Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses much of the western tip of Snæfellsnes Penisula, and wraps around the rugged slopes of the glacier Snæfellsjökull, the icy fist at the end of the long Snæfellsnes arm. Around its flanks lie lava tubes, protected lava fields which are home to native Icelandic fauna, and prime coastal bird- and whale-watching spots. The park is crisscrossed with hiking trails, and during proper weather it is possible to visit the glacier with a tour or guide.
When the fog swirling around the glacier lifts, you'll see the mammoth ice cap, which was made famous when Jules Verne used it as the setting for Journey to the Centre of the Earth. In his book, a German geologist and his nephew embark on an epic journey into the crater of Snæfells, guided by a 16th-century Icelandic text with the following advice:
Descend into the crater of Yocul of Sneffels, which the shade of Scartaris caresses, before the kalends of July, audacious traveller, and you will reach the centre of the earth. I did it.
Jules Verne
Hellnar is home to the National Park Visitor Centre, and area tourist offices sell maps and give advice, too. The park's online map is also excellent. Rangers have an active summer program of free park guided tours ; check online or email.
