3 Best Sights in Snæfellsöræfi, East Iceland and the Eastfjords

South of Snæfell is the spectacular Eyjabakkajökull, the northeasternmost glacial outlet of Vatnajökull glacier. It’s a bumpy 50-minute ride from the Snæfell mountain hut all the way down to the edge of the glacier, but well worth traveling the few extra miles. The F909 mountain route is only suitable for vehicles with 4WDs. At the end of the road, there’s a car park and a visitors’ trail (marked out annually depending on changes to the glacier).

Dubbed the king of all mountains in Iceland, Snæfell, which translates as “snow mountain,” is Iceland's highest peak not sitting under a glacier, with a summit reaching 1,833 meters (6,014 feet). While its status as a “probably extinct” volcano is still a topic for debate, no one disputes its beauty. Those visiting Snæfell, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park, may encounter wild reindeer who have made the deserted expanses around the mountain their primary habitat. The route to the rangers' hut at the base of the mountain is accessible only by vehicles with 4WD.

On the way to Eyjabakkajökull, take the right turn at the Bjálfafell signpost for truly spectacular views over the pristine wilderness west of Snæfell known as Vesturöræfi. Here you can see the broad edge of the Brúarjökull glacier tongue to the west, and Eyjabakkajökull to the east.