Region
Snaefellsnes
190 km from Reykjavik
Rif: Fishing Village on Snaefellsnes
A quiet fishing village on Snaefellsnes' northern coast, with good birdwatching and short drives to the peninsula's main sights.
Population
~150
Snaefellsnes • Fishing village
Rif is one of Iceland's many small, quiet fishing villages. It sits on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula next to the slightly larger Hellissandur, and works as a base for the coastline, craters, and glacier views of Snaefellsjokull National Park.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Services in Rif are limited. Stock up on supplies in Olafsvik or Stykkisholmur before exploring this part of the peninsula.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~150
Small fishing community
Known for
Birdwatching
Near Londrangar bird cliffs
Top Attractions near Rif
Londrangar Sea Stacks
Basalt pillars rising from the sea
Djupalonssandur Beach
Black pebble beach with lifting stones
Saxholl Crater
Easy climb to volcanic crater rim
Snaefellsjokull Glacier
Glacier-capped volcano
Hellissandur
Neighboring village with services
Ingjaldsholl Church
Historic church with coastal views
How to Get to Rif
From Reykjavik: 2.5-3 hours via Route 1 north, then Route 54 around Snaefellsnes. Rif is on Route 574 on the peninsula's north coast.
Peninsula circuit: Rif is a natural stop when driving the Snaefellsnes loop, between Olafsvik and Hellissandur.
Best Time to Visit Rif
Summer: Best for birdwatching and the coast. Long days leave time for the full peninsula loop.
Winter: Very quiet. Good for Northern Lights, though some roads may be difficult.
Planning help
Rif FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.