Hellissandur

Snæfellsjökull is a volcano topped with a glacier at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The national park around it is a landscape of lava fields, black sand beaches, sea cliffs and quiet fishing villages. On clear days the glacier shines white above the coast, visible from across the bay as far as Reykjavík.

Fishermen once gathered here, and these stones were used to test the strength of men who wanted to join a fishing boat's crew. The rusted remains on the beach are from the British trawler Epine, wrecked here in 1948. The smooth black pebbles, called "Djúpalón pearls", are protected, so leave them in place.

Park at the small lot opposite the waterfall and walk a few minutes to the best viewpoint. Come at sunrise or sunset for soft light, and in autumn and winter for a chance of northern lights above the peak. The climb to the summit is steep and exposed, and not recommended without experience.