Traveling the Ring Road in Iceland: Visit the Snæfellsjökull National Park and Peninsula in a Day

Timing is everything.  There is always more to see in Iceland than what you plan.  Plan a path to keep you moving and find unepected surprises along the way.

We had made it through our first real night on a campground off the Ring Road.  A simple place with basic necessaities was all we needed while still fighting jet lag.   After falling asleep early, we were up and well on our way before 7 AM.  

First up for the day, Gerðuberg Cliffs.

Located off of 54 traveling around the Snæfellsnes Peninsuala, these basalt cliffs don't immediately stand out as a place to stop.  However, as you drive towards them, their immense stature towers above the landscape around them.  The cliffs are formed from rapidly cooling from lava.

Getting back into the car, we continued west out onto the penisula towards the national park.  The drive alone was worth it.  Iceland provides us with rainbows and waterfalls as we marveled as the landscape continued to change around us.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsuala is an incredible treasure trove of stops along the coast.   As the volcanoes of Iceland in the past erupted, they shaped and sculpted an iconic landscape along the western coast.  The Western Fjords just out just to north, while the ocean lies to her south.  

We found a beach with a shipwreck, a spot with ancient ruins, and a crater to hike.  Everything was withing just tens minutes or so of each other.

Next up, Svöðufoss, which was well worth the find.  Located is Hellissandur, this waterfall was a little ways off the road.  It's a fairly simple hike from the parking lot, with amazing views.  The water cascades from the rocks below, ringed by basalt columns.  There is a walking path and viewing platform, providing a little more stability for those who need it.  The waterfall is stunning, even on a cloudy day.

After a wonderful day of trekking around the peninsuala, Iceland rewarded us with stunning views of Kirkjufellsfossar.  Famous for it's peak in the background, this spot has stunning 180 degree views.  The waterfall is located on private property, so ensure you respect the signs and land.

Exhausted, we found another campground for the night.  After four days of straight travel, we were in desperate need of a hot shower and some sleep.  This campsite provided a hot tub, showers, and even a private room if you needed.  We welcomed the respite and tucked in for the night, eagerly anticipating the days before us.  We were about to head into Northern Iceland.

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