Stays in Ólafsvík
Ólafsvík is a fishing town on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, under the western slopes that lead to Snæfellsjökull, and the place I would sleep for a whale-watching trip: boats leave from its harbour, and tour operators put orcas most often between February and early July, male sperm whales from March to June in deeper water, and pilot whales from July into autumn. That makes it one of the few places where a winter or spring trip has a real wildlife reason, never a guarantee. It also places you on the national park side of the peninsula, while Kirkjufell is further east, in Grundarfjörður. We list seven stays, averaging 8.8 out of 10 over 2,611 guest reviews. Við Hafið Oceanfront Guesthouse is the most reviewed, with 1,489 and a score of 8.5, with sea or mountain views and a spa lounge. Hotel Vest Mar (8.7) has apartments with kitchenettes, a good fit for a couple of nights, and Olafsvik Guesthouse (8.4) has family rooms with private bathrooms. For a group or a family, Grund (9.6, 115 reviews) is a renovated two-bedroom apartment and Maggys Home a three-bedroom house, scored 9.6 from only eight reviews. Restaurants are few and hours short outside summer, so a stay with a kitchen makes the evenings easier.
Ólafsvík, nestled on the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is a picturesque fishing village that serves as an excellent gateway to the dramatic landscapes of West Iceland. This serene destination is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature, offering easy access to the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier and the diverse ecosystems of the national park. Visitors will find a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses with sea views to spacious apartments, many equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. The town's coastal charm and proximity to outdoor activities make it a compelling choice for those looking to experience Iceland's raw beauty.
Ólafsvík in numbers
Glacier viewGrund in Ólafsvík
Spacious apartment with sea views, an indoor pool, and a garden
Why guests love itI would choose Grund in Ólafsvík for a longer stay with space, since the renovated apartment has two bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. There is an indoor swimming pool, a garden and sea views, and free Wi-Fi, a minimarket, a coffee shop and outdoor seating are listed. Pets are welcome. Guests rate it 9.6 across 115 reviews, and I would pick it for a family or two couples who want a calm, home-like base.
CoastalMaggys Home
Spacious, pet-friendly holiday home with sea views and a garden
Why guests love itMaggys Home is a spacious, recently renovated holiday home in Ólafsvík with three bedrooms and a living room. It has a sun terrace with sea and mountain views, a garden and free WiFi. Pets are welcome, family rooms are available and a laundry service is offered. Guests rate it 9.6 across only 8 reviews, so the score is encouraging rather than long established.
Glacier viewHotel Vest Mar
Spacious apartments with kitchenettes near Snæfellsjökull National Park
Why guests love itHotel Vest Mar is in the fishing village of Ólafsvík, close to Snæfellsjökull National Park, with spacious apartments that have a kitchenette, a seating area and a dining area. A restaurant is on site, self-check-in is available, and Wi-Fi is free in public areas. Guests rate it 8.7 across 473 reviews, and I would pick it for travellers exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula who want an apartment with a kitchenette.
CoastalBlack pearl
Pet-friendly apartment with sea views, a garden, and a restaurant
Why guests love itBlack pearl is a one-bedroom apartment in Ólafsvík, but family rooms are offered too, so I would ask which unit fits before booking with children. The kitchenette, garden and terrace cover simple days, and the views take in the sea, the mountains and a pool. A restaurant and a minimarket on site save a drive for dinner or supplies. Pets are welcome. Ólafsvík is a fishing town on the north coast of Snæfellsnes, close to the national park.
CoastalVið Hafið Oceanfront Guesthouse
Coastal guesthouse with sea views, a spa lounge, and family rooms
Why guests love itVið Hafið Oceanfront Guesthouse sits on the seafront in Ólafsvík, and its rooms look out over the sea or the mountains. Family rooms, free WiFi and a spa lounge cover the basics for a stay with children or as a couple. Snæfellsjökull National Park is 10 km away, with golfing and horse riding nearby for slower days. With 1,489 reviews and an 8.5 score, I recommend it as a simple, well-placed base on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Northern LightsAurora cozy Apartments
Cozy apartment with garden views, ideal for couples and pets
Why guests love itI would choose Aurora Cozy Apartments for a pet-friendly, self-catering stay in Ólafsvík. The one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment has a living room, a private entrance, garden views, a kitchenette and a washing machine. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are included, with mountains nearby. Guests rate it 8.5 across 73 reviews, so I would expect a simple, practical unit, best for a couple with a pet.
CoastalOlafsvik Guesthouse
Family-friendly guesthouse with sea views and a shared kitchen in Ólafsvík
Why guests love itOlafsvik Guesthouse in Ólafsvík has family rooms with private bathrooms, a dining area and a refrigerator. Sea views can be enjoyed from the garden, the terrace or the balcony, and guests share a kitchen and a lounge. Free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, on-site parking and a children's playground are included. Guests rate it 8.4 across 419 reviews, and I would pick it for families.
What to expect
- Gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park, offering glacier and coastal explorations.
- Charming fishing village atmosphere with local restaurants and services.
- Opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and bird watching along the coast.
- Variety of guesthouses and apartments, many with sea or mountain views.
- Peaceful setting, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Local tips
- Rent a car to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at your own pace, public transport is limited.
- Expect quick weather changes, even in summer, and pack layers.
- Book excursions such as whale watching or glacier tours ahead, especially in high season.
- Try fresh seafood in the village restaurants.
- Use the long summer days for exploring, or the dark winter nights for the northern lights.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Which areas are best for staying in Ólafsvík?
Most accommodation in Ólafsvík is grouped around the harbour and the village centre. Staying near the shore often brings sea views and easy access to local services, and because the village is small, almost everything can be reached on foot within a few minutes.
What types of accommodation are there in Ólafsvík?
Ólafsvík offers spacious holiday homes, modern apartments and simple guesthouses. Many have equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi and sea or mountain views, which suits families, couples and solo travellers who want to cook their own meals on the peninsula.
When is the best time to visit Ólafsvík?
It depends on your interests. Summer, from June to August, is best for long days, hiking and whale watching. Winter, from October to March, brings snowy landscapes and a chance of northern lights, although some roads on the peninsula can be difficult.
Where should you stay in Ólafsvík to explore Snæfellsjökull National Park?
Ólafsvík is a good base for Snæfellsjökull National Park, whose boundary is about ten minutes away by car. Staying in the village gives easy access to the park's main sights while keeping the shops and services of a small coastal town close at hand.