Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, 1,446 metres high, made famous by Jules Verne as the entrance to the centre of the Earth in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. On clear days its summit watches over the whole peninsula, its crater white with snow. Nearby black beaches, lava fields and bird cliffs make the area a miniature 'Iceland in miniature'.

Arnarstapi is an old fishing village on the south coast of Snæfellsnes, where the basalt shore is marked by the natural stone arch Gatklettur and fantastically shaped rock gates. A statue of Bárður Snæfellsás honours the peninsula's guardian giant, and sea cliffs teem with puffins and seabirds. A coastal trail to Hellnar makes this a highlight for hiking and photography on Snæfellsnes.

Kirkjufell is a beautiful, unique and famous mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, its shape like a pointed straw hat (or church spire) with a waterfall in front, one of Iceland's most photogenic and classic peaks. Kirkjufell ("Church Mountain", named for its church-spire shape, also called Grass Hut Mountain in Chinese) stands near the town of Grundarfjordur in western Snaefellsnes, one of Iceland's and the world's most famous, photogenic peaks. Not very high, it is known for its unique, beautiful, striking form, a solitary peak with clean, elegant layers narrowing to a graceful pointed cone (like a straw hat or church spire), standing alone by the sea, graceful and full of charm. Its fame as an Icelandic landmark and photography holy site comes from its perfect composition: right beside it lies a beautiful, tiered little waterfall (Kirkjufellsfoss); the lone peak, the lively falls, the open bay and the shifting sky (in winter, auroras often dance above) form a dreamlike, unmatched picture, a beloved spot for countless photographers (also featured in famous films). Visiting Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell is a beautiful sight.

Vatnshellir is a lava tube formed roughly 8,000 years ago, set within Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, near Hellissandur and Arnarstapi. About 200 metres long and split into two levels, it reaches some 35 metres below the surface; it was created when the outer crust of a lava flow cooled while the molten interior drained away. Inside you can see lava stalactites, flow lines and cooling cracks. To protect the cave and for safety, entry is by guided tour only, with a helmet and lamp provided. Tour times and opening vary with the season and are subject to local notice.