Best Places to Camp on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The magic of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is well worth exploring on a camping trip. From hiking across a glacier to walking through a lava tunnel and witnessing magnificent rock formations, a camping trip to this peninsula offers a lot more than first meets the eye. What’s more, there is a fantastic selection of camping sites to choose from, each offering something unique and exciting.

Why Visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Not sure why the Snæfellsnes Peninsula should form part of your Iceland itinerary? The natural beauty of this area just north of Reykjavik is described as ridiculous by some travelers, even visible from the roads around the peninsula. Dramatic ancient lava fields, green volcanic moss, black sand beaches, mysterious caves, and so much more await you.

Here are a few reasons why it’s unmissable.

• Incredible diversity: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is renowned for its diverse landscapes, often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” due to the fact that you can see many of Iceland’s highlights in this one area. 
• Accessible: It’s also ideal if you’re planning a shorter vacation in Iceland, as it’s very convenient to access from Reykjavik, just a 2-hour drive away. 
• Wildlife galore: Whether it’s seals or birdlife, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a great place to immerse yourself in the more unusual wildlife of Iceland.
• Cultural magic: While it may seem like just words, Snæfellsnes is reported to have a certain unmistakable atmosphere about it, perhaps thanks to countless sagas and tales of folklore based here.

Why Camp in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula?

Camping is a great way to truly immerse yourself in any location, especially one where the landscapes are so breathtakingly beautiful. Here’s why you should consider camping in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or in fact any location in Iceland!

• Liberating: If you’re an avid camper, you don’t need us to tell you that camping can be an incredibly freeing experience, and it can feel incredibly invigorating to sleep so close to nature.
• First in line: If you choose to camp on location, whether in a tent or in your vehicle, then you can find yourself first in line for some of the busiest attractions on the peninsula. See them first and without the crowds!
• Budget option: Camping on Snæfellsnes is a great way to see the area on a budget, especially if you’re planning to move around and explore a larger portion of Iceland on your trip.

Best Campsites on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Keen to get started on planning your adventure? Here are some of the best campsites in the area.

1. Snorrastaðir Campsite

On the east side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies a 200-foot-tall crater called Eldborg. You will find a camping site called Snorrastaðir about 2.5 kilometers from the crater. You can spend the night here before heading to the town of Stykkishólmur on your tour of Snaefellsnes.

The trails here offer the perfect hiking challenge, especially if you are looking to escape the city. You will pass through a thick lava field on your hike, lasting approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

2. Grundarfjörður Campsite

The largest town in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur, will make your camping experience unforgettable. Amongst its fabulous history and culture is an outdoor swimming pool renovated in 1999, where you can enjoy the healing effects of Iceland’s geothermal waters. The town church is renowned for its architecture, and if you like art, you’ll love the Library of Water - an art installation featuring glass pillars containing Icelandic water from various sites.

Water activities are plenty in this town, including whale-watching. From the Grundarfjörður camping site, you can spot orcas as well as porpoises. Just remember to visit the supermarket and stock up on necessities before you set up camp.

3. Stykkishólmur Camping Ground

Within the town of Stykkishólmur itself, there is also a campsite that makes a great base for exploring the peninsula’s natural and manmade attractions. And being situated within the largest town in the area, there is no shortage of places to grab supplies should you need to. 

Stykkishólmur Camping Ground offers toilets, laundry facilities, and information available from the Club House on site.

4. Arnarstapi Campsite

The Arnarstapi campsite sits almost as close as possible to the Vatnshellir cave. Open during the summer months, so the end of May to September, this seasonal campground is great for those with their own equipment or looking to rent on-site.

Located on the south end of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, you will find the entrance to the center of the earth at Vatnshellir Cave. This 8000-year-old lava tube spans nearly 650 meters and you must carry a torchlight to get through it. Once outside, you can take a short hike to Lóndrangar, a pair of basalt rock pinnacles standing 230 feet tall!

5. Camp Near Akureyri

Add Akureyri to your itinerary as you move out of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Located on the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður, this north Iceland town is home to the Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, and lots more. You can even spot the Northern Lights when it’s dark enough. 

Akureyri has a number of camping sites such as Systragil, Hamrar, and Lónsá Campsite where you can pitch up your tent before heading home.

The dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are among the highlights of West Iceland. From hiking through lava fields to witnessing rock formations, craters, and even fascinating art installations, a camping trip to the peninsula offers innumerable attractions.

Driving to a campsite is a unique way of exploring Iceland. Book with us, whether a camper or a car, today for the ultimate camping experience in Iceland!