Experiencing the enchanting weekend under the puzzling Snæfellsjökull glacier
A Day Trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Discovering Fosshotel Hellnar
Nestled by the cliffs at the edge of the wild coast of Snaefellsnes, Fosshotel Hellnar offers a charming country retreat for travellers seeking to explore the natural wonders of this stunning peninsula.
The hotel, open all year except for the three darkest winter months, boasts comfortable rooms adorned with traditional lace bed spreads, amenities like a TV, coffee and tea, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the hotel restaurant, which offers Icelandic dishes in a captivating atmosphere with excellent views of Hellnar's beautiful cliffed coasts.
Fosshotel Hellnar serves as an ideal base for exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The hotel's lobby offers huge windows for spectacular views, a fireplace, and hues of soft blues and browns, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Situated in the tiny village of Hellnar, the hotel is conveniently located near several attractions. One of the most iconic is the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs, offering stunning views and photo opportunities. Visitors can also explore Dritvik and Djupalonssandur, nearby beaches with dramatic lava formations, ideal for hiking and exploration.
A short distance from Hellnar lies Arnarstapi Cliffs, featuring beautiful coastal rock formations and rich birdlife. For those interested in history, Hellnar Church, visible from the Fosshotel Hellnar, adds a charming touch to the natural surroundings.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is home to many landmarks, including the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier, which can be viewed or visited on guided excursions. Another must-see attraction is Vatnshellir Lava Cave, accessible only via guided tours and offering a unique underground experience of the peninsula’s volcanic activity.
In addition to sightseeing, visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and whale watching tours if planned in advance. Orcas are regularly spotted swimming in the ocean near the hotel.
The peninsula also hosts several charming villages, including Stykkishólmur, built mostly in a traditional old Icelandic style, and Grundarfjörður and Ólavsvík, picturesque fishing villages. A romantic spot not to be missed is Búðir, with its black wooden church and beautiful sandy beach.
For those seeking relaxation, Krauma geothermal baths offer five outdoor hot pools, one cold tub, two steam baths, and a relaxation room with a fireplace.
Fosshotel Hellnar is also home to one of Iceland's most famous cats, Tabby cat Pál Dáníelsdóttir, who works as a Mousekeeper.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Icelandic culture, a day trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik, focusing on Fosshotel Hellnar, promises an unforgettable experience.
- The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to Fosshotel Hellnar, offers a unique blend of culture and nature, with geothermal baths and traditional villages alongside stunning landscapes and volcanic wonders.
- Guests at Fosshotel Hellnar can enjoy a captivating dining experience, savoring food-and-drink offerings that showcase Icelandic cuisine, while taking in breathtaking views of the coastal cliffs.
- For travelers interested in exploring the peninsula, several attractions are within easy reach of the hotel, such as the Londrangar Basalt Cliffs, Dritvik and Djupalonssandur beaches, and Arnarstapi Cliffs, teeming with birdlife.
- Visitors can also immerse themselves in the area's volcanic activity by visiting the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, accessible only via guided tours, or witnessing the majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier on a guided excursion.
- After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at Krauma geothermal baths, located a short distance from Hellnar, where they can soak in hot pools, steam baths, and relax in a tranquil environment, all while being surrounded by the picturesque home-and-garden landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
