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The Snæfellsjökull National Park

The Snæfellsjökull National Park is the first national park established in Iceland and the only one with boundaries reaching out to sea. It was established in June 2001 with the aim of protecting the area’s unique nature and important historical relics. It lies in the westernmost part of Snæfellsnes peninsula and covers 170 square kilometres.

The main attraction of the National Park is undoubtedly Snæfellsjökull glacier. It’s an active volcano, rising 1446 metres high and is said to be one of the seven great energy centres of the earth. It has often been called the king of Icelandic mountains. However, the glacier has been diminishing in recent years and is now around 11 square kilometres. The sides of the glacier are particularly stunning, with ropes of lava winding down the slopes. The view from the top of the glacier is extremely vast and beautiful as it extends to Reykjanes peninsula on the south side and the Westfjords to the north.

The park is ideal for exploring the ocean, coastline and the overall geology, and especially volcanology. The vegetation in the park is rich and diverse while the birdlife is prominent and consists mostly of seabirds.

Road 574 takes you around the park and the surrounding nature reserves. There are no camping grounds within the boundaries, but hikers and cyclists are allowed to pitch their tent for a single night.