklettur is a spectacular spot for both photographers and videographers.

6

Djúpalónssandur

Djúpalónssandur is a dramatic black pebble beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula where Iceland's rugged coastal beauty meets its rich maritime history.

The beach gets its name from Djúpalón, a once-thriving fishing village from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and offers a glimpse into Iceland's fishing heritage.

Its shoreline is covered in unique, smooth volcanic pebbles—polished over centuries by the powerful ocean waves—which create a striking contrast against the cliffs and the crashing surf. Adding to the mysterious atmosphere are the rusted iron shipwreck remains of the British trawler Epine GY7, a haunting reminder of the perils of the sea since it ran aground in 1948.

Djúpalónssandur is also home to four ancient lifting stones once used to test the strength of aspiring fishermen. Their names reflect their purpose, ranging from the lightest, "Amlóði" (useless) at 23 kg, up to the formidable "Hálfdrættingur" (weakling) at 154 kg. Legend says you had to be able to lift this heaviest stone to be considered strong enough for the fishing life.

Nearby Dritvík Cove provides breathtaking views and is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers.

7

Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs

Towering dramatically over the southern coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are the Lóndrangar, a spectacular pair of gigantic basalt pinnacles, reaching up to 75 meters high. These impressive spires are the ancient remnants of a volcanic crater, shaped by time over tens of thousands of years.

The area is not only geologically stunning but also a popular spot for wildlife, hosting a huge variety of seabirds, including northern fulmars and Iceland's beloved puffins.

Lóndrangar has been visited by Icelanders since the Viking settlement period, roughly 1,200 years ago. Despite its fertile land, local farmers traditionally do not cultivate the area, as there is a strong cultural belief that elves inhabit the region.

8

Ingjaldshóll Church

Also known as the Eye Test Photo Spot, is a picturesque white-and-red hilltop church on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, famed for its stunning contrast against the surrounding lava fields and the distant Snæfellsjökull glacier.

9

Kirkjufell

No trip to the peninsula is complete without seeing the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain. This phenomenal, arrow-shaped landmark is one of Iceland's most photographed spots and was famously featured as the "arrowhead mountain" in Game of Thrones.

10

Back to Reykjavík

We will then start heading back to Reykjavik and are expected to arrive around 8pm, though this may be subject to change depending on weather and road conditions.


Price from
$135
/ traveler
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Frequently Asked Questions

Easy

  • • Warm clothes (first layer), gloves and hat.
  • Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer)
  • Hiking boots (available for rent when booking)
  • Joy and happiness!

Location: We offer pick-up only from the designated locations within the greater Reykjavík city area, which must be selected from the drop-down menu when booking.

Timeframe: The pickup window is typically from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM. Please be ready at your chosen location at the start of your scheduled pick-up time, as the process can take up to 30-45 minutes.

Exclusions: Pick-up service is not available from Keflavík Airport or areas outside the greater Reykjavík capital region.

You must provide your chosen pick-up location at least 24 hours prior to the tour's departure. Failure to provide this information or missing the bus means we cannot be responsible for missed tours.

  • Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions and we may have to adjust timings to the short daylight of winter days.
  • Pick-up is from designated locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu at the time of booking. Pick-up is not available from Keflavik airport or outside of the greater capital area.

No minimum age, however it is not recommended for children below 6 years

• All-day tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 24 hours from the departure time are non refundable. • In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or booking other activities when possible or provide a full refund.

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