2 Day Snaefellsnes Peninsula & West Iceland: Lava Cave & Northern Lights
Join us to explore the beauty of West Iceland with this 2 days tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll see waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, white and black sand beaches, visit historic villages, step inside a thousands-years-old lava cave, and hunt for the elusive Northern Lights.
Duration
2 days
Highlights
✓ West Iceland ✓ Snaefellsnes ✓ Hraunfossar ✓ Barnafoss ✓ Hvalfjörður ✓ Reykholt ✓ Arnarstapi ✓ Kirkjufell ✓ Vatnshellir Cave ✓ Lóndrangar ✓ Djúpalónssandur ✓ Ytri Tunga Beach ✓ Búðakirkja
Included
✓ Professional English speaking guide ✓ Small group ✓ Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board ✓ One night in accommodation on the West Coast, breakfast included ✓ Lava cave tour ✓ Northern Lights spotting
Overview
Experience the magical West of Iceland on this excellent 2 days expedition to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Borgarfjörður. Get a chance to explore hot springs, lava fields, waterfalls, black beaches and see the Snæfellsjökull glacier. You’ll also enter a thousands-years-old lava cave and try to catch a glimpse of the mystical Northern Lights.
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Borgarfjörður Valley, Waterfalls, and Viking Heritage
During the drive to Borgarfjörður, we’ll pass along side Hvalfjörður fjord, translating to “whale fjord”. You will enjoy the features of the area, towering snow capped mountains and open fields.
We’ll arrive to Borgarfjörður, a region filled with historical heritage, where Viking sailors reached land and settled there after leaving their homeland.
Reykholtsdalur valley is your next location, there you can learn all about the forces of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. From there you will journey to the village of Reykholt, where Snorri Sturluson, the poet, lawmaker and historian used to live during the Middle ages. Snorri wrote many codices that are invaluable records of mythology and the Old Norse language.
Not far from there are you will find two very different but equally beautiful waterfalls: Hraunfossar, a series of streams rushing through dark lava fields and Barnafoss, a bright blue stream speeding through a narrow ravine.
You will then head to your accommodation where you can keep an eye out for the magical Aurora at night, especially if the sky is clear.
To make the best of your stay in Iceland, you can decide for an additional night of hunting Northern Lights at the end of your multiday trip. Explore even more of Iceland with the extra Northern Lights & Hot Chocolate Minibus Tour that starts the night you are back in Reykjavik.
Day 2
Ytri Tunga Beach and Seal Colony
Ytri-Tunga is a sandy beach that has a little secret hidden away down by the sea, behind the farmhouses… a seal colony! Seals love to spend their time on the rocks of this beautiful beach. They are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks for you to spot them from a distance.
Búdakirkja, the Black Church of Búdir
On the south coast of the peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búðakirkja that sits alone among a field of lava rocks. Búdakirkja 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. It is a listed building, owned by the National Museum of Iceland, but it is in the care of the Búdir parish. Without a doubt, this picturesque chapel has a romantic air about it and is a real attraction to the site.
Arnarstapi Fishing Village & Hellnar Arch
This tiny fishing village has picturesque coastal cliffs which derived from glowing magma hitting the wild waves of the Atlantic. Known in Iceland as the most beautiful harbor of the country. Thousands of years later erosion has formed beautiful stone arches 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.
The Journey to the Centre of the Earth
As the Professor Otto Lidenbrock from Jules Verne’s novel, you will venture into the volcanic tube towards earth’s core into Víðgelmir lava cave. Do not worry, you won’t reach the center of the Earth but you will follow a path of lava that was created thousands years ago.
Lóndrangar and Basalt Cliffs
The Lóndrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles in Iceland and are remnants from a bigger crater which has mostly eroded away. Looming over the entire southern coastline, Lóndrangar, a set of 75-meter high basalt pinnacles set the tone for what’s to come. They host a variety of seabirds, northern fulmars and puffins, and others.
Djúpalónssandur
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 prove themselves worthy of the physically straining life of Atlantic rowboat fishing. You can try to lift them yourself! In 1948 a British fishing trawler stranded on the sand reefs of Djúpalónssandur. Five men perished while 14 were rescued by local rescue squads. The remains of the ship are still there, strewn across the beach as an eerie reminder of the awesome power of nature.
Saxhóll Volcanic Crater
Formed over 4,000 years ago, this 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.
