Local hiking trails
0-5 kmVarious hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels in the surrounding area.
Ólafsvík
Snæfellsnes – Ólafsvík Tjaldsvæði
A scenic fjordside campsite in Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier.
About this campsite
A scenic fjordside campsite in Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Details
Ólafsvík Campsite is located in the coastal fishing town of Ólafsvík on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering beautiful views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier and easy access to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Its location makes it one of the most convenient overnight stops for travelers exploring western Snæfellsnes. The campsite sits within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, grocery stores, and the town swimming pool. Nearby hiking routes lead toward Bæjarfoss waterfall above the town and along the coastline surrounding Breiðafjörður bay. Ólafsvík serves as an excellent base for visiting major Snæfellsnes attractions including Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi coastal cliffs, and lava landscapes within the national park. The combination of services, fjord scenery, and proximity to Snæfellsjökull makes the campsite a comfortable stop while exploring the peninsula.
Environment & surroundings
Ólafsvík lies between Breiðafjörður bay and the slopes of Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano. The surrounding landscape includes coastal cliffs, lava fields, mountain slopes, and scenic walking routes along the shoreline. The area is known for birdlife, changing coastal light conditions, and wide views across the northern side of Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Nearby attractions
Natural hot spring
5-15 kmNatural geothermal hot springs can be found in the region, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Protected volcanic landscape centered around Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Kirkjufell Mountain
One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains located nearby.
Bæjarfoss Waterfall
Waterfall above Ólafsvík accessible via hiking trail from town.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Historic black pebble beach with dramatic lava formations.
Arnarstapi Coastal Cliffs
Popular walking area with basalt formations and seabird colonies.
Folklore & local stories
Snæfellsjökull glacier has long held a special place in Icelandic folklore and literature and was traditionally believed to be a powerful and mysterious mountain. Local stories describe the glacier as a place connected with hidden people (huldufólk) and supernatural forces within the lava landscapes surrounding the peninsula. The glacier also became internationally famous through the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, which imagined an entrance to the Earth’s interior beneath Snæfellsjökull. These traditions helped shape the mystical reputation of the region around Ólafsvík.