Route 54 Snæfellsnes

Unbelievable landscape from Álftafjöður to Kolgrafarfjörður

We spent a whole day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and still didn’t manage to see all its beauties. Most people visit the iconic Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, which is a frequent spot for capturing beautiful Northern Lights photos. However, Snæfellsnes has so much more to offer and we definitely recommend you take a sightseeing drive along Route 54 too. You’ll be treated not only to familiar places, but also to views that you definitely need to see for yourself. We started from the north and as we approached the peninsula, the views were overwhelming.

Marked on Google maps as Good View, the unremarkable spot offers a truly spectacular view, and that was just the beginning.

Just a little further on, we were again amazed by the road. This time the green and white hilltops around Álftafjöður Fjord.

Álftafjörður is a picturesque fjord surrounded by dramatic mountains that create a stunning panorama. As we approached the site, views of the imposing mountains that rise above the crystal clear waters of the fjord opened up before us.

Tiny waterfalls rolled down from the hills and the higher hills in the background were completely shrouded in a blanket of snow and white haze.

Less than 3 minutes down the road 54, our view opened up even more and we felt as if we had been transferred to a completely different country. Autumn’s yellow colour contrasted with the snow on the hilltops, which were slowly being shrouded by fog, and the only unassuming road that awaited us was carving its own path in this inhospitable landscape.

In just another three minutes, the fog vanished entirely, revealing snow-capped mountains in their full glory. A lonely farm stood proudly, like the last mighty man in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the hostile and barren landscape began to show signs of civilization, offering a striking contrast to the natural surroundings.

Painted landscape

Less than ten minutes later, Snæfellsnes surprised us again, this time with vivid green hills. These hills, resembling freshly painted strokes on a canvas, seemed almost unreal. Yet, there they stood, magnificent and adorned, towering proudly before the icy kingdom.

The vibrant green hues gradually grew stronger, seamlessly taking over the scenery. Meanwhile, the snow began to retreat, transforming the landscape into what resembled a summer botanical garden. Even though it was October. After two minutes, the snow vanished entirely, leaving behind a scene more akin to a tropical paradise. I only wish we had more time to explore and lose ourselves in the nearby hiking trails.

The rich shade of green reminded us of the majestic Dragon Mountains in South Africa, and the only pity was that the scenery lasted for a very short time. Not even 10 minutes. After that, we were once again greeted by the typical yellow-black landscape we had become accustomed to while wandering around Iceland in Autumn.

Barely 5 minutes later, the Kolgrafarfjörður bridge appeared in front of us, and with it the snow cover of the mountains again. Once again we were greeted by a few scattered houses under the high and rugged hills. Peeking out of them was a smaller version of Table Mountain.

Magnificent, sloping mountain that literally fascinated me the whole way until we approached the first planned stop, Kirkjufellsfossar Waterfall. We arrived an hour late, but it was worth it.

For Snæfellsnes, it really is true that the experience is the journey itself. And as much as I love waterfalls, I have to admit that this journey spoke to me the most of all Iceland. More so than the scenic journey through Oxipass.