The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of our favorite regions in Iceland, and if you can, we recommend you spend at least one night there. You can discover waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields…
Here’s our selection of the best hotels and places to stay on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
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
Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula: summary + map
The main villages are:
Grundarfjordur
On the north coast, a fantastic location in the fjords with a perfect view of Kirkjufell, just a few minutes away by car. The widest choice of accommodation.
See our top-rated accommodations or our section below.
Borgarnes
Not on the peninsula, but at the junction with Route 1.
If you’re on a road trip and only have a day on the peninsula, it may be convenient to stay here. The city links the peninsula, the Silver Circle and the Ring Road.
See our top-rated accommodations or our section below.
Stykkisholmur
Small town on the north coast.
A little further from most attractions, but surrounded by water and islands. Superb boat trips with fishing depart from here.
See our top-rated accommodations or our section below.
Arnarstapi / Hellnar
Small villages on the south coast.
They are located along lava cliffs, with beautiful formations such as the Gatklettur Arch. What’s more, they offer magnificent mountain views.
See our top-rated accommodations or our section below.
And in Budir, next to the Black Church, you’ll also find a popular hotel.
There’s no real advantage to exploring one place over another.
But if you’re looking to see the northern lights, sunsets and sunrises in a spectacular location, Grundarfjordur is just a 5-minute drive from Kirkjufell.
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Our top 3 peninsula hotels: our reviews
If you prefer to choose by hotel rather than by location, here’s our selection.
Hotel Egilsen
Hotel Egilsen is a boutique hotel located in the town of Stykkisholmur. Its beautiful red house in the heart of the village is a must-see.
It offers cosy, modern rooms with Icelandic furnishings.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hotel Budir
Hotel Budir is a charming country hotel, set in a lava field with a breathtaking view of the Snaefellsjokull glacier and the Budir waterfront (south of the peninsula).
It’s right next to the famous Budakirkja black church, which will appeal to photographers who want to capture it under the Northern Lights.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hamar Hotel
Hotel Hamar is a beautiful hotel located in Borgarnes, close to Route 1.
It offers a peaceful setting with modern, minimalist rooms, private patios and breathtaking views of the Borgarfjördur fjord.
Outdoor saunas and jacuzzis (summer and winter).
We stayed there in winter, and loved the views.
See prices, pictures and availability
Guesthouses
In addition to hotels, you’ll also find numerous guesthouses. Among our favorites:
- Akkeri Guesthouse
In Stykkisholmur, near the fishing port
See prices, pictures and availability - Guesthouse 43
In Grundarfjordur, 3 rooms with sea and mountain views, shared bathroom.
See prices, pictures and availability
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
Option 1: Grundarfjordur, near Kurkjufell
Why sleep in Grundarfjordur
Grundarfjördur is a convenient base for travelers exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This charming coastal town is renowned for its proximity to the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfalls.
From the town, and from some of the hotels, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding fjord. And in just 5 minutes by car, you can take photos at sunrise, sunset or under the Northern Lights.
But it’s a city. It’s not for those who only want to be surrounded by nature.
Access to attractions
Grundarfjordur lies on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
- Driving time to Kirkjufell = 5 min
- Driving time to Saxholl = 45 min
- Driving time to Londrangar = 50 min
- Driving time to Arnarstapi = 45 min
Accommodation in Grundarfjordur
The city offers a wide range of accommodation, from guesthouses to hotels, to suit all tastes and budgets.
Our selection:
Guesthouse 43: rooms with sea and mountain views, shared bathroom.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hellnafell: Apartment with large windows and a direct view of Kirkjufell!
See prices, pictures and availability
Guesthouse The Old Post Office: Excellent location, convenient and clean. We had an excellent night here. Please note that some rooms have private bathrooms.
See prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Borgarnes, for road trips
Why sleep in Borgarnes
Spending one or more nights in Borgarnes is very practical when embarking on a road trip in Iceland. The town is at the crossroads of Route 1 and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. This strategic location means you can start your Snaefellsnes adventure early, without having to make the long journey from the capital. Your itinerary is more relaxed.
Borgarnes offers essential services such as accommodation, restaurants and petrol stations, making it a convenient stopover.
However, it’s still an hour’s drive to discover the peninsula’s attractions.
