FAQ

Is it illegal to drive off-road?

Yes, the diverse nature of Iceland is one of our biggest attractions for those who travel here. The land is extremely fragile in many places and reckless driving can cause a lot of damage to the natural environment that it takes years and even decades for it to recover.
  See further information about off road driving: https://ust.is/english/tourist-information/driving-in-uninhabited-areas/ 

Can I see foxes? 

Yes, they can be seen in the lava fields from time to time.

Can I see whales? 

Yes, they have been seen jumping in the ocean occasionally. The higher the vantage point the more luck you have to see them.  

Am I allowed to feed them? 

Please don’t feed the animals you may encounter in the park.

When does the park close? 

There are no opening hours for Snæfellsjökull National Park but please note that it´s not allowed to camp or stay overnight in the national park. The visitor center at Malarrif is open between 11:00-16:00 every day for the summer.  

Is there an entrance fee to the park? 

         No, the park is free for anyone who wants to visit.   

How can I go close to the glacier? 

There are 2 roads that take you up towards the glacier (nr. 570 and F575), one of them is marked as an “F” road (F575) and is only for 4x4 jeeps to drive that road. Please note that those roads are not open all year round. If interested to go on the glacier we recommend taking a tour with one of the many companies that offer tours to the top of Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Why is the sand black? 

Because of eroding lava close to the sea that waves brake down, volcanic ash from big volcanoes and subglacial outburst flood.

Are there any toilets in the area? 

Yes, there are toilets open 24/7 365 days of the year on side of the Visitor center in Malarrif. When the visitor center is open there are additional toilets inside. In the summertime then WC are open at the parking lot at Djúpalónssandur.

Are there any maps of the hiking trails in the national park? 

Yes, It´s possible to buy them in the Visitor Center at Malarrif (cost 400 ISK) and you can find them also here online  

Can I visit the lighthouse at Malarrif? 

 No, the lighthouse is closed and not open to the public.  

Can we have picnic in the park? 

Yes, there are a few picnic tables throughout the park, but please take all your trash with you when you finish. We don’t leave anything in the park.

Do you have trash cans? 

No, there are no trash cans in the park, so everything you take with you in the park you also take it out of the park.

How long is the walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar? 

One way is approximately 45 min or 2,5 km. About an hour and a half both ways.

Can we take rocks from the beaches as a souvenir? 

We don’t take anything out of a national park except pictures. it is also considered by many to be bad luck to take things out of a national park.

Do you sell food or coffee at the Visitor center? 

We do not, there are coffee house and restaurants in Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Hellissandur and Ólafsvík on either side of the park.

How is the road through the park? 

It is paved and easy to drive, we do recommend people to read the weather conditions before going out.
https://safetravel.is/conditions 

What should I pack for a short walk in the park? 

We recommend bringing in the summer:

  • Sturdy shoes
  • Water bottle filled with water
  • Light waterproof clothing  
  • Hiking poles
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Spare pair of socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Plasters - Band aid
  • Compass or GPS unit
  • Maps
  • Download Safetravel app

 In the winter

  • Sturdy warm shoes
  • Water bottle filled with water
  • Thick warm clothes
  • Hiking poles
  • Gloves
  • Compass or GPS unit
  • Maps
  • Camera
  • Download the Safetravel app