Iceland - Day 3

We knew that today would be a long day since we planned to circum- navigate the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. But we were looking forward to the myriad of sights that awaited us. Our first stop was the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs, an interesting volcanic formation of interlocking hexagonal columns.

Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs

Gorgeous Scenery Along the Drive

Next up was the Black Church of Budir, one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. This simple one room church is perched on a cliff with nothing else around it, except for the many tourists who are looking for that perfect photo op.

Black Church of Budir

My favorite stop along the coastal drive was Arnarstapi, with its dramatic basalt sea cliffs and arch. A shoreline trail connects Arnarstapi with neighboring Hellnar, but we had time to walk only a small portion of it. We did stop at Hellnar for views of more sea stacks and the birds that nest on the cliffs.

Basalt Sea Arch, Arnarstapi 

Sarah at Basalt Sea Arch, Arnarstapi 

Basalt Sea Cliffs, Arnarstapi 

We drove into Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of the three national parks in Iceland, but knew we would not have time to do the park justice. From the park one is usually able to see the glacier clad Snaefellsjökull volcano that looks over the entire peninsula. Sadly, the overcast skies kept the mountain hidden in the clouds.

Near the end of the loop, we stopped to see one of the most photographed sites on the peninsula, and I immediately could understand the draw. The small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is lovely, but the entire setting is what’s special. Here the waterfall occupies the foreground while the Kirkjufell Mountain rises behind it in the background. Simply beautiful!

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Kirkjufell Mountain 

We returned to the Hotel Varmaland and enjoyed another wonderful meal.

Another Fabulous Meal at Hotel Varmaland

Our Route - Day 3