Snæfellsjokull National Park in Iceland: Snapshot Overview
Although it is just 190 km up the coast from Reykjavik, when you are standing on the shores of Snaefellsjokull National Park, you will feel like you are a world away. Standing on the edge of the Londrangar basalt cliffs overlooking the ocean the sight you will see has not changed much since centuries gone by. Of the national parks in Iceland, Snæfellsjokull is the only national park that accesses the shore line of Snæfellsjökull, located in the western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You can explore tidal pools and pebble beaches, a volcanic cave, or an ice tunnel burrowed into a glacier. There is a diversity of terrain that makes every hike an adventure into the exceptional — no wonder it is one of the most sought after destinations on an Iceland trip. If you are really lucky, you might even catch a sight of a killer whale breaching in the swell.
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When to Visit
The best time to visit Snaefellsjokull National Park is during the summer months of June to September. During this time of the year, the park rangers are operating in the area, and most services and support are available. When traveling to Snæfellsjökull, it is best to drive your own rental care if you can, that way you can come and go as you please, staying in one area or another for as long as it suits you. In an area with so much to see and do, this kind of flexibility is a real benefit.
What to See and Do
- Snæfellsjökull - not the park but the three peaks! These three peaks form the top of the volcano for which the park is named. Sitting in the crevasse of these peaks is a crater that (according to Jules Verne) is a gateway to the very center of the earth! Also, the Snæfellsjökull glacier is a beautiful sight to behold!
- Northern Lights - If you make your trip between the months of September and mid-April, there is a chance that you may get a peek at the Northern Lights also known as Aurora Borealis. While Verne may have been exaggerating about his Journey to the Center of the Earth, there is no way to exaggerate the beauty of the northern lights.
- Snæfellsjökull visitor’s Center - is definitely worth stopping by. There are displays that integrate all five senses to help visitors learn about the early fisher folk who populated this region and fished its waters centuries before.
- Sönghellir (the singing cave) - known for its echoes, and for the names that are carved into its stones, some of which are as much as 300 years old.
Opening hours
The park is open all year around but the hours do vary depending on the season.
|
1st June – 30th September |
10:00 - 17:00 (weekdays) |
| 10:00 - 17:00 (Saturdays) | |
| 10:00 - 17:00 (Sundays) | |
|
1st October – 31st May |
11:00 - 16:00 (on weekdays) and closed on weekends. |
There is so much more that could be said about this spectacular national park! Suffice it to say if you are interested in an outdoor adventure that will allow you to see the world in a way that you never have before, it is very likely that Iceland is the destination for you. Make sure to include the Snaefellsjokull National Park in your itinerary no matter how long or short your stay is. Furthermore, make sure that you know when to visit Iceland and the top things to do in Iceland. So, lace up your boots, pack your bag, and get ready to hit the trail. Iceland is waiting for you!
