Snaefellsjokull (Snæfellsjökull) is the main volcano of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This impressive mountain, 1,446 m (4,744 ft) above sea level, rises in the western part of the peninsula and is one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland. In good weather, you can sometimes see it even from Reykjavik, 120 km (75 miles) away. As is often the case in Iceland, the mountain is covered by a glacier (hence part of its name – jökull is Icelandic for glacier). Its age is estimated at about 700,000 years.
Its volcanic system shaped the western part of the peninsula and many of the sights there, such as the basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi. Other famous places on Snaefellsnes – Kirkjufell mountain or the Berserkjahraun lava field – lie further east, outside this system.
The legend of the Snaefellsjokull glacier
For centuries, local people have regarded Snaefellsjokull as one of the oldest places in the world and a source of mysticism and mysterious energy.
On November 5, 1993, thousands of paranormal enthusiasts flocked to Snaefellsjokull. They believed that on that day aliens would land on the glacier… CNN even sent a crew with cameras! Although the evening passed without a galactic invasion, the event confirms the “peculiar” fame of the place.
How to get to Snaefellsjokull
Main roads around Snæfellsjökull
Snæfellsjökull dominates the western part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The easiest way to drive around it on three sides is Route 574. On the fourth, eastern side, you can take the F570 mountain road, which runs from near Arnarstapi to Olafsvik. This is where you can drive closest to the glacier. The road is very scenic and offers beautiful views, but it is gravel, steep and winding, open only to four-wheel-drive vehicles, and – like most F-roads – completely closed outside the summer season.
