Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík

The walk from Djúpalónssandur to Dritvík is a short, easy coastal outing in Snæfellsjökull National Park, at the western tip of Snæfellsnes in Iceland. The measured route is 2 km out and back, takes about 30 minutes and has only around 20 m of ascent, reaching roughly 30 m. It is suitable for nearly everyone, though the beach is exposed to powerful Atlantic waves.

Djúpalónssandur is a cove of smooth black pebbles framed by dark lava formations. Rusted pieces of the British trawler Epine GY7, wrecked nearby in 1948, lie scattered on the beach, and four traditional lifting stones test the strength of visitors. A short path over a lava ridge leads to Dritvík, once a busy seasonal fishing station where dozens of boats operated, now a quiet bay.

Highlights

• Black pebble beach framed by lava pinnacles
• Shipwreck remains from the Epine GY7, wrecked in 1948
• The traditional lifting stones of Djúpalónssandur
• The old fishing station cove at Dritvík

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Djúpalónssandur is in Snæfellsjökull National Park, reached by road 572, a short paved spur off Route 574 on the southwest side of the peninsula. There is a car park and toilets at the trailhead. From Reykjavík the drive takes roughly three hours. Public transport is limited, so a car or a Snæfellsnes day tour is the practical choice.

Where to stay

Hellnar and Arnarstapi to the east have guesthouses, a hotel and a campsite. Hellissandur, Rif and Ólafsvík on the north side are also close and offer more choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops.

Best time to hike

The walk is possible all year. Summer offers long days and calmer seas, while winter can bring dramatic waves, short daylight and icy paths. Avoid the beach during storms or when large swells are forecast. On clear days you may see Snæfellsjökull from the area.

Safety

Sneaker waves are the real hazard here. Waves can surge far up the steep pebble beach without warning; never turn your back on the sea, and keep children close. The lava paths can be icy in winter. Do not remove pebbles from the beach, which is protected. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for weather and surf warnings.