Where to stay in Snaefellsnes while exploring this beautiful peninsula in Iceland? The stunning western peninsula boasts several remarkable attractions that must not be missed on your Iceland travel itinerary. However, finding truly unique places to stay can be challenging. The area offers a wide range of options, including lovely hotels and distinctive lodges both in and outside the charming villages. In this blog post, we will assist you in making a decision. What are the best places to stay in Snaefellsnes? Which exceptional lodgings and hotels in Snaefellsnes can we recommend?
Booking.comHow to get to Snaefellsnes in Iceland
Snæfellsnes, the largest peninsula in Iceland, is situated in the northwest of the country. Just a bit further north, you’ll find the stunning Westfjords, while to the south lies the capital city Reykjavik along the west coast. As a result, Snæfellsnes often becomes a popular destination for travelers on their Iceland itinerary between Reykjavik and the Westfjords.
From the capital city Reykjavik, it takes around 2 hours to drive along the west coast to reach Snæfellsnes. Public transportation in Iceland is not very frequent, so it’s best to explore Iceland by renting a car. With a car, it’s easy and convenient to reach Snæfellsnes from Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport, or other destinations within the peninsula.
Why Snæfellsnes is worth a visit
Snæfellsnes encapsulates everything that Iceland has to offer in a nutshell. The peninsula is worth a visit to witness Iceland’s most unique natural phenomena, ranging from endless lava fields and volcanic craters to impressive sea cliffs and caves.
The most famous attraction on the peninsula is the Snæfellsjökull, a 1,446-meter-high glacier. The Snæfellsjökull National Park, located at the westernmost tip of the peninsula, is named after this glacier. Besides Snæfellsjökull itself, the park features lava fields, volcanoes and caves. This destination has long been one of Iceland’s most renowned landmarks, as it played a prominent role in Jules Verne’s 1864 novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.
Other attractions of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include picturesque fishing villages like Stykkishólmur, distinctive lighthouses such as Svörtuloft and charming churches like the iconic black church Búðakirkja. With a rental car, you can explore all corners of the peninsula. A day could be sufficient, but it’s preferable to allocate two or three days for Snæfellsnes.
Film enthusiasts might recognize the landscapes of the peninsula, as Snæfellsnes served as an important filming location for the 2013 movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”.
10 best places to stay in Snaefellsnes
While you can visit Snæfellsnes on a day trip from Reykjavik, staying for two nights allows you to make the most out of your visit to this western peninsula. Choose a comfortable base on the peninsula, as Snæfellsnes offers exceptional accommodations such as cozy cottages and charming hotels. Scattered across the peninsula, you’ll find the finest places to stay, both in various villages and beautiful remote locations.
#1 Arnarstapi Cottages (Arnarstapi) for cottages with a mountain-view patio and a modern interior and comfortable beds, making them a perfect base for exploring the peninsula. The cottages are located in Arnarstapi, a cozy village with impressive basalt cliffs.
#2 Drangar Country Guesthouse (Drangar) for the best-rated accommodation in Snæfellsnes. This guesthouse is housed in a modernly renovated farmhouse set in a remote location. Its large north-facing windows offer an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights on clear evenings. Guests praise the beautiful architecture, stunning landscape, and the warm hospitality of hosts Leana and Knutur.
#3 Dis Cottages (Grundarfjordur) for cozy cottages with sea views, a kitchenette, and a bathroom that are highly recommended. Guest reviews highlight the magnificent views of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, the comfortable cottages, and the beautiful location.
#4 Hotel Búdir (Búðir) for a unique and cozy hotel with stylish decor and an on-site restaurant. Each room offers views of glaciers, lava fields, or the sea. The cozy dining room serves seafood and lamb dishes, paired with carefully selected wines that complement traditional Icelandic cuisine.
#5 Fosshotel Stykkisholmur (Stykkisholmur) for lovely seaside hotel in the fishing village of Stykkisholmur offering impressive ocean views from most rooms. The on-site restaurant overlooks the sea and often serves locally caught seafood such as monkfish, cod, or halibut. A Scandinavian breakfast buffet is provided each morning. The Sundlaug Stykkisholms thermal pools are located right next to the hotel.
#6 Hótel Egilsen (Stykkishólmur) for charming accommodation housed in a building dating back to 1860. The colorful rooms offer views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the shared lounge features a small library and a cozy atmosphere.
#7 Miðhraun Lava Resort (Borgarnes) for family-run resort with excellent ratings in Snæfellsnes, offering hotel rooms, cottages, and apartments. The resort is part of an old farm, which also houses a restaurant and geothermal baths. More than a hundred sheep, horses, and chickens roam around the farm.
#8 Hotel Snaefellsnes (Hotel Rjukandi) (Vegamót) for one of the most popular hotels in Snæfellsnes. It serves traditional Icelandic dishes made with organic ingredients in its restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Rjúkandi Hotel bar. The hotel also features a communal lounge, a garden, and a tour desk.
#9 Eiðhús Apartments (Vegamót) for fully equipped cottages with a kitchen, balcony, and sea views, offering a delightful experience. The five modernly furnished cottages are set amidst stunning landscapes. Positive reviews mention the convenience of self-check-in, beautiful views, and cozy interiors.
#10 Sodulsholt Cottages (Sodulsholt) for adorable wooden cottages are situated in a beautiful landscape. Each cottage features a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining area, and a seating area with a TV. The cottages receive exceptionally high ratings, with guests praising the tranquility, well-maintained accommodations, and breathtaking views.
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