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Saxhóll? It might not be Iceland’s most famous stop, but if you’re exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this little volcanic crater is absolutely worth pulling over for. It’s just a short, 30-minute drive from the iconic Kirkjufell located in Snæfellsjökull National Park where you don’t have to look hard for amazing views, it’s beautiful everywhere, like a default setting you know.

We drove west from Kirkjufell, just enjoying the coastal views. What an amazing drive it was, pure icelandic scenery. Those massive green cliffs, scattered waterfalls, endless open skies, long coastlines, mossy lava fields, and not to forget, on-and-off rain with mist hanging in the air… that’s Iceland for you! 

We wanted to stop every few minutes. The views along Route 54 and Route 574 were just that beautiful. But the rain stopped us.

Still, we managed a quick stop at the Ólafsvík View Point for a panoramic view of the ocean, a cute little fishing village, distant mountains, and purple lupines blooming on the other side of the pull-off Those purple flower blankets you see everywhere in Iceland in early summer. We really wanted a picture with the flowers in the foreground and the village as the backdrop, but then the rain started again and visibility dropped. So, we hopped back in the car and kept going on Route 574.

Here’s a glimpse of the beautiful sights and stops we enjoyed along the way.

Not long after, Saxhóll Crater suddenly showed up. One minute we were cruising through lava plains, and the next, we saw this dark, rounded crater standing prominently, ready to be climbed.

There is a parking lot right at the base, and from there, you will see a metal staircase designed to protect delicate landscape, winding its way up the side of the crater. It’s about 400 steps to the top of Saxhóll Crater, sounds like a lot, right? But the climb is actually pretty manageable, even if you’re not super fit.

We were lucky this time, no rain, just some clouds and enough wind to remind us we were definitely in Iceland! As we climbed higher, the views just opened up. We could see everything, from endless lava fields to the Atlantic Ocean in the distance, from the slopes of Snæfellsjökull glacier to the deep, circular crater at the center. It took us about 30 to 35 minutes round trip, including enjoying the views and, of course, taking some photos.

Want to see what it looks like from the top? Here are our photos from Saxhóll Crater on June 18, 2025.

And don’t miss the Quick Facts and Tips below to help you plan your stop!

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Best time to visit:
  • Summer: Easy access and clearer skies.
  • Winter: Possible, but can be icy and windy, stairs might be slippery.
• Check road (road.is) and weather (vedur.is) conditions before heading out.
• Located along Route 574 in Snæfellsjökull National Park, just 30 minutes west of Kirkjufell and about 3.5 hours from Reykjavik. 
• No entrance fee, no parking fee, and no ticket machine or app needed.
• A short, well-maintained metal staircase with about 400 steps takes you to the summit and usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
• Dress in layers, it may be very windy, be prepared and dress accordingly.
• Drones are banned unless you have a permit, as Saxholl Crater is within Snæfellsjökull National Park.
• No restrooms or services on-site. The nearest towns, Hellissandur and Ólafsvík, have restrooms, gas stations, and places to eat.
• Wear good shoes! The metal stairs can be slick when wet. 
• Allow at least 30 minutes for the whole stop, including taking photos and enjoying the summit.
• Great for sunrise or sunset if you’re in the area at the right time, those golden skies make the lava fields glow.
• Bring water and snacks, and a fully charged camera.

Conclusion

Saxhóll does not try to impress you with waterfalls or glaciers, it’s simple, not crowded, and raw Icelandic geology at its best. If you’re already in West Iceland, don’t skip it. It’s one of those easy stops that really highlights Iceland’s volcanic power and wild beauty.