BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid
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Are you planning a self-drive adventure to the crown jewel of West Iceland? The Snaefellsjokull glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano that offers breathtaking views, vivid colour and a look into Iceland´s geographical beauty. Reaching the national park loop takes a straightforward 2.5 to 3 hours on fully paved roads. Planning a Snaefellsnes’ road trip focused on Snaefellsjokull, Iceland’s coastal views, and glacier viewpoints is easier than you think, and entrance to the park grounds is 100% free.
What is Snæfellsjökull glacier?
The Snaefellsjokull glacier is a stunning ice cap crowning a stratovolcano on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. Often shrouded in mist, it presents a majestic sight, steeped in folklore and literary fame. The glacier itself is a shrinking remnant of Iceland’s glacial past, while the volcano beneath is currently dormant. The combined effect is a powerful symbol of Iceland’s raw beauty, drawing visitors year-round.
To truly appreciate this region, you must understand the distinction between three main terms: the volcano, the glacier, and the national park.
- Snæfellsjökull: It’s a 700,000-year-old active stratovolcano. Standing at 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) tall, this majestic giant dominates the western tip of the peninsula.
- The Snaefellsjokull glacier: It refers specifically to the permanent ice cap that covers the summit of this volcano.
- The national park: It encompasses the protected wilderness surrounding the entire volcanic peak down to the dramatic coastline.
The Snaefellsjokull glacier is visible from Reykjavík across the Faxaflói Bay on exceptionally clear days. The glacier-capped active stratovolcano has shaped the local geology for millennia, leaving behind extensive lava fields and unique rock formations.
Snæfellsjökull National Park and Journey to the Centre of the Earth
When you explore the Snaefellsjokull National Park, you enter a realm of literary legend. French author Jules Verne famously chose this active volcano as the starting point for his classic 1864 science fiction novel, “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. In his story, the characters descend into the volcanic tubes of the Snaefellsjökull glacier to reach the core of the planet. This legendary connection to the classic sci-fi adventure “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and Iceland features heavily in the local tourism and culture.
The national park, which the Icelandic government established in 2001, protects the fragile volcanic ecosystem and historic fishing heritage of the area. It is the only national park in Snaefellsjokull, Iceland, that stretches all the way to the sea. As you drive through the park, you will notice how the landscape transitions from moss-covered lava fields to dramatic black-sand beaches. The raw geological power of the area makes it easy to see why Jules Verne imagined this place as a portal to another world.
How to get to Snæfellsjökull by car
Reaching this spectacular glacier-capped volcano from the capital city is a straightforward and highly scenic drive. Most travellers begin their journey in Reykjavík and follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north before turning onto Route 54. This road takes you directly around the base of the Snaefellsjökull glacier. For a smooth trip, always keep your headlights turned on at all times, as required by Icelandic law, and make sure to allocate at least 4 to 6 hours to explore the loop comfortably.
To help you plan your travel itinerary, we have compiled a quick route table detailing the drive from Reykjavík to the national park:
| Segment | Route details | Distance | Approximate time | Key scenic stops and key information |
| Reykjavík to Borgarnes | Route 1 North | 75 km | 1 hour | Fully paved asphalt highway. Traverses the Hvalfjörður tunnel; watch out for localized speed cameras. |
| Borgarnes to Southern Peninsula | Route 54 West | 65 km | 50 minutes | Rolling tarmac corridors connecting the northern and southern coastlines. High winds possible near mountain flanks. Make sure to check out the Eldborg crater and the Gerðuberg basalt columns. |
| Southern Peninsula to Arnarstapi | Route 54 to Route 574 | 50 km | 40 minutes | Paved two-lane track wrapping around the base of the volcano peak down to the sea cliffs. Rauðfeldsgjá gorge is a must-stop. |
| National Park Loop | Route 574 Loop | 80 km | 1.5 hours | Strictly unpaved highland gravel. Blind crests, deep ruts, and steep inclines. 4×4 vehicle required. Wind down at the Djúpalónssandur beach. |
Driving from Reykjavík and around the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Planning a spectacular Snaefellsnes road trip with a comprehensive Snæfellsnes Peninsula self-drive guide allows you to witness “Iceland in miniature” in just one or two days. From Reykjavík, you will drive through the Hvalfjörður tunnel on Route 1, then head towards the town of Borgarnes. After Borgarnes, you will transition to Route 54, which serves as the southern gateway to the peninsula. As you drive further west, you can look up and see the striking white dome of the Snaefellsjökull glacier.
