From Reykjavik: Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Volcano Hike

The Snæfellsnes is a peninsula situated west of Borgarfjörður in western Iceland. It has been named Iceland in Miniature because many national sights can be found in the area, including the Snæfellsjökull, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland. Its height of 1446m is the highest mountain on the peninsula and has a glacier at its peak. The volcano can be seen on clear days from Reykjavík at about 120km. The mountain is also known as the setting of the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by the French author Jules Verne. The area surrounding Snæfellsjökull has been designated one of the four National Parks by the government of Iceland.The peninsula is one of the main settings in the Laxdœla saga, and it was, according to this saga, the birthplace of the first West Norse member of the Varangian Guard, Bolli Bollasson. Other historical people who lived in the area, according to the saga, include Guðrún Ósvífurdóttir Bolli Þorleiksson and Sorri Goði. Snæfellsjökull is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The mountain's name is Snæfell, but it is usually called “Snæfellsjökull” to distinguish it from two other mountains with this name. It is situated in Iceland's most western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.Itinerary: The first stop is Borgarnes at a gas station ( WC break ). It’s also good to grab a coffee or some snacks. From Borgarnes to Gerðuberg is a 40 minutes drive with a nice view. Gerðuberg is a beautiful basalt column. From Gerðuberg to Ölkeldu is a 30 minutes drive. Ölkelda is a mineral spring with carbonated water. Mineral springs are said to have healing powers, so feel free to take a sip. The farmhouse is named Ölkelda, which means mineral spring in Icelandic. Our next stop is Snæfellsjökull which is 40 minutes from Ölkelda to the glacier parking lot.At the parking lot, we will prep you with the right gear for the hike. The hike takes from 6 to 8 hours in total, approach to the glacier takes 40-60 min. When we get to the glacier's edge, we’ll put on the glacier gear; crampons, harnesses, and ropes. The summit of Snæfellsjökull is at 1446m above sea level. Usually, we stop at 1418 meters, but we can go to the true summit of 1446m, a steep slope glacier's edge ice peak.Lunch break on the summit is nice to enjoy the view while you eat something on a clear day. The idea of the peninsula is stunning, but of course, we can’t always promise a clear day due to unpredictable weather. After lunch, we must descend from the summit and back to the car.Note: Pick-up starts 30 minute(s) before departure. We offer pick-up to the following places for this experience: BSÍ Bus Terminal Bus stop 1 - Ráðhúsið -City Hall Bus stop 10 - Hlemmur Bus stop 11 - Austurbær Bus stop 12 - Höfðatorg Bus stop 2 - Tjörnin -The Pond Bus stop 3 - Lækjargata Bus stop 4 - Tryggvagata Bus stop 5 - Harpa Bus stop 6 - Safnahúsið -The Culture House Bus stop 7 - Traðarkot Bus stop 8 - Hallgrímskirkja Bus stop 9 - SnorrabrautRECOMMENDED CLOTHING – No Cotton Boots: A reasonably stiff leather boot is the best choice for climbing most peaks in. You can bring plastic if that is what you have. Be sure to break them in before arrival. All boots must be crampon compatible. Gaiters – An ankle gaiter is often sufficient but if it snows a bunch, full gators will not be necessary. Socks – Synthetic, be sure they work well with your boots. All socks change the volume of your feet. IF possible look for, Bridgedale, Smart Wool. Long Underwear–- Capaline, bergaline, merino, polypro. Long sleeve shirt – Light colored for sun protection – silk weight capaline Bottoms – both shorts and long bottoms. Climbing Pants – Relatively light synthetic pants, preferably with a hard and durable finish. Rain jacket with Hood – Gore-tex or other water resistant and breathable material recommended. Rain Pants – Look for something very light and compact. Fleece Jacket – 100 weight Polartec is a good weight for this garment. Down Jacket / Primaloft: Useful for the higher peaks,lightweight. Gloves: Leather gloves/ fleece glove –. Bring a gore-tex pair in case it rains Warm Hat: basic fleece Sun Hat / buff Backpack liner: to pack your gear in to keep it dry – either large garbage bags, or better yet Sea to Summit pack liners. Back Pack Rain Cover: To help keep your pack and contents dry. Water Bottles: camel packs work well, bring a bottle as well. Backpack: look for around 20- 30 liters. Sunglasses: glacier glasses are nice if you have them. Sunscreen: Will help you live longer Lip Protection – You might need