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Things to do in Hellnar

Our most recommended things to do in Hellnar

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

1. Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

Visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this guided day trip from Reykjavik. See what Iceland has to offer on one trip including the Berserkjahraun lava fields, Snaefellsjokull volcano, and Kirkjufell mountain. Learn about local legends and see a seal colony. Begin your trip in the local town of Borgarnes. Grab some snacks before heading to the peninsula and try to catch a peak of the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano. Arrive at the Berserkjahraun lava field, and learn the origin of its name. Next, head to Kirkjufell, famously known for its role on the "Game of Thrones" television show, and for being the most-photographed mountain in the entire country. Visit the neighboring waterfall, and be swept away by the magic. Then climb the staircase to the top of Saxholl (visited only from March – November), a 100-meter-high volcanic crater. Reach the top and be rewarded by the stunning views of this 3000-year-old feat of nature. Learn local legends and the history of strong Icelandic ancestry. Venture into the uninhabited settlement of Djupalonssandur, and test your strength as local men used to on the beach. Head to the fishing village of Arnarstapi and witness the beautifully eroded cliffs and the sculpture of Barour Snaefellsas. Finally, discover a more in-depth understanding of Icelandic history at Budakirkja, or the "Black Church." View historical artifacts from the 19th century. Continue to the enchanting golden-colored beach of Ytri-Tunga (only from March - November). Witness a huge seal colony, laying on the rocks and enjoying the sun.

From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

2. From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a bus day trip to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches, and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi, and Hellnar. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, and see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Take a photo stop at the famed Black Church at Budir, and spot seals lolling in the sea at Ytri Tunga beach. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. This tour visits a variety of landscapes in a compact region which was immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

3. Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

Discover an oasis of tranquility in the west of Iceland and journey back to the land of myriad secrets and ancient landscapes on this group tour from Reykjavik. Travel to the highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula aboard a climate-controlled minibus. Make your way to the dramatic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where mangled lava fields reveal the stresses and destruction the land once endured. Marvel at volcanic rocks of unimaginable shapes as they flare up in twisted forms from the earth. Take a walk beside the jagged cliffs of Arnarstapi and see the beautiful arcs of Hellnar, where pillars of basalt slowly ascend from the unforgiving sea. Take in the stunning backdrop of the summit of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Journey along roads less traveled to find beaches of lava and smooth volcanic rock at Djupalónssandur. Explore the north side of the peninsula and the famous Mt. Kirkjufell. Discover the photographer's dream subject, the black church at Budir, which sits in desolate isolation. Look out for playful seals at Ytri Tunga gold beach, your final stop. Then, journey back to your meeting point in Reykjavik. Benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience of your guides. They will share not only the must-see sites but local knowledge, great stories and personal recommendations to make the most of your time in Iceland.

From Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes National Park - Small Group

4. From Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes National Park - Small Group

Spend the day in Snæfellsnes National Park, described as “Iceland in Miniature,” on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Following your transfer from the city center, travel along the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsnes Glacier, enjoying mountain scenery on one side, and the unique Breiðafjörður beach on the other. Locals call it the "Golden Beach" as it is one of the only beaches in Iceland that is not made of black sand. Pass small towns and fishing villages, including the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and see spectacular birds nesting in cliffs by the sea. Look out for other wildlife, including - if you are lucky - seals! End in the center of the park at the mighty Snæfellsjökull volcano glacier, made famous by Jules Verne in “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” On the north side of the peninsula you will see the famous church-shaped Kirkjufell Mountain, with the nearby waterfall of Kirkjufellfoss.

From Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small Group Tour

5. From Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small Group Tour

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Iceland. The landscape there is totally different from anything else in Iceland and very often you feel like you are on a different planet. Surrounded by lava almost all day, visiting the black mysterious church and walking on top of a volcanic crater. This awesome tour starts with a pickup from Reykjavik or its closest towns between 08:00 to 08:30 a.m. You can be picked up from your accommodation or your closest bus stop (see bus stops) in the downtown area. From there, you will head on to this volcanic journey to the center of the earth. Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall & Kirkjufell mountain are the first stops. There you will see a lot of various soils mixed together and a spectacular mountain shaped by old glaciers dating from the ice age. The old road on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula used to lead over to the waterfall and therefor, there’s an old bridge you can walk over to look down the waterfall. Hellnar has the oldest fishing harbour in Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit this abandoned old village, see the old ruins of the dock there and take a look at how the ocean has formed many caves and holes in the cliffs there. Absolutely marvellous place. Djúpalónssandur beach is the next stop. This beach is truly one of the most spectacular ones in Iceland. This is a black sand beach with volcanic rocks creating a unique atmosphere there. After a short drive to Arnarstapi you’ll take a walk to the coastline and marvel at the home of elves which towers over this magical old fishing village on one side, with the North Atlantic ocean on the other side. Búðir is the last stop before heading to Reykjavik. This place has a black old church located in the lava fields where the one and only serial killer in Iceland used to live. Take a walk to the beach there and see the black lava fields lying on the golden beach. Surreal environment. What a day this will be!

From Reykjavík: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Private Day Tour

6. From Reykjavík: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Private Day Tour

In one day, you will experience diverse Icelandic scenery. Volcanic Craters, Arnarstapi sea cliffs, bird live and costal rocks, Black sand of Djúpalónssandur, the majestic peak of Kirkjufell which is shaped like an arrowhead, the seal colony and birds live, the black church, lava fields of Berserkjahraun etc. Snæfellsnes National Park is a peninsula in Western Iceland. The peninsula is a detour from the ring-road, worth visiting. You will witness breathtaking attractions. Snæfellsjökull the glacier which is the main attraction and one of a three volcanic systems on the peninsula. It is now an active independent volcanic system away from the main Atlantic rift system. The glacier itself is a cone shaped volcano which erupted last time 1700 years ago. Snæfellsjökull and its surroundings was the first national park established in Iceland and known as the Jewel of the West. Attractions are also the iconic black church to the towering Kirkjufell mountain which was made popular by Game of Thrones. Others are are dramatic sea cliffs/rocks with spectacular bird life , fishing villages, colorful beaches and Volcanic lava landscapes with moss.

Other Sightseeing Options in Hellnar

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What people are saying about Hellnar

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,643 reviews

Absolutely spectacular scenery, stunning sunrises and sunsets. Some of the most incredible photos I have ever taken were done on this tour. There was so much natural beauty all around, it is breathtaking. This tour was well organised, our guide had the timing done perfectly so that the light was just right for each new location. There were beaches, with snow and volcanic rock, a seal colony.

The tour is very interesting, I was in these places in the summer, but in the winter it didn’t disappoint at all, the group was not large, we had time everywhere, we didn’t get only to Kirkha in Budir, but it wasn’t the driver’s fault, they cleared the snow there and it didn’t make sense to wait, daylight hours very short

An outstanding day with AJ, our guide on this tour. He gave us plenty of time at each stop, we also had a few unplanned stops too which was much appreciated. AJ was welcoming, informative and passionate about what he spoke about. The locations were absolutely stunning and I loved visiting every one of them!

Amazing day on the peninsula, shout out to our tour guide HBO who was a really nice guy and really knew his stuff. The stops were amazing and made even better at one of them an Arctic Fox came out to say hello!

The guide/driver was very knowledgeable and informative. He was also considerate to those members of the party who were not so confident walking in thick snow. Great trip, would recommend.