Snaefellsnes Peninsula and The Golden Circle in two days

Posted by Ang (San Jose) on 04/25/25 04:04 AM

Hi, I want to do both the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle in two days. My plan is to drive from Reykjavík to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the morning. Stay overnight somewhere in the peninsula before heading to The Golden Circle the next day. Spend the night in Hveragerði or Selfoss. Then continue the rest of the trip down the South Coast.

Should I do Snaefellsnes clockwise or counterclockwise?
Where should I spend the night on Snaefellsnes to minimize the travel time from Snaefellsnes to The Golden Circle?

Thanks for any inputs and recommendations!

Posted by mikliz97

Snohomish, WA

04/25/25 01:32 PM

3080 posts

Is this after an overnight flight from the US? If so, it is wise to not drive far at all, maybe an hour tops, after arrival. So that would omit one of these.

If you are flying in the day and will not be dealign with jet lag, then your plan is good. Snaellsness takes much more time than the GC. Snaefellsness has so much to see that you feel like you are stopping every few minutes. For some reason, we always do it clockwise.

For the overnight, I would opt for around Borgarnes. That would allow you to see Snaefellsness without rushing too much, but know that you will still miss a lot with even 2 days.

Posted by Ang OP

San Jose

04/25/25 07:48 PM

2 posts

Thanks for the recommendation! We are flying in the day before and taking it easy in Reykjavik.

Posted by mikliz97

Snohomish, WA

04/25/25 08:32 PM

3080 posts

That is good:) In case you need any suggestions for that arrival day, we have enjoyed both the food tour and the Citywalk "free" walking tour several times each. You might want to head over to Sky Lagoon or even a local pool. Walk up Pufa and you will most likely have it to yourselves. Get a cinnamon roll at Braud and head over to Hallgrinskirkja to enjoy it, then go up to the top of the church for some great views. See Harpa inside and out. Walk to the Sun Voyager. Check out the Handknitting Association store on rainbow road. Check out all the street art and murals, especially on side streets off Laugavegur.