Snæfellsjökull: The Volcano Jules Verne Chose

Standing sentinel over Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Snæfellsjökull rises 1,446 metres from sea level as one of the country's most recognisable landmarks. This stratovolcano, crowned with a glacier bearing the same name, earned literary immortality when Jules Verne chose it as the entrance to the centre of the Earth in his 1864 novel. Yet beyond its fictional fame, Snæfellsjökull represents one of Iceland's most accessible volcanic adventures and a geological wonder shaped by 700,000 years of eruptions.

The mountain's dramatic profile dominates the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visible from Reykjavík on clear days across Faxaflói Bay, 120 kilometres to the southeast. Its perfectly symmetrical cone, sculpted by countless eruptions and glacial activity, has captivated visitors for centuries—earning it the nickname "Iceland's Mount Fuji" amongst photographers and climbers alike.

Geological Masterpiece

Snæfellsjökull belongs to the Snæfellsnes Volcanic Belt, a zone of intense geological activity that extends across the peninsula. Unlike the active rift zones that dominate Iceland's interior, this volcanic system operates as a flank zone, creating the distinctive stratovolcano formation through alternating layers of lava flows, tephra, and volcanic rocks.

The volcano's last confirmed eruption occurred approximately 1,800 years ago, though volcanic tremors and geothermal activity continue beneath the glacier. The summit supports a 11-square-kilometre ice cap with several outlet glaciers, including the prominent Krossárjökull flowing down the southern slope. This glacier has retreated significantly since the Little Ice Age, losing roughly 15% of its mass over the past century—a visible reminder of changing climate patterns.

Beneath the ice, three distinct crater rims mark different eruptive periods. The highest point, Goðaborg, offers commanding views across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula when weather permits. The mountain's geological diversity includes basaltic andesite, olivine tholeiite, and distinctive columnar jointing visible along several cliff faces—features that make it a natural laboratory for volcanologists studying Icelandic geology.

Jules Verne's Literary Legacy

In "Journey to the Centre of the Earth," Professor Otto Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel descend into Snæfellsjökull's crater following cryptic directions from a 16th-century Icelandic manuscript. Verne's choice wasn't arbitrary—he extensively researched Icelandic geology and selected Snæfellsjökull for its mysterious profile and remote location at the edge of the known world.

The novel's publication sparked international fascination with Iceland, contributing to the country's emergence as a tourist destination. Verne never visited Iceland himself, yet his descriptions of the mountain's imposing presence and the harsh beauty of the surrounding landscape proved remarkably accurate. Today, literary pilgrims regularly attempt to locate the specific crater mentioned in the book, though Verne's fictional "Scartaris" crater corresponds to no single geological feature.

A memorial plaque near the summit commemorates Verne's literary contribution, whilst the nearby village of Hellnar celebrates its connection to the novel with themed accommodation and guided tours exploring the "Verne Route" around the mountain's base.

Climbing Snæfellsjökull

The ascent of Snæfellsjökull ranks as one of Iceland's most rewarding yet challenging glacier climbs, typically requiring 8-12 hours for the complete journey. The standard route begins from the Snæfellsjökull National Park visitor centre at Hellnar, though most guided expeditions start from the mountain's eastern approach via Route 570.

Essential Climbing Information

Professional guide services operate from May through September, with peak conditions typically occurring in June and July. Iceland Mountain Guides and Icelandic Mountain Company offer comprehensive day trips including glacier equipment, costing approximately 35,000-45,000 ISK (€240-310, $270-350) per person. These tours include crampons, ice axes, helmets, and safety ropes—essential equipment for navigating crevassed glacier terrain.

Independent climbers must possess extensive glacier experience and proper equipment. Weather conditions change rapidly, and whiteout conditions are common even during summer months. The Icelandic Met Office (Vedur.is) provides essential weather forecasts, whilst Safetravel.is offers comprehensive safety guidelines.

The final summit approach requires technical glacier travel skills, with several crevasse fields and steep ice sections demanding careful route-finding. The reward includes panoramic views extending to Greenland on exceptionally clear days, encompassing the Westfjords, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the vast Atlantic beyond.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Established in 2001, Snæfellsjökull National Park protects 170 square kilometres surrounding the volcano, encompassing diverse coastal and highland ecosystems. The park extends from the glacier summit to dramatic coastal cliffs, lava fields, and black sand beaches that showcase the region's volcanic heritage.

Key Attractions Within the Park

**Djúpalónssandur Beach** features the famous "lifting stones"—four basalt rocks traditionally used to test the strength of local fishermen. The 23-kilogram Fullsterkur (Full Strength), 54-kilogram Hálfsterkur (Half Strength), 100-kilogram Hálfdrættingur (Weakling), and 154-kilogram Fulldrættingur (Useless) provided employment criteria for fishing crews. Remnants of the British trawler Epine GY7, wrecked here in 1948, scatter across the beach as a maritime memorial.

**Hellnar and Arnarstapi villages** serve as traditional access points to the mountain, connected by a scenic 2.5-kilometre coastal walk along spectacular cliff formations. The path passes through Gatklettur, a natural stone arch, and offers excellent opportunities to observe Arctic terns, fulmars, and occasionally Arctic foxes.

**Vatnshellir Cave**, a 8,000-year-old lava tube, extends 200 metres underground and provides guided tours year-round. The 35-minute tours cost 3,500 ISK (€24, $27) for adults and reveal impressive lava formations and underground chambers reaching depths of 35 metres.

Practical Visitor Information

Route 54 provides excellent road access to Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavík, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours via Borgarnes. The mountain serves as the terminus of the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula drive, often called "Iceland in Miniature" for its compressed geological diversity.

**Accommodation** ranges from basic camping at Hellnar (1,500 ISK/€10/$11 per person) to luxury options like Hotel Búðir (45,000-65,000 ISK/€310-450/$350-500 per night), situated 15 kilometres southeast with direct mountain views.

**Best visiting months** span May through September for hiking and climbing, whilst the aurora season (September-March) offers exceptional northern lights viewing opportunities with the mountain providing a dramatic foreground.

The mountain's mystical reputation extends beyond geology and literature—locals consider Snæfellsjökull one of Iceland's primary energy centres, attracting spiritual seekers alongside adventurous travellers. Whether pursuing Verne's fictional journey, attempting the glacier summit, or simply contemplating its imposing presence from coastal viewpoints, Snæfellsjökull offers a profound encounter with Iceland's volcanic soul, where literary imagination and geological reality converge beneath the northern lights.

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