Here are our tips for visiting Ytri Tunga beach in winter and watching the seals bask on the rocks: map, accessibility, points of interest…
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Ytri Tunga beach worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, Ytri Tunga beach is well worth a visit in winter, even if there are fewer seals. The beach is transformed into a frosted wonderland, with snow-dusted landscapes contrasting with the black of the rocks (this is where we saw our favorite landscape of the peninsula, to be discovered later in the article).
It’s one of the attractions of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
We saw them from a distance, sorry for the poor quality of the photo. Others came closer, but I (Claire) was too tired to climb the rocks.
How to get to Ytri Tunga in winter: access and map
Where is Ytri Tunga?
- On the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Parking close to Route 54
- From Grundarfjordur = 45 min drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h drive
- From Reykjavik: 2h15 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, and the main roads are clear.
The small access road to the beach parking lot is also clear, but with less traffic on it, it has more snow and ice. It is 400m long
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.
Parking
Small free parking area right next to the beach
Always park in the direction of the start. You never know how other cars will park. They may prevent you from maneuvering.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
There are fewer seals in winter than in summer. But you can still see them.
We recommend low tide, as this is when the seals rest quietly on the rocks.
Access is free and unrestricted.
Length of visit and main difficulties
The beach has lots of rocks and with the cold, snow and ice, it can be slippery to get close to the seals.
The time you should allow depends on the presence of seals and your interest in observing them.
There is no on-site installation.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
The beach
Ytri Tunga is a beach that stands out from the typical black sand beaches found elsewhere on the island. Instead of dark volcanic sand, Ytri Tunga offers a little golden sand that stretches along its shoreline. The beach itself is relatively small, but offers a serene and picturesque setting with its golden sands contrasting with the white snow and black rocks.
The seals
Ytri Tunga beach is famous for its seal colony. They can often be seen lounging on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.
The most common seals in Ytri Tunga are the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and the gray seal (Halichoerus grypus).
Although seals can be seen all year round at Ytri Tunga, the best time for seal watching is in summer, particularly in June and July (for breeding). But you can still see seals in winter.
Be careful to follow the rules, as these are wild animals:
- maintain a safe distance of at least 50 metres from seals to avoid disturbing them
- do not take pictures with the flash
- don’t speak too loudly
- do not stand between a seal and the sea
Our favorite landscape
And best of all, it was from this beach that we were able to see our favorite landscape of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which you can see in the photo above.
We stayed to admire it, mesmerized by the different textures and the impression of a living painting. The transitions between black and white were fascinating.
What do you think?
View of the Snæfellsjökull glacier
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can even 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
- Practical advice
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
