When touring the Snaefellsnes peninsula, don’t miss the beauty of Londragar’s rock formations in winter. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to one of Iceland’s most beautiful viewpoints!
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Is Londrangar worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Visiting the iconic basalt cliffs of Lóndrangar in winter is a breathtaking experience. These rock formations, sculpted by the sea, are even more impressive when covered in snow. With fewer crowds, you can admire the spectacular cliffs and crashing waves in stark contrast.
This is one of the best attractions on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
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How to get to Londrangar in winter: access and map
Where is Londrangar?
- On the southwest coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Parking along the road to the end of the peninsula
- From Grundarfjordur = 55min drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h30 drive
- From Reykjavik = 2h50 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
The Snaefellsnes peninsula is normally accessible in winter.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
From the road around the peninsula, Londrangar parking lot is less than 100m away.
Parking
A small parking area is cleared in winter between the mountains and cliffs.
We advise you to always park in the direction you want to go, as you never know how the people arriving after you will park…
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- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Free access at any time of day or night.
The viewpoint towards the rock formations faces south-east. So it’s a good place for sunrise.
There are no light sources around, so it’s also a place for the Northern Lights, but the view isn’t to the north.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 20-30 minutes to walk to the observation platform and enjoy the view.
The paths are snow-covered but identified by stakes as you approach the cliffs.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
There are no on-site facilities. No toilets, no restaurant.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Lava fields and approach to the cliffs
From the parking lot, you’ll approach the cliffs as you go.
In winter, you won’t realize you’re in the middle of a lava field because everything is covered in white. But you see the top of the rock formations to build up the excitement.
From this perspective, they don’t look so big!
Londrangar’s point of view
Then you arrive at a metal platform at the top of the cliffs, with an unobstructed view of lava rocks and rocky peaks.
The Lóndrangar are two basalt pillars. These imposing formations are the remains of an ancient volcanic crater that has been eroded by the sea and its relentless waves for thousands of years.
These pillars are quite high: 75 metres (246 feet) and 61 metres (200 feet). They are composed of basalt and formed during the rapid cooling of lava flows. The remaining rocks are harder than the eroded part.
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Basalt formations
Take time to admire the sights:
- the contrast between the white of the snow and the black of the rock
- the force of the waves crashing against the cliffs
- the different types of rock in the sea
- and just below the platform, the basalt columns so typical of lava formations (during cooling, the surface of the flow cracks into polygonal, mainly hexagonal patterns, due to thermal stress). Another spectacular example is at Reynisfjara beach on the south coast.
View with lighthouse
From the platform, the huge rock formations hide the Malarrif lighthouse.
Maius just before you get there, you get the view with the two together.
From this vantage point, it looks very small, but we recommend that you go there too, to admire its stature in front of the lake and visit the museum.
Find out more in our article on Malarrif.
View towards the Snaefellsnjökull glacier
And if you look inland, you’ll see the Snæfellsjökull glacier at the heart of the peninsula. It rises to an altitude of 1446m and is famous for being the starting point of Jules Verne’s Journey to Earth.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
