Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, 1,446 m high and famed as the entrance to the Earth’s core in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth - visible from Reykjavík 120 km away on clear days. It anchors Iceland’s first national park to reach from summit to sea (established 2001), ringed by black sand, lava fields and bird cliffs that earn the peninsula the name "Iceland in miniature". The glacier summit needs a certified guide with crampons and rope (summer snowcats also reach it); nearby Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi and Djúpalónssandur round out a long day trip from Reykjavík.

Arnarstapi is an old fishing village on the south coast of Snæfellsnes where the basalt shore is marked by the natural stone arch Gatklettur and fantastically shaped rock gates. A statue of Bárður Snæfellsás honours the peninsula’s guardian giant, and sea cliffs teem with puffins and seabirds. A scenic coastal trail links it to Hellnar, a highlight for hiking and photography on Snæfellsnes. The village and trail are free to roam, with parking at the entrance - a natural stop to watch the cliffs and puffins on the peninsula loop.

Kirkjufell is a beautiful, unique and famous mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, its shape like a pointed straw hat (or church spire) with a waterfall in front, one of Iceland's most photogenic and classic peaks. Kirkjufell ("Church Mountain", named for its church-spire shape, also called Grass Hut Mountain in Chinese) stands near the town of Grundarfjordur in western Snaefellsnes, one of Iceland's and the world's most famous, photogenic peaks. Not very high, it is known for its unique, beautiful, striking form, a solitary peak with clean, elegant layers narrowing to a graceful pointed cone (like a straw hat or church spire), standing alone by the sea, graceful and full of charm. Its fame as an Icelandic landmark and photography holy site comes from its perfect composition: right beside it lies a beautiful, tiered little waterfall (Kirkjufellsfoss); the lone peak, the lively falls, the open bay and the shifting sky (in winter, auroras often dance above) form a dreamlike, unmatched picture, a beloved spot for countless photographers (also featured in famous films). Visiting Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell is a beautiful sight.

Vatnshellir is a lava tube in Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, formed about 8,000 years ago and famous because Jules Verne used Snæfell as the gateway to the centre of the Earth. About 200 metres long and 35 metres deep, it was left as a tubular cavity when the crust of a lava flow cooled and the molten interior drained away. Inside, a constant 0-4°C reveals lava stalactites and cooling cracks. Entry is by guided tour with the park’s licensed operator, with provided helmet and light down two spiral staircases; children 5-11 are free, minimum age 5, tour about 45 minutes.