Snaefellsnes

With its glistening white cone visible from Reykjavík on a clear day, Snæfellsjökull is the most potent and enduring symbol of Snæfellsnes. If the glacier weren't there, however, the manifold wonders of Snæfellsnes would stand out just the same. With its mountainous and glacier-carved spine, black and golden sand beaches, and lava fields blanketed in luminescent moss, Snæfellsnes is almost an Iceland unto itself. An outdoor activity tour is an ideal complement to a Snæfellsnes road trip, so before setting out, consider signing up for whale-watching, horseback riding, or an expedition on the glacier. Another possibility is a boat tour of Breiðafjörður, leaving from Stykkishólmur, the largest town on Snæfellsnes.

The five municipalities of Snæfellsnes have jointly earned a Green Globe certification for their commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. No other extended community in the Northern Hemisphere has received this honor.