Bleak and beautiful, that’s how I would describe the Snaefellsnes Peninsular to the west of Reykjavik. I have only spent one long day here, so have really only scratched the surface of what the peninsular has to offer.
The main ‘entrance’ to the peninsular is via a 6km long tunnel beneath the fjord. The attractive town of Borgarnes on the west side of the tunnel has a Settlement Centre which sounds interesting although I have not visited it yet.
As you enter the peninsular, just off the main road there are interesting basalt cliffs known as the Towers of Gerduberg which are worth a brief stop before you continue West. The tall columns reminded us of Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.
Continuing on Route 54, which hugs the coast, you pass the rugged coastline, and ponies. When we were there in mid February we saw hardly any traffic, or people, but we did see a coach in a ditch.
The coast between the the hamlets of Hellnar and Arnarstapi has some marvellous coves and rock formations. There is a lovely cliff walk which we attempted but were driven back when it started to snow heavily. Watch out for Bardur the troll!
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