The loop around the glacier itself utilises Route 574 (Útnesvegur), a paved two-lane road that connects charming coastal villages like Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Hellissandur. While the main coastal loop remains paved and well-maintained, some inland detour roads consist of rough gravel.
Here we detail the instructions you need to get to the glacier:
| Route | Description |
| Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes (Route 1 & 54) | Head north on Route 1, then west on Route 54. This is the main route to the peninsula, offering scenic views along the way. |
| Driving around Snæfellsnes (Route 54) | Continue along Route 54 to circumnavigate the peninsula. This route provides access to most attractions and viewpoints. |
| Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park (Smaller Roads) | Venture onto the smaller roads within the park for closer access to specific locations. Be mindful of road conditions, especially in winter. |
Keep in mind that road conditions can vary, especially during winter. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out directly on our Iceland Road Safety & Conditions Portal. We offer instant assistance thanks to our 24/7 nationwide support for any inquiry or emergency.
Best things to see near Snæfellsjökull
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Beyond the Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, you’ll find stunning lava fields, dramatic coastlines, and charming fishing villages. Here are some must-see attractions:
- Kirkjufell Mountain: One of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, Kirkjufell is a striking mountain near the town of Grundarfjörður.
- Arnarstapi and Hellnar: These coastal villages offer dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and hiking trails as well as mossy lava fields and past dramatic sea arches.
- Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach: A beautiful black sand beach with remnants of a shipwreck
- Vatnshellir Cave: Explore an 8,000-year-old lava cave and discover its geological wonders.
During the summer season, specialized adventure companies operate heavy-duty Glacier Snowcat Tours that depart directly from the base camp access points off the mountain passes. These modified tracked vehicles safely scale the alpine snowfields, carrying you all the way up to the dramatic summit dome at 1,446 meters for a panoramic view of Faxaflói Bay and the Westfjords.
We make securing your mountain spot completely seamless. You can review scheduling variations and book your glacier summit expedition directly through our Hertz TourDesk Booking Portal as an active, high-value extension of your independent self-drive tour.
Lava fields, coastal viewpoints, beaches and glacier views
When visiting the protected Snaefellsjokull National Park & glacier region, make sure you include these additional iconic stops in your self-drive itinerary:
| Attraction | What You Will See | Practical Visit Tip & Access |
| Kirkjufell Mountain | One of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks; a striking mountain near the town of Grundarfjörður. | Great view from the nearby waterfalls. Features a dedicated parking lot. |
| Arnarstapi & Hellnar | Coastal villages offering dramatic cliffs, rock formations, sea arches, hiking trails, and mossy lava fields. | Take the scenic 2.5 km coastal walking path that connects both villages. Very flat and family-friendly. |
| Gatklettur Stone Arch | A famous circular rock arch located on the Arnarstapi coastline, which creates a perfect natural window. | Highly recommended for photography lovers aiming to capture the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing through the stone frame. |
| Djúpalónssandur Beach | A dramatic black pebble beach featuring the iron remains of a 1948 British trawler shipwreck. | Look for the ancient lifting stones on the path—traditionally used by local fishermen to test their raw physical strength. |
| Saxhóll Crater | A 100-meter-deep volcanic crater that you can easily climb via a metal staircase. | Offers sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields and the glacier summit. The climb takes under 10 minutes. |
| Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge | A deep, narrow mountain cleft steeped in local folklore hidden inside a massive cliffside. | Wear waterproof boots. Brave travellers can wade into the stream inside the crack to discover a hidden waterfall. |
| Vatnshellir Cave | An 8,000-year-old lava tube that takes you 35 meters underground. | Requires a guided tour. Perfect to experience the true geological spirit of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. |
Best rental car for visiting Snæfellsjökull
Choosing the right car is crucial for a successful road trip. Selecting the correct vehicle for your trip depends largely on the season and the specific roads you plan to travel.
