Snaefellsjokull is a glacier-capped volcano at the western tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, rising to 1,446 metres above the sea. On a clear day you can see it from Reykjavik, across the bay, a white dome floating above the horizon, and it is easily the most striking sight on the peninsula. Jules Verne chose it as the entrance for his Journey to the Centre of the Earth, which has helped to cement its fame, and many Icelanders believe the mountain has a special energy.
The volcano is still considered active, although it has not erupted for a very long time, and the ice cap is shrinking steadily. Around its base lies a landscape of black lava, moss, ash and craters, protected inside the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Route 574, which circles the western end of the peninsula, gives you the best access, and the views of the glacier change with every bend.
Along the coast to the south-west you can visit Djupalonssandur, a black pebble beach among jagged lava formations, where four lifting stones of different weights were used by fishermen to test their strength before being hired for a boat. The rusted remains of a trawler that was wrecked in the 1940s still lie scattered on the shore. Nearby, the tall rock pillars of Londrangar rise from the sea cliffs, the remains of volcanic plugs, and are home to colonies of seabirds.
The riding here is memorable. The road is mostly paved and well maintained, with open curves, long sight lines and quiet stretches, though some parts are rough and gravelly. The weather can change quickly, with cloud often hiding the summit and strong wind gusting from the sea.
Bring layers, because the temperature drops sharply with the wind, and enjoy the extraordinary scenery.