Kirkjufell, “The Church Mountain”, and Kirkjufellfoss waterfall
This iconic narrow mountain has become the landmark of Snæfellsnes in recent years. It became famous after being presented as the “Arrowhead Mountain” on Game of Thrones. The erosive powers of the glaciers during the last ice age about 12,000 years ago 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 which completes your perfect shot of the mountain. There are numerous vantage points for the perfect photograph.
General Information
October to March
08:00 am
Easy to moderate
18
No age limit
✓ West Iceland
✓ Snaefellsnes Peninsula
✓ Hraunfossar
✓ Barnafoss
✓ Hvalfjörður
✓ Reykholt
✓ Arnarstapi
✓ Kirkjufell
✓ Víðgelmir Cave tour
✓ Lóndrangar
✓ Djúpalónssandur
✓ Ytri Tunga Beach
✓ Búðakirkja
✓ Professional English speaking guide
✓ Small group
✓ Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board
✓ One night in accommodation on the West Coast, breakfast included
✓ Lava cave tour
• Warm clothes (first layer)
• Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer)
• Hiking boots (available for rent when booking)
• Joy and happiness!
• 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.
• The limit is one suitcase of 24 inches per person, but you can store your extra luggage in our office for 1,000 ISK. It can be added as an extra fee at the time of booking, and is non-refundable upon payment in all cases.
• Customers travelling on their own will receive a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact the provider.
• 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.
• The Northern Lights are a natural random phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed by the operator. The hotels are in prime locations to maximize the chances of seeing them.
• All multiday tours can be cancelled up to 48 hours from the departure time with 85% of the total price refunded by sending an email to [email protected] All cancellations requested less than 48 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.
Photos
Map
FAQ
How does pick up work?
We offer pick-up only from Reykjavik city greater area from designated locations found on a drop-down menu at the time of booking. We ask all our customers to send their pick up location at least 24 hours prior to the departure of their tour. We cannot be responsible if you do not provide your pick up location or miss the departure of your tour. Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time of your voucher and can take up to 30 minutes. We ask our passenger to be ready at their listed location so they can be easily found.
What are designated pick up locations?
Due to the regulations of the city of Reykjavik, tour companies are only allowed to stop at certain designated bus stop locations in the city center to pick up passengers. It is stated on your voucher if we will pick you up directly from your hotel or from the designated bus stop locations. Find the closest designated pick up location using the map on www.busstop.is.
What is a multiday tour?
A multiday tour is a tour that includes guided sightseeing and activities for more than one day and accommodation.
Why should I book a multiday tour?
All our multiday tours are in a minibus and offer small group experience. You don’t have to worry about accommodation during the time of the tour. These tours also drive further into in the countryside and give you the opportunity to explore Iceland in-depth and experience places that you would normally not be able to on a one day tour from Reykjavik.
Will I have a private bathroom?
All our partner hotels have private bathrooms.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included after each night of accommodation spent during the multiday tour.
I’m a solo traveler, is there a single supplement?
Yes, single fee supplement is mandatory for solo travelers on all multiday tours to ensure your private room in our accommodation. There is no way to opt out of single fee supplement if you are a solo traveler.
Is it guaranteed that we will see the Northern Lights during the tour?
Most of our partner hotels are located in prime areas to spot the northern lights. If the forecast is favorable, chances are that you will be able to see the magical show of Aurora Borealis outside the hotel. However, the Northern Lights are a natural random phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed by the operator.
How much luggage can I bring?
The limit is one suitcase of 24 inches per person, but you can store your extra luggage in our office for 1,000 ISK. It can be added as an extra fee at the time of booking, and is non-refundable upon payment in all cases.
Do I need hiking boots?
We encourage bringing hiking boots for lava tours. They have to have hard on the sole and be tight around the ankle. If you don’t have them, we have them available for rent in all sizes while booking for ISK 1,500 per pair with cash or card.
How difficult are lava cave tours?
Our tours are considered to be safe for anyone in good physical condition. You have to be able to walk for about an hour up and down on slopes and uneven surface. If you have specific questions regarding one of our tours, feel free to email us.
If I am pregnant, can I join a lava cave tour?
This is a personal choice. We have had pregnant women on our tours and we always recommend you read the description of the activity to get a better idea. In any case, feel free to contact our Service Team for further questions and concerns.
How does weather affect my tour?
Wind and rain are common in Iceland, in addition to snow in the winter, but we do not let challenging weather stop us from going out and enjoy nature. All we need to do is choose our clothing wisely, which is why we recommend wearing waterproof jacket and pants as the second layer. Of course, safety is our #1 priority, in case of extreme weather or road conditions, we will cancel our tours and do our best to reschedule your booking at a further date or provide a full refund.
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