- Summer (June-September): A standard 2WD hatchback or sedan is completely sufficient if you intend to stick to the main paved coastal roads (Route 54 and Route 574). These roads remain clear and easy to navigate in mild weather, allowing you to reach the Snaefellsjökull glacier area safely.
- Winter (October-May): We strongly advise renting a 4×4 SUV. A robust Hertz Iceland 4×4 rental equipped with studded winter tires is essential for navigating icy and snowy roads due to its traction and stability.
- Gravel Roads: If you plan to explore smaller roads within the Snæfellsjökull National Park, a 4×4 SUV is legally required. Note that these high mountain gravel paths are strictly seasonal and typically only open from late June to early September, depending on snowmelt. A sturdy car rental in Iceland ensures you have the necessary ground clearance to handle these rough paths safely.
| Travel Scenario & Group Details | Recommended Fleet Models | Best Suited Season | Local Terrain Performance & Safety Guidance |
| Solo Travellers / Couples(Sticking to Route 54 / 574) | Economy 2WD / Compact(e.g., Toyota Yaris, VW Polo) | Summer Months(June to September) | Exceptional fuel efficiency on smooth paved loops. Easy to maneuver into parking slots at coastal trailheads. |
| Eco-Conscious Explorers(All group dynamics) | Electric AWD (EV)(e.g., Tesla Model Y) | Summer & Mild Shoulder | Quiet, zero-emission transit cleanly supported by the robust rapid-charging infrastructure across West Iceland. |
| Families / Intermediate Groups(4 to 5 passengers + luggage) | Mid-Size 4×4 / SUV(e.g., Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4) | Year-Round Option(Mandatory for Winter) | Elevated chassis protection against flying stone chips on gravel detours. Vital stability to counter sudden subarctic wind gusts. |
| Large Groups / Alpine Climbers(6 to 9 passengers + heavy gear) | Premium Large 4×4 SUV(e.g., Land Rover Defender) | Year-Round Option(Highland F-Road Openings) | Maximum safety cage metrics, heavy suspension, and deep traction tracking. Legally required to navigate unpaved mountain tracks like the F570. |
At any of our Iceland locations, we provide a wide range of modern, well-maintained vehicles to suit your travel style. Embark on an unforgettable Snaefellsnes road trip to the Snæfellsjökull Glacier and National Park. With careful planning and the right vehicle, you can experience the beauty and adventure of this iconic Icelandic destination. The road is waiting, but that doesn’t mean you should too!
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Rental Car Recommendation
Land Rover Defender PHEV
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4×4 System Low-range
Seats / Bags 5 Seats | 3 Bags
BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
Automatic | 4×4. Our flagship premium SUV combining 483 hp twin-turbo hybrid performance with elite cabin comfort.
Battery 25.7 kWh
Seats / Bags 5 Seats | 4 Bags
*Charging cables (Type-2) are not included by default and can be added at booking. Always check road.is for current mountain road conditions.
Common Questions About Visiting Snæfellsjökull Glacier
This section answers the most common questions about visiting this incredible natural wonder in Iceland.
What is Snæfellsjökull glacier?
The Snæfellsjökull glacier is a glacier-capped active stratovolcano situated at the far western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland.
Where is Snæfellsjökull National Park?
The national park sits at the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, roughly 190 kilometres (118 miles) northwest of Reykjavík. It covers an area of approximately 170 square kilometres and extends all the way to the coastline.
Can you drive to Snæfellsjökull glacier?
You cannot drive directly onto the glacier. However, you can drive to various viewpoints and hiking trails within the park that offer stunning views of the glacier.
Why is Snæfellsjökull connected to Journey to the Centre of the Earth?
Jules Verne’s novel features Snæfellsjökull as the entrance point to a passage leading to the Earth’s core.
Do you need a 4×4 for Snæfellsjökull National Park?
You do not strictly need a 4×4 vehicle during the summer if you stay on the paved coastal roads. However, we highly recommend a 4×4 SUV for winter travel.
