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Snæfellsnes Private Tour from Reykjavík

About 8 hoursGroup: Private tour, up to 18 peopleEasyPrivate vehicle and guideNo minimum ageAll year
5.0(14 reviews)
Kirkjufell mountain reflected in still waterThe Lóndrangar basalt pinnacles at sunsetHouses above the cliffs at ArnarstapiThe black church at Búðir at sunset
Two seals at Ytri Tunga beach

A Snæfellsnes private tour with your own local guide and vehicle. In one day you loop around the peninsula, from seals on the beach and the black church at Búðir to sea cliffs, lava fields and Kirkjufell mountain.

Ytri Tunga seal beachBúðir black churchArnarstapiLóndrangarDjúpalónssandurKirkjufell
  • Your own local guide and vehicle, for your group only
  • Seals on the golden sand at Ytri Tunga (best in summer)
  • Cliff walk and stone arch at Arnarstapi
  • Black pebbles, shipwreck remains and lifting stones at Djúpalónssandur
  • Kirkjufell and its waterfall, one of Iceland's best-known views

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkYour guide meets you at your hotel or a nearby bus stop.
2BorgarnesBorgarnesA small town on a fjord, known from the Viking sagas.
BorgarnesBorgarnesBorgarnes

Borgarnes is a town of about 2,000 people on a small peninsula in West Iceland, and the first proper town most travellers reach heading north or west out of Reykjavík, just after the Ring Road crosses the Borgarfjarðarbrú bridge. It has fuel, shops and restaurants, and the Settlement Center has exhibitions on the settlement of Iceland and on Egil's Saga. A good place for a coffee and a stretch on the way west.

Facilities · cafés, shops and toilets
Read our Borgarnes guide →
3Two seals at Ytri Tunga beachYtri TungaA golden sand beach where seals often rest on the rocks.
Two seals at Ytri Tunga beachYtri TungaYtri Tunga

Ytri Tunga is a stretch of pale golden sand on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, unusual in a country of black volcanic beaches. It is best known for its seals: harbour and grey seals rest on the rocks just offshore, less than a kilometre from the car park across sand, grass and stones. Keep your distance so you do not disturb them.

Walking · short walk from the car park to the beachWildlife · seals are most common in summerTip · keep your distance and stay quiet
Read our Ytri Tunga guide →
4Búðir black churchBúðir black churchA small black wooden church standing alone in a lava field.
Búðir black churchBúðir black churchBúðir black church

Búðakirkja, the black church at Búðir, stands alone on a stretch of grassy coastline, with the Búðahraun lava field on one side and a beach of pale sand scattered with black lava rock on the other. The current building dates from 1848, though a church has stood here since 1703, and it is still a working parish church with room for around 50 people. Búðahraun has been a nature reserve since 1977. The church interior is not always open to visitors.

Walking · a few steps from the car park
Read our Búðir guide →
5ArnarstapiArnarstapiA fishing village with sea cliffs, a stone arch and a troll statue.
ArnarstapiArnarstapiArnarstapi

Arnarstapi, also called Stapi, is a small fishing village and harbour on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, at the foot of Mt Stapafell. It is known for its basalt sea cliffs, the Gatklettur arch and a coastal path of about 2.5 kilometres to the neighbouring village of Hellnar. It is free to visit and open all year.

Walking · easy cliff-top pathTip · the cliff edges are unfenced, so keep back
Read our Arnarstapi guide →
6LóndrangarLóndrangarTwo basalt pinnacles by the sea, the remains of an old crater.
LóndrangarLóndrangarLóndrangar

Lóndrangar is a pair of basalt pinnacles, about 75 and 61 metres tall, standing against the sea on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. They are the eroded remains of an old volcanic crater, worn down over thousands of years until only the harder plugs at its centre were left. The viewpoints are inside Snæfellsjökull National Park and free to visit.

Walking · viewpoint close to the roadWildlife · seabirds in the nesting season
Read our Lóndrangar guide →
7DjúpalónssandurDjúpalónssandurA black pebble beach with shipwreck remains and old lifting stones.
DjúpalónssandurDjúpalónssandurDjúpalónssandur

Djúpalónssandur is an arched bay of black pebbles at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, reached by a path of about 300 metres through black lava formations. The pebbles are lava, broken up and polished by the surf of the open Atlantic. Four lifting stones, weighing 23, 54, 100 and 154 kg, were once used to test the strength of fishermen, and the rusted iron on the beach is from the trawler Epine GY7, wrecked in 1948.

Walking · short path down through the lavaSafety · keep back from the waves, which can surge up the beachFacilities · toilets at the car park
Read our Djúpalónssandur guide →
8Kirkjufell mountain reflected in still waterKirkjufell & KirkjufellsfossThe arrowhead-shaped mountain and its waterfall, near Grundarfjörður.
Kirkjufell mountain reflected in still waterKirkjufell & KirkjufellsfossKirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell, 'Church Mountain', is a 463-metre cone that rises straight from the shore just west of Grundarfjörður, next to the small waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. Its shape, wide at the base and narrowing to a point, comes from layers of basalt and softer sedimentary rock that have eroded at different rates. The viewpoint by the falls is the classic place to see it. The climb itself is steep and dangerous, for experienced hikers only. The classic photo is from the small waterfall across the road.

Walking · short path from the car park to the fallsTip · the best angle has the waterfall in front of the mountain
Read our Kirkjufell guide →
9Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your hotel or bus stop.

About the Snæfellsnes private tour

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called Iceland in miniature: in one loop you see lava fields, black and golden beaches, sea cliffs, fishing villages and Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano at the tip. On a private tour you set the pace and choose where to spend your time.

It is a long day of about 8 hours, as the drive from Reykjavík to the peninsula takes around two hours each way. The stops themselves are short, easy walks, but the ground at the beaches and cliffs can be uneven. Your guide can change the route to suit the weather, and you can add the Vatnshellir lava cave at an extra cost.

Snæfellsnes is exposed to the Atlantic, so the weather can change fast and the wind can be strong even in summer. In winter daylight is short, so your guide plans the loop to see the main sights in the light. Seals at Ytri Tunga are most often seen in summer.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Vatnshellir lava cave tour
  • Pick-up from the airport

Included

  • Local English-speaking private driver and guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or bus stop in Reykjavík
  • All entry fees on the route
  • Child seats on request

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Pick-up or drop-off at Keflavík Airport

What to bring

  • Warm, waterproof jacket
  • Warm layers
  • Hat, gloves and warm socks
  • Walking shoes with a good grip (important in winter)
  • Camera

Good to know

  • The price is per vehicle, for your whole private group
  • Up to 18 people per private group
  • Duration is about 8 hours; you choose the start time when you book
  • Changes to the route within the day are free; extending the day costs extra
  • No minimum age; child seats are free on request, please tell us in advance
  • Easy walking, but beaches and cliff paths can be uneven and icy in winter
  • Pick-up at your hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavík; airport pick-up costs extra
  • Lunch is not included; your guide stops where you can buy food
  • Private day tour: 90% refund if you cancel more than 72 hours before the start. No refund within 72 hours.
  • The usual route drives the south side first and ends at Kirkjufell

Questions people ask

Is the price per person or per group?

Per vehicle and group. The price in the booking box is for your whole private group.

Can we change the route?

Yes. You can adjust the stops for free within the planned time. Extending the day costs extra.

Will we see seals?

Often, but not always. Seals at Ytri Tunga are most common in summer, and they are wild animals.

Can we visit a lava cave?

Yes, the Vatnshellir lava cave can be added at an extra cost.

Is the tour possible in winter?

Yes, it runs all year. Days are short in winter, so your guide plans the route around daylight and road conditions.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 14 reviews
5 stars14
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Wonderful

Wonderful trip with peter as our tour guide. Beautiful locations and comfortable ride. Our guide was the best.

Harper · March 2026
Perfect day trip

Snaefellsnes feels raw and wild, and our private guide made us feel part of it. His storytelling, attention to detail, and passion were exceptional. We came away not just with photos, but with a deep appreciation of the history and nature here. Truly memorable.

Victoria
Spectacular

The landscapes were spectacular —lava fields, cliffs, waves—but what made it unforgettable was our guide. Exceptional doesn’t even cover it. He knew so much and made us feel like we were traveling with a friend who happened to know everything about Iceland.

Lena A.
Lovely day

Even though the day felt short, it was lovely. Our private guide was exceptional, super friendly, and tailored the tour exactly to what we wanted. Without him, it would have just been sights; with him, it became a story.

Mia C.
Great escape from Reykjavik

Was on a work trip in Reykjavik and decided to do this tour on my day off - the best decision! The peninsula felt so peaceful compared to busier tours. Our private guide was outstanding—knew when to avoid the crowds, found quiet places, and gave us space to enjoy. He really elevated the experience.

Oliver K.
Wonderful landscapes and personal guide

Snaefellsnes blew me away with its wild beauty, but what stood out was our guide. He was exceptional at reading the group, giving us breaks exactly when needed, and pointing out details we’d never notice on our own. His passion made the day unforgettable.

Marta R.
From150,000 ISKPer vehicle, for your whole group

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Our guides to places on this tour:ArnarstapiBorgarnesBúðirDjúpalónssandurKirkjufellLóndrangarReykjavíkYtri Tunga
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