Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscapes, and one of the most iconic sites is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano that dominates the Snaefellsnes peninsula (Snæfellsnes)
If you’re planning a self-drive tour around Iceland, exploring Snæfellsjökull is an absolute must, and renting a car from Hertz Iceland will ensure you have the flexibility to visit this majestic area.
Snæfellsjökull Volcano and Its Geological Wonders
Snæfellsjökull is part of one of Iceland’s most fascinating volcanic systems. As the only large central volcano on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it has shaped the landscape with its lava fields, flank craters, and pyroclastic cones. The volcano, which is still considered active, has seen several Holocene eruptions, with the most significant events originating from the summit crater and upper flank craters. These eruptions have produced massive lava flows, giving the surrounding area a rugged, otherworldly appearance.
Snæfellsjökull’s glacier-capped peak, visible from miles away, sits at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The glacier itself covers the central volcano and gives the mountain a mystical aura. The lava fields around the base are a stark contrast to the icy summit, offering a unique blend of fire and ice that makes the region a geological marvel.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park was established in 2001 to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of this area. It is one of the few national parks in Iceland that includes both land and sea. Here, visitors can explore the volcanic landscapes, discover ancient lava formations, and enjoy scenic coastal views. The flank craters produced by volcanic activity are scattered throughout the park, and many visitors are drawn to these geological features.
Driving through the Snæfellsjökull National Park allows you to experience the vast expanses of lava flows and volcanic systems that have shaped the peninsula. Hertz Iceland’s rental cars provide you with the freedom to stop at various scenic spots, explore hiking trails, and truly immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this area.
How to Get to Snæfellsjökull
Snæfellsjökull is easily accessible by car, and renting a vehicle from Hertz Iceland is the best way to explore the area at your own pace. From Reykjavik, the drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula takes around 2-3 hours, offering stunning coastal views along the way. As you approach the national park, you’ll notice the volcanic systems that dominate the landscape, with the Snæfellsjökull volcano looming large in the distance.
Only during SUMMER months (June to August) when the F-roads are open, you can drive a 4×4 vehicle to get close to the glacier and enter the National park. If you are renting a small car or visiting in other months, you can only see this glacier from a distance along the coast.
Once inside the park, a network of roads will take you close to the volcano’s base, where you can stop and hike to get closer to the lava fields and flank craters. It’s important to note that the roads in this area are well-maintained, making it easy for tourists to navigate.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
What makes Snæfellsjökull particularly famous is its connection to literature. Jules Verne’s classic novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth, used Snæfellsjökull as the entry point to the subterranean adventures of its characters.
The central volcano and its mystical, glacier-capped summit inspired Verne’s depiction of an ancient passage leading to the earth’s core.
Today, visitors come not only for the scenery but also to relive the thrill of Verne’s imagined journey. Whether you’re a fan of the novel or just looking for a surreal landscape to explore, Snæfellsjökull delivers on both fronts.
Conclusion
Visiting Snæfellsjökull is a journey into the heart of Iceland’s geological wonders. With its towering glacier-capped volcano, sweeping lava flows, and the literary history of Jules Verne, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. Renting a car from Hertz Iceland will ensure you have the flexibility and convenience to fully explore this incredible region at your own pace.
Book your rental car with Hertz Iceland today and embark on your own journey to the center of the earth!