Access to attractions
Grundarfjordur lies on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
- Driving time to Kirkjufell = 1h20
- Driving time to Saxholl = 1h45
- Driving time to Londrangar = 1h30
- Driving time to Arnarstapi = 1h30
Accommodation in Borgarnes
Hotel Hamar (before Icelandair): It offers a peaceful setting with modern, minimalist rooms, private patios and stunning views of the Borgarfjördur fjord. Outdoor saunas and jacuzzis (summer and winter). We stayed there in winter, and loved the views.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hotel Stafholt
Away from the city, surrounded by Iceland’s magnificent nature
See prices, pictures and availability
Kria Cottages
On the other side of the water, charming cottages at the foot of small mountains.
See prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Budir, near the Black Church
Why stay at the Budir Hotel
Hotel Budir is a charming country hotel, set in a lava field with a breathtaking view of the Snaefellsjokull glacier and the Budir waterfront (south of the peninsula).
It’s right next to the famous Budakirkja black church, which will appeal to photographers who want to capture it under the Northern Lights.
However, it’s an isolated hotel.
See prices, pictures and availability
Access to attractions
What’s more, the hotel is very central, just off Route 54, which links the peninsula’s south coast with the north coast. As you can see from the road times, we’re right in the heart of the region:
- Driving time to Kirkjufell = 30 min
- Driving time to Saxholl = 35 min
- Driving time to Londrangar = 25 min
- Driving time to Arnarstapi = 20min
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Option 4: Stykkisholmur
Why sleep in Stykkisholmur
Spending a night in Stykkishólmur, Iceland, is a charming and authentic Icelandic experience. This fishing town is the most picturesque in the region, with its colorful houses, historic buildings and harbor.
Here you can enjoy fresh seafood in local restaurants and admire the breathtaking views over Breidafjördur Bay.
Access to attractions
Stykkisholmur lies on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It’s a little less central, but can be ideal if you’re planning a boat trip (in summer) to admire the islands and geological formations.
- Driving time to Kirkjufell = 35 min
- Driving time to Saxholl = 1h15
- Driving time to Londrangar = 1h10
- Driving time to Arnarstapi = 1h10
Accommodation in Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur offers a choice of hotels, guesthouses and rentals. Among our favorites:
Hotel Egilsen: Its beautiful red house in the heart of the village is a must-see. It offers cosy, modern rooms with Icelandic furnishings.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hotel Fransiskus Stykkisholmi: very spacious rooms, and a location close to the port.
See prices, pictures and availability
Akkeri Guesthouse: charming house near the fishing port
See prices, pictures and availability
Option 5: Arnarstapi
Why sleep in Arnarstapi
Spending a night in Arnarstapi offers an even different setting. We love the location, but not so much the hotels.
From the village, views of the cliffs and mountains are spectacular. It’s particularly beautiful in winter.
Access to attractions
Arnarstapi lies on the south-western coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
- Driving time to Kirkjufell = 45 min
- Driving time to Saxholl = 20 min
- Driving time to Londrangar = 10 min
- Driving time to Arnarstapi = 0
Accommodation in Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi has a limited choice of accommodation. You will find:
Arnarstapi Hotel: With modern decor and large windows in all rooms to take full advantage of the view.
See prices, pictures and availability
Glass House: a family home that sleeps a lot of people, with beautiful views over the countryside.
See prices, pictures and availability
Fosshotel Hellar: facing the sea, at the other end of the trail
See prices, pictures and availability
Bonus: Olafsvik
The last town you’ll find around the peninsula is Olafsvik.
It’s less touristy. You’ll find mainly rentals.
For example, this family home.
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Frequently asked questions
How many nights on the Snaefellsnes peninsula?
It all depends on the rest of your trip.
If you’re doing a road trip around the country, allow 1 night. Alternatively, 2 nights allow you to visit everything, and more nights allow you to add more hikes.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend booking several months in advance, especially for summer visits, as accommodation can fill up quickly in this popular region.
PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND iceland
- Best of
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Most beautiful waterfalls (coming soon)
Most beautiful black sand beaches (coming soon)
Best excursions from Reykjavik (coming soon)
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
Winter ice caves (coming soon)
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Things to do in Reykjavik (coming soon)
Best attractions in the Golden Circle (coming soon)
South Coast attractions (coming soon)
Snaefellsnes Peninsula (coming soon)
Silver Circle (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn attractions (coming soon)
Jokulsarlon (coming soon)
