Memorable vacation tucked under the enigmatic Snæfellsjökull glacier's shadow
Heading to the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula? This area is brimming with enchanting nature and quaint villages, making it perfect for a day trip from Reykjavik, even during winter months. Just remember to equip your car with good winter tires and drive carefully on those slippery roads.
Our adventure led us to Fosshótel Hellnar, a striking hotel nestled along the cliffs at the edge of this magical landscape. This hotel, previously a tranquil wellness retreat, was transformed by the Fosshótel chain, now open year-round except for the darkest winter months.
Located in the tiny village of Hellnar, Fosshótel Hellnar exudes sophisticated, cozy Scandinavian style. The lobby boasts dramatic windows showcasing breathtaking views, a crackling fireplace, and hues of soft blues and browns. The rooms are adorable, comfortable, and equipped with traditional lace bedspreads, an in-room TV, coffee/tea, and free WiFi.
Eager to explore the surroundings, we embarked on a beautiful hike from the hotel towards the picturesque fishing village of Arnarstapi. This hike is highly recommended, even though it's a short drive from Hellnar. As dawn turned into dusk, we made our way back to Hellnar, where we indulged in a superb three-course meal at the hotel restaurant. This cozy eatery serves unique Icelandic dishes with stunning ocean views, and, if you're lucky, you might even spot orcas swimming offshore.
The other highlight of our trip was meeting extraordinary Tabby cat Pál Dáníelsdóttir, the most famous cat in Iceland, who resides at the hotel as the resident Mousekeeper. She even has a staff card to prove it!
After an invigorating breakfast, we ventured further into the Snæfellsjökull National Park. We began with a tour of the Vatnshellir lava cave, guided by Summit Guides, and marveled at the incredible formations we uncovered in total darkness. The cave is an 8,000-year-old lava tube created by a volcanic eruption.
Our journey continued through landscapes adorned with lava fields, golden beaches, and dramatic coastal formations. We stopped at Skarðsvík Beach, boasting stunning views of golden sands and black cliffs, before venturing to Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach steeped in folklore and elf tales.
Next, we discovered the romantic spot of Búðir, home to a wooden church and a graveyard that once marked a bustling 19th-century fishing village. Further on, we marveled at the striking Mount Kirkjufell, one of Snæfellsnes's most famous landmarks.
In the charming village of Stykkishólmur, we admired the picturesque harbor, small islands, and even a few filming locations from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Our last stop was the Krauma geothermal baths, where we soaked weary muscles in hot pools, enjoyed a cold tub, steam baths, and refreshing drinks from the bar.
Overall, Fosshotel Hellnar serves as the perfect base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with access to various natural wonders, scenic viewpoints, and unique hotel features. Make your journey to West Iceland unforgettable by choosing this stunning coastal retreat as your home base.
- Heading towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, don't forget to prepare for winter conditions with good tires and cautious driving.
- Our adventure brought us to Fosshótel Hellnar, a hotel that seamlessly combines natural beauty and Scandinavian elegance.
- In contrast to its previous tranquil state, Fosshótel Hellnar is now an all-season retreat, closed only during the darkest winter months.
- The lobby of Fosshótel Hellnar presents a serene atmosphere, with panoramic windows, a cozy fireplace, and soothing color palettes.
- Our cozy rooms at Fosshótel Hellnar offered comfortable stays, complete with traditional bedspreads, TV, coffee/tea, and free WiFi.
- After a refreshing hike, we savored a delightful three-course meal at Fosshótel Hellnar's restaurant, surrounded by breathtaking ocean views.
- A local celebrity we encountered at the hotel was Pál Dáníelsdóttir, the famous Tabby cat and the resident Mousekeeper of Fosshótel Hellnar.
- After a hearty breakfast, we embarked on a guided tour of the Vatnshellir lava cave, marveling at the ancient formations hidden within.
- As we navigated the Snæfellsjökull National Park, we marveled at striking landscapes, featuring lava fields, golden beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
- We admired Skarðsvík Beach, with its golden sands and imposing black cliffs, and later encountered Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with a rich folklore and tales of elves.
- Our expedition took us to the quaint village of Stykkishólmur, home to picturesque harbors, small islands, and a few filming locations from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
- To unwind from our adventures, we soaked in the rejuvenating Krauma geothermal baths, availing ourselves of hot pools, cold tubs, steam baths, and refreshing drinks at the bar.
