The Snæfellsnes peninsula, like so much of Iceland, is a beautiful combination of spectacular mountains, rugged sea stacks and black sand beaches, moss covered lava fields and friendly towns and fishing villages. It presents a stunning landscape in all four seasons (just dress appropriately!) and the approx. 2 hour drive from Reykjavik makes it simultaneously accessible and also separated from at least some of the tourist volume in southern Iceland. For the photographer it is home to some of the greatest "must shoot" locations, not just in Iceland, but we could argue, in the world. Tall order, I know, so here's our take on the top photo spots on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
1. Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell (Church Mountain), at just over 1,500 ft, is not Iceland's tallest mountain but it is said to be the most photographed and for good reason as it provides endless possibilities for both amateur and pro photographers. Situated on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður, Kirkjufell is attached to the peninsular by a strip of land to its south side. Shooting locations are numerous and all reveal something new. Head to the lake shoreline to find a different angle, with great reflection options on a still day. A more popular view includes Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground. A short but steep climb brings you to a well worn vantage point where a wide angle lens will incorporate the mountain and the waterfall in a nice composition. Bring the tripod for those long exposures which will create both great water and cloud effects. While this scene is photographed by thousands of people a year, the changing weather makes each shot unique and of course the prospect of the Northern Lights or the Milky Way means many will plan on arriving in the late afternoon and staying after sunset and long into the night to capture nature's light show. Just be sure to park in the lot rather than on the road - the location can be busy and you may need to wait for a spot to open up, but be a good visitor and don't attract the attention of local law enforcement!
2. Lóndrangar
The Lóndrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. At 75 and 61 m tall, the basalt stacks are an impressive sight rising from the ocean due east from Malarrif and some 10 km from Hellnar. The position on this exposed part of the coast provides a great vantage point to see the weather change and take advantage of an incoming storm to lend drama to a composition. Shoot the stacks up close or take in the larger scene from one of the overlooks and use the rocks to lead your eye through the image to the stacks in the distance.
3. Dagverdara
Continue eastward to Dagverdara where an unmarked road takes you towards the sea and an abandoned farm well situated with views of both the ocean and the impressive glacier to the interior. Again this is a scene to be worked, so take your time and don't forget to think in black and white as the stark abandoned house lends itself to a more minimalist treatment.
4. Gatklettur Arch - Arnarstapi
Further east along the southern coast of the peninsula is Gatklettur. This is a mesmerizing site with waves crashing around and through the striking arch and no shortage a interesting rocks and black sand to provide a canvas for creativity. Short shutter speeds to freeze the wave crashes or longer exposures that soften the water into milky trails - all work well at this beautiful location, so bring the tripod and enjoy!
5. Black Church - Budir
Further east still on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is the small hamlet of Budir - with its well-regarded hotel (well worth the stay) and world famous black church, it has become a serious draw for tourists and photographers alike. The church and its historic graveyard sit on a mossy lava field, in sight of the sea with the ice-capped dormant volcano, Snæfellsjökull, looming nearby. It's a stark and minimalistic setting that feels other-worldly and it is this that makes this small corner of the world so special. The popularity of the Black Church makes photography and finding your shot more challenging, but it's worth spending time working the scene with mid-focal range lenses and seeing how the light works. Dawn is a great time to photograph the church, but don't stop there - the nearby moss covered lava, tall grass or even the gravestones themselves, provide interesting foreground elements for wide angle shooting with the ever present mountains in the background. As is the case everywhere in Iceland, the light and weather can change quickly. I have been shooting the church in a downpour, only for the sun to shine through a few minutes later - stay with it, your patience will be rewarded.
These are a few highlights of just one part of incredible Iceland. Would love to hear from fellow travelers and photographers - what locations and experiences stand out for you from the Snæfellsnes peninsula? Leave a comment and let us know!