Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes is a peninsula that extends from the western side of Iceland. With its rich history and countless landmark attractions, it is nicknamed Iceland in Miniature. One of its infamous sights includes the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano. Capped with a glacier at its peak, this volcano is the ultimate embodiment of fire and ice. You may have already heard of this mountain from Journey to the Center of the Earth, an 1864 novel by Jules Verne, which was also made into a movie in 2008.

The miniature Iceland is home to a community of small towns and local fishing villages. Five harbors are scattered about the land, each full of busy fishermen loading up their boats for the next ocean excursion. These harbors leant a hand in Snæfellsnes’s 2008 EarthCheck award for being a sustainable community.

The peninsula offers a unique experience to visitors, having a variety of landscape, from mountain ranges and waterfalls, to coastal beach scenery. Enjoy the sights of a whale watching tour as you take a boat around the nearby island of Breiðafjörður. Or, stay ashore and play a round of golf and spend the rest of the day relaxing day by one of the many swimming pools or hot tubs. Or if you’re really feeling adventurous, tour the top of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

Snæfellsnes also contains one of Iceland’s four national parks. There are plenty of scenic hiking trails for the outdoorsy types. If you’d rather hitch a ride through the trails, horseback riding along the peninsula is another option. Either way, be sure to capture the photo-esque waterfalls, salmon rivers, and wild birdlife.

No no matter what your tastes are, there is something for everyone in Snaefellsnes. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, consider booking your stay at Berjaya Hotel Hamar, which is conveniently located in the beautiful town of Borgarnes and serves as an excellent base-camp to explore the peninsula!