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
Quick Answer
Rif is a fishing village of about 150 people on the north coast of Snaefellsnes. Arctic terns nest nearby, and the Londrangar cliffs are a short drive away.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Services in Rif are limited. Stock up on supplies in Olafsvik or Stykkisholmur before exploring this part of the peninsula.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~150
Small fishing community
Known for
Birdwatching
Near Londrangar bird