Where to stay on Snaefellsnes Peninsula (+ best hotels!)

Best hotels on Snaefellsnes Peninsula - quick answers

Best towns

• Grundarforjdur - to stay near the famous Kirkjufell - see best-rated accommodations
• Hellnar / Arnarstapi  - on the South coast along the lava cliffs - see best-rated accommodations
• Stykkisholmur to be surrounded by water - see best-rated accommodations
• Borgarnes - not on the peninsula, but a practical location to balance your driving times if coming from further around the Ring Road - see best rated accommodations

But it can also be great to stay in between surrounded only by the impressive nature of Iceland.

Best Snaefellsnes hotels 

• Hotel Budir
  Located in none of the towns listed, it is surrounded by nature with a restaurant and a great location to explore the peninsula
  - see photos and availability
• Hotel Egilsen
  Inside the stunning red house, in Stykkisholmur. A cosy place to stay!
  - see photos and availability
• Hotel Hamar (previously Icelandair)
  In Borgarnes, modern and spacious rooms with stunning mountain views and great spa area.
  I tested it in Winter and had a great time. The restaurant is beautiful.
  - see photos and availability

Some of the best guesthouses and other accommodations on Snaefellsnes

• Akkeri Guesthouse
  In Stykkisholmur, a colorful house, close to the fishing port with great breakfast
  - see photos and availability
• Helgugata Guesthouse
  Right in Borgarnes,  a nice house surrounded by greenery, quite rare in Iceland
  - see photos and availability
• Guesthouse 43
  In Grundarfjordur, 3 chambres avec vues mer et montagne, salle de bain communes
  - see photos and availability
• The Old Post Office Guesthouse
  In Grundarfjordur, great location, practical and clean. Some rooms have a private bathrooms.
  I had a great stay here.
  - see photos and availability

Where to stay on Iceland South Coast - map + tips

Map of best areas to stay

There are 4 main options to stay along the South Coast of Iceland

1. Town of Grundarfjordur
   A fantastic location between mountains and sea with perfect views of Kirkjufell which is a few minute drive away.
   A peaceful place that is great to explore the peninsula.
   The more dreamy location.
2. Towns of Arnarstapi / Hellnar
   Small settelments on the South coast of the peninula.
   They are located along the lava cliffs, with crazy formations. Plus there are beautiful mountain views.
   The best location for the power of nature;
3. Town of Stykkisholmur
   Small town on the North Coast.
   A little bit further from most of the attractions, but surrounded by water and islands.
   Great boat tours with fishing depart from here.
4. Town of Borgarnes
   not on the peninsula. But if you are road tripping and only have one day on the peninsula, it can be practical to stay here. It connects the peninsula, the Silver circle and the Ring Road.

Accommodations tips in South Iceland

• You should not have any parking problems
• Note that many guesthouses offer rooms with share bathrooms. Be careful if this is critical for you.
• If you are staying in a place between towns, make sure you have a way to find dinner (restaurant on site or in a hotel nearby). Pay attention to opening times!
• If traveling outside Summer, you could have the change to see the northern lights. For more chances, choose accommodations away from any light pollution (so, not in towns).

Best place to stay on Snaefellsnes Peninsula - planning your itinerary

I think the best way to travel around Iceland is by road trip.
I recommend you stay at least one night around Vik and one night around Jokulsarlon - Höfn.

For help defining your itinerary with the South Coast, check out my articles:

• best things to do on Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Summer
• best things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Winter
• Iceland itinerary 5 days (4 options)
• Iceland itinerary 7 days (5 options)
• 10-day Iceland itineraries (4 option)
• 14-day Iceland itinerary

Option 1 - Grundarfjordur, stay near Kirkjufell

Why stay in Grundarfjordur

Grundarfjordur est la ville à côté de Kirkjufell, one of the most iconic mountains in Iceland.
The unique shape of the peak and the waterfalls in the foreground create a stunning experience both in Summer and in Winter. By staying close, you can see it at sunset, sunrise and maybe under the northern lights (especially as it is facing North).
The town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including fjords, mountains, and glaciers.
The areas feels peaceful and quiet.
And it is a good location to explore the peninsula and all its attractions.

However...

Not much. I enjoyed my stayed ever time.

Option 2 - Arnarstapi / Hellnar

Why stay in Arnarstapi / Hellnar

Arnarstapi is one of the most scenic places to stay in Iceland, especially in Winter: beautiful coastal landscape that includes dramatic lava cliffs, rugged coastline, and picturesque fjords.
The areas feels peaceful and quiet.
And it is a good location to explore the peninsula and all its attractions.

I think I prefer Gundarfjordur when there is no snow and Arnarstapi in Winter.

However...

Not much. I enjoyed my time here always.
Note, that it is very small.

Option 3 - Stykkisholmur

Why stay in Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur has a completely different vibe.
It is a headland surrounded by water and island. 
It is famous for its boat tour where you fish fresh seafood and taste it on board.

However...

It requires a bot more driving to the various attractions of the peninsula.
The landscape is less impressive in my opinion.

Option 4 - Borgarnes

Why stay in Borgarnes

Borgarnes is a very convenient town to stop when road-tripping in Iceland.
It is where the Ring Road, the road to the Snaefellnes peninsula and the Silver Circle converge.
It is only and hour drive away from Reykjavik.
The hot springs of the Silver circle are not far, which is great to relax after a long day exploring.

However...

It still requires an hour of driving to explore the attractions of the pensinula.

Staying in Reykjavik

It is not possible to visit the entire South Coast of Iceland within a day trip from Reykjavik.
Krikjufell is 2h30 away from Reykjavik.

However you can easily explore the first half of the coast on a day trip from Reykiavik.

There is a wide range of places to stay in the capital city - Choose among the best rated accommodations in Reykjavik

FAQs

Camping on Snaefellsnes

Since 2013, the law has changed and conditions to wild camp are complicated. You must understand ownership of lands.
Iceland has many campsites around the country offering you cheaper accommodation (over 200) - if you stay quite a while, consider the Camping Card giving you access to a network of campsites.

For example on Snaefellsnes:

• Campsite Olafsvik
• Snorrastadir Farm Holidays
• ...

Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?

• All my favorite things to do in North Iceland - read article
• Tips to plan your Iceland road trip - read article
• Tips to rent a car in Iceland - read article
• Tips to drive around Iceland - read article
• Itinerary suggestions - read article
• 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
• The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
• The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
• 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - read article
• Top 5 places to see around Myvatn - read article
• 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland - read article
• The 10 best lava caves in Iceland - read article
• The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland - read article
• The Golden Circle - read article
• The Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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