Best Places to Camp on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The magic of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is well worth exploring on a camping trip. From hiking across a glacier to walking through a lava tunnel and witnessing magnificent rock formations, a camping trip to this peninsula offers a lot more than first meets the eye. What’s more, there is a fantastic selection of camping sites to choose from, each offering something unique and exciting.
1. Eldborg Crater
On the east side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies a 200-foot-tall crater called Eldborg. The trails here offer the perfect hiking challenge, especially if you are looking to escape the city. You will pass through a thick lava field on your hike lasting approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
You will find a camping site called Snorrastaðir about 2.5 kilometers from the crater. You can spend the night here before heading to the town of Stykkishólmur on your tour of Snaefellsnes.
2. Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður
The largest town in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur, will make your camping experience unforgettable. Amongst its fabulous history and culture is an outdoor swimming pool renovated in 1999, where you can enjoy the healing effects of Iceland’s geothermal waters. The town church is renowned for its architecture and, if you like art, you’ll love the Library of Water – an art installation featuring glass pillars containing Icelandic water from various sites.
Water activities are plenty in this town, including whale-watching. From the Grundarfjörður camping site, you can spot orcas as well as porpoises. Just remember to visit the supermarket and stock up on necessities before you set up camp.
3. Vatnshellir Cave
Located on the south end of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, you will find the entrance to the center of the earth at Vatnshellir Cave. This 8000-year-old lava tube spans nearly 650 meters and you must carry a torchlight to get through it. Once outside, you can take a short hike to Lóndrangar, a pair of basalt rock pinnacles standing 230 feet tall!
4. Arnarstapi
The small fishing town of Arnarstapi is the best place to set up camp for the evening. If you’ve got some energy left or would like to explore the area, you can hike to the village of Hellnar. The rock formations and caves here will leave you spellbound. A trip to Sönghellir, the Cave of Songs, is also highly recommended on a Snæfellsnes Peninsula camping trip.
5. Snæfellsjökull
Summer is the best season for setting up camp across the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. If you’re visiting Snæfellsnes between June to August, you can embrace the hike up the Snæfellsjökull Glacier. There are dangerous rifts and crevasses to be aware of, so a guided tour is the safest way to explore. Hiking gear is a must at all times.
If you’re tired or have some extra time, the westernmost tip of the Peninsula is well worth a visit. You can try some delicious Icelandic food at the restaurant by Búðir Church before taking a walk along the beach.
6. Akureyri
Add Akureyri to your itinerary as you move out of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Located on the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður, this north Iceland town is home to the Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, and lots more. You can even spot the Northern Lights when it’s dark enough. Akureyri has a number of camping sites such as Systragil, Hamrar, and Lónsá Campsite where you can pitch up your tent before heading home.
The dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are among the highlights of West Iceland. From hiking through lava fields to witnessing rock formations, craters, and even fascinating art installations, a camping trip to the peninsula offers innumerable attractions.
Driving to a campsite is a unique way of exploring Iceland. Rent our camper cars for the ultimate camping experience in Iceland!