Is one peninsula better than the other? I'm trying to figure out if it is worth it to pack the 6 of us up and try to find accom for one night /or do a day trip up north, or stay down in the south and do the Reykjanes peninsula instead. Thoughts?
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2972 posts
We have done both of these areas on a number of trips there. I like both, but Snaefellsness has more to offer. I personally like staying in Stikkisholmur, but there are other towns as well. Also, they are expecting the volcano to erupt again soon (fissure type) so that may affect the Reykjanes peninsula.
Posted by
OP
Calgary, AB Canada
55 posts
Thanks mikliz97.. Is it truly worth all the driving to go to Snaefellness for one day up from Rekjavik? I'm trying to not move around so much with accommodations. Perhaps I should trade a one night stay on Westman Island for the peninsula.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2972 posts
Yes, Snaefellsness is definitely worth it! When is your trip? I ask because there is a HUGE music festival the first full weekend in August and the usual 4k population on Heimaey swells to 26k for the weekend. You do not want to be anywhere near that! Either way, I would still head to Snaefellsness.
Posted by
OP
Calgary, AB Canada
55 posts
We would be looking at around August 11-16ish.
Actually, maybe you can give this a quick once over. This is what I was thinking.
Aug 9 - 11 Early arrival on 9th. Tour a bit of the south coast and stay by Vik
Aug 11 - 12 Over night at Westman Island
Aug 12 - 16 Stay in/around Rekjavik - 1.5 days Rekjavik - 1 day Golden Circle - 1 day Snaaefellness - fly home early on 16th.
5 of us at the moment (3 young adult kids - 19, 23, 25)
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2972 posts
I assume you are flying in from an overnight flight? If so, do not try and head to Vik that day, it is way too much driving. It is a good idea to stay in Reykjavik for arrival night so you can wander outside all day and stay awake, and then get to bed early and be raring to go in the morning. We have taken our 3 kids (in their mid-late 20's) at the time, and it was a great trip! I will say make sure you get a vehicle large enough for all of your luggage. On that trip we had a Land Cruiser, the 5 seater, so that there was room in the back. Duffel bags are best as they can squish easier.
Anyway. I would stay in Reykjavik the night of arrival, then head to Snaefellsness for a night the next day, then head to the GC and stay there for a night, then Vik and then Heimaey, and then back towards Selfoss or Reykjanes for the last night and then somewhere close to the airport for your last night.
Take a look at the Northern Light Inn. It is in Grindavik and they have float pods that are absolute heaven! We did these on the trip with the kids. There is an excellent restaurant on site, Max's, and then you are only about 20 minutes to the airport. If you need lodging suggestions, let me know. With 5 it is a bit tough, but there are some.