
Grundarfjordur, Iceland
Sailing into Grundarfjordur, one travels into Iceland's heroic past, for this township - village really - is one of the oldest settlements on the island. The imposing landscape with its austere mountains, volcanoes and lava fields provided the dramatic setting for one of Iceland's cultural treasures, the sagas. Composed in the 10 and 11th centuries, the Icelandic sagas represent one of the oldest literary traditions in Western Europe. They are tales of migration and settlement, war and blood feud, Christianity versus the old dark gods of Norse mythology. In Grundarfjordur, the world of the saga is still present. One can tread the "Berserkers' Path" or climb the hillock called Helgafell, the "Holy Hill" mentioned in the Laxdæla saga where Vikings once worshipped Thor.
Much of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a national park. The park's centerpiece is the mighty Snæfellsjokull, an imposing stratovolcano with flanks buried beneath a glacial flow. The mountain is a frequent setting in Icelandic myth. The peninsula is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
Points of Interest
- Djupalonssandur
- Arnarstapi
- Helgafell
- Bjarnarhofn Shark Farm
- Stykkisholmur
- Beidafjordur Cruise
- Grundarfjordur
- Berserkergata
Djupalonssandur & Arnarstapi
- Djupalonssandur
- Arnarstapi
Take in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula's natural beauty during this journey to Djupalonssandur, a tranquil, black-pebbled beach, and Hellnar, a quiet fishing village with breathtaking volcanic rock formations. Walk along the cliffs of Arnarstapi, home to a myriad of birds, and marvel at Budir's light sand beach and black lava fields.
Moderate Activity
$144.95
Bjarnarhofn Shark Farm & Helgafell
- Berserkergata
- Helgafell
- Bjarnarhofn Shark Farm
After a captivating tour through Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm, dare to taste fermented shark, an Icelandic delicacy, followed by local schnapps known as "Black Death." Snap photos at Berserkergata, a lava field featured in a famous ninth-century Icelandic saga, and Stykkisholmur, a thriving fishing village, before exploring legendary mountain Helgafell.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$154.95
Easy Breidafjordur Archipelago Cruise
- Beidafjordur Cruise
During this awe-inspiring cruise, marvel at the serene natural beauty of Breidafjordur Bay with its magnificent seascapes, islets and skerries, renowned racing tides and extraordinary bird- and marine life including puffins, kittiwakes, sea eagles, gray seals, porpoises and beautiful minke whales. Plus, savor fresh-caught shellfish pulled straight from the sea.
Moderate Activity
$199.95
Best of Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Djupalonssandur
- Arnarstapi
- Helgafell
- Stykkisholmur
Explore and photograph the Snæfellsnes Peninsula's dramatic landscape, quaint fishing villages, breathtaking volcanic rock formations, sheer cliffs, vast array of seabirds and fascinating ties to Icelandic legends on this picturesque journey to Helgafell, Stykkisholmur, Arnarstapi, Hellnar and Djupalonssandur. Savor a hearty lunch at a local eatery along the way.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$229.95