Review: Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Iceland, so it’s almost like stepping onto another planet, is a place of wild natural beauty. From the colorful streets of Reykjavik to the mystical landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the soothing waters of Hvammsvik Hot Springs, there’s definitely a lot to explore. If you’re someone who wants to get a feel for the heart of Iceland, this combination of spots should certainly be on your list.

Reykjavik: A City Bursting With Charm

Reykjavik, very it seems like a small town with a big personality, is likely the first stop on your adventure. The capital of Iceland offers, as a matter of fact, a captivating blend of modern culture and historic charm. That means exploring the city is a must-do, offering experiences that go way further than the typical tourist traps.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Your exploration, very arguably, should kick off at Hallgrímskirkja Church. You can see it from pretty much anywhere, so too it’s basically like a giant, concrete landmark. Now the architectural design? It’s super unique. Anyway, taking the elevator to the top is totally worthwhile because of the incredible views of Reykjavik and the mountains all around it.

Harpa Concert Hall

Another great place is Harpa Concert Hall, which is pretty much made of glass, seemingly right on the harbor. Very designed with all these geometric glass panels, it’s just quite amazing, both on the outside and inside. Basically, even if you don’t go to a show, which you probably should if you have the chance, walking through Harpa and enjoying the architecture is totally worthwhile.

Wander the Streets

You can definitely spend hours wandering around the streets. Plus, there are, very basically, tons of cute shops, cafés, and restaurants, especially around Laugavegur, which is the main shopping street. In short, it’s almost too easy to spend an entire afternoon checking stuff out, stopping for coffee, or trying some truly scrumptious Icelandic food.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, basically often called “Iceland in Miniature,” really does pack almost all of Iceland’s diverse landscapes into one pretty accessible area. Located not too far to the north of Reykjavik, it has a ton of attractions all located within about a two-hour drive from one end to the other. You’ll see lava fields, impressive mountains, charming fishing towns, black sand beaches, and of course, the iconic Snaefellsjökull glacier.

Snaefellsjökull Glacier

Probably one of the best sights to see is the Snaefellsjökull glacier. To be honest, it’s so majestic that it really dominates the whole peninsula, almost like it’s watching over the area. If you are like your adventure novels, this one was actually featured in Jules Verne’s “A Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Still, going all the way up to the glacier usually needs a guided tour. So, doing some advance research on tours that take you up there is definitely worth the effort. Otherwise, enjoying the view from the surrounding national park works just fine too.

Arnarstapi and Hellnar

Make sure to check out the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, seemingly they’re totally charming and quaint. Between them, you’ll actually discover an incredible walking path. With unbelievable cliffs, cool rock formations, and bird colonies all over the place, you may even run into some Arctic terns—though those guys are pretty feisty during their nesting season! Stopping in at the little cafés and restaurants in either village offers, like, the perfect way to chill and enjoy your surrounding views.

Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach

For something that you will remember forever, Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach totally deserves a stop. What’s neat about it is that you first need to hike through a lava field just to get to the beach. That, seemingly, adds this sense of, well, adventure. By the way, on the beach, keep an eye out for the Lifting Stones, traditionally utilized to check the strength of fishermen. Trying to lift them just seems like a must for that unique photo op.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Relaxation by the Sea

Now, for some serious relaxation, anyway Hvammsvik Hot Springs is arguably hard to beat. It has an incredible location. You get warm, soothing thermal waters while being practically right on the water’s edge overlooking the sea. You might not ever want to leave.

Unique Hot Spring Experience

The overall design, pretty clearly incorporating the surrounding environment, makes this a truly special hot spring spot. As a matter of fact, they’ve actually got different pools, so that means they all have their own temperature, that too giving you options based on what feels comfortable to you. Furthermore, because it’s right by the ocean, as a matter of fact, you can hop in the sea for a refreshing dip if you’re feeling brave. So that too gives you a very special experience where you contrast the cool sea with the warmth of the hot springs.

Amenities and Comfort

So Hvammsvik definitely has some nice amenities that just enhance the entire experience. You have pretty modern changing rooms. By the way, you’ve got a casual restaurant serving Icelandic fare if you get hungry. Seemingly, all the small touches like the loaner towels and comfortable seating contribute to such an enjoyable and effortless experience.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Hvammsvik, really any time of the year, actually has its own special vibe. It’s pretty remarkable under the midnight sun in the summer months. Still, visiting in winter, what with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights while chilling out in the hot springs? That might almost make the cold temperatures worth it. Now booking in advance? Seems like a smart idea, especially during peak travel times, because the hot springs’ popularity basically makes it something that does get very busy.