If you want to get away from it all, don’t hesitate to climb the Saxholl volcano in winter. The metal staircase makes it possible! And the views are some of the finest on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
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.
Content
Is Saxholl worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, the Saxholl crater is well worth a visit in winter. The crater and surrounding lava fields are snow-covered, creating beautiful, contrasting black-and-white landscapes. The staircase provides easy access to the top of the caldera and panoramic views from the summit, including the Snæfellsjökull glacier on a clear day.
It’s one of the attractions of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
How to get to Saxholl in winter: access and map
Where is the Saxholl crater?
- On the west coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Parking along the road to the end of the peninsula
- From Grundarfjordur = 40min drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h45 drive
- From Reykjavik = 3h drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
Discover the best offers on Discovercars, our preferred platform!
On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
The Sanefellsnes peninsula is normally accessible in winter, and the main roads are clear.
The small access road to the crater parking lot is also clear, but with less traffic on it, it has more snow and ice.
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.
Here’s a photo of the access road with a beautiful view of the volcanic dome.
Parking
Small free parking area at the foot of the crater.
Always park in the direction of the start. You never know how other cars will park. They may prevent you from maneuvering.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- 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.
It’s not the most touristy spot on the peninsula, so you’ll find it less crowded in general.
If it’s very windy, we advise you not to go up, as you’ll be even more exposed at the summit.
Length of visit and main difficulties
To get to the top of the caldera, there’s a metal staircase with less than 400 steps.
The snow clings to the steps.
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)
Allow 45min to 1h to climb up and admire the views.
You won’t find any facilities here, but the Malarrif Lighthouse Visitor Center is not far away.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
The Saxholl volcanic dome
Saxhóll is a volcanic crater. We can’t give you its height because sources vary widely (45m / 59m / 109 metres). But some may be talking about altitude. The climb from the road must be around 50m indeed…
It was formed over 3,000 years ago by a volcanic explosion. It has the classic shape of a cinder cone, like many of the craters on the peninsula.
Saxholl caldera summit
The crater itself is composed of dense basaltic rock ejected during the explosive eruption.
Once you’ve climbed the staircase (approx. 385 steps), you can explore the caldera rim around the collapsed core. You’ll see lava rocks of varying sizes. The contrast with the snow is intense, and the entire landscape is in black and white.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Panorama and orientation table – View of the glacier!
But in winter, the best part is not the volcano itself, as the details and colors are less visible with the layer of snow.
The best part is the panorama of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, especially if the sky is a little clear!
The 360-degree panoramic view extends in all directions. There’s even an orientation table at the top.
To the south, you can see vast ancient lava fields and mountains like the iconic Kirkjufell on a clear day.
To the west, the view extends to the Atlantic Ocean.
To the west, you’ll discover the Snæfellsjökull glacier that gives the peninsula its name (photo above).
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
