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iceland snaefellsnes glacier lodge view rth

West Iceland Escape at Glacier Lodge

From £781

Excluding Flights

3-7 Nights

Year Round

Overview

Escape to spectacular West Iceland on this flexible self drive break based at the charming Glacier Lodge, a 3-bedroom self-catering cottage exclusive to Discover the World. Located on the rugged Snaefellsnes Peninsula it offers the perfect base from which to explore Iceland’s beautiful west – from the prolific bird and marine life to the striking scenery and charming fishing villages that populate the area.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, on Iceland’s west coast, is one of the most magical and quiet places to be visited on this mid Atlantic island. At its tip is the majestic Snaefellsjokull, a snow-capped volcano that has an irresistible lure, not just because it is breathtakingly beautiful but also because it is believed by many locals to hold mysterious powers. No wonder the region was the setting and inspiration for Jules Verne’s famous ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

Located near Hellnar on the south shore of the peninsula, you’re perfectly based to explore at leisure the many delights of this area of Iceland, including Arnarstapi, Budir and Stykkisholmur.

Walk in the wild west

We’ve researched the best coastal and mountain walks in West Iceland’s Snaefellsnes National Park – one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse locations. This holiday puts you in prime position for getting footloose and fancy-free. Not only do we supply detailed walking notes to help you explore the area independently, but our local friend and walking guide Arni is also available to help you find those extra special routes and, if you like, be your guide.

Exploring Snaefellsnes

From May to September, Glacier Lodge is the perfect base for summer hiking in Snaefellsnes National Park – or anytime of the year as a base for self-drive exploration around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. When you collect your hire car at the start of this self-drive holiday, you’ll also receive our iDiscover app – your very own personalised digital travel companion, packed with inspiration for places to visit, hidden gems and much more.

Itinerary

Arrive in Keflavik and collect your rental vehicle at the airport and enjoy a scenic drive, perhaps taking a fjord-side route along scenic Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord), into West Iceland, where you can visit the Settlement Centre and pick up some supplies from the supermarket at Borgarnes, enroute to the Glacier Lodge, your self catering accommodation for the next few nights.  Alternatively, if you are traveling in the winter months you may prefer to spend your first night in Reykjavik.

iceland view over glacier lodge to snaefellsjokull rth

Glacier Lodge, Snaefellsnes

Located in a spectacular rural location near to Hellnar, Glacier Lodge offers magnificent views of Snaefellsjokull to the north and a panorama across Faxafloi bay to the south.

Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, walking among the fantastic coastal formations at Arnarstapi and visit the fjords and fishing villages along its north side. With good weather you may have views of the mystical cone-shaped volcano and Snaefellsjokull icecap.

Explore the Snaefellsjokull National Park in the western tip of the peninsula. There are numerous long and short hikes to choose from and climb up to the Saxholl crater for views. On the northern side of the peninsula you will find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and a waterfall of the same name. In Olafsvik join a whale watching tour or take one of the hikes in the mountains behind the town.

Optional Experiences

Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There are opportunities to spot blue, fin, humpback, minke and killer whales as well as numerous seabirds.

Make your way back to Keflavik Airport, possibly making a stop at the mystical Blue Lagoon (at additional cost). Return your vehicle to the Europcar depot (at the airport) before your afternoon flight home. If you have an early morning flight to London or Glasgow, we recommend staying an extra night near the airport.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Self catering accommodation

  • Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage

  • No charge for additional driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £781 Excluding Flights

3-7 Nights

Year Round

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.</p

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World Cup lifted at Wembley

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Kilometers snowmobiled

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience 

Extend your Stay

Explore the Golden Circle & South Coast

Stay in Hveragerdi or the south coast to explore the famous Golden Circle route: Thingvellir National Park with its lake of the same name, the ancient assembly site and Law Rock, which is also known for its flora and geological features; Gullfoss the thunderous 2 tiered waterfall; Finally, the hot springs and geothermal wonders of Geysir.

Iceland’s south coast offers further highlights with some of the most iconic waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrafoss and Skogafoss. Photograph the moody black sand beaches and drive to the top of Dyrholaey bird cliffs for fantastic views of the strange basalt formations, the sea and the black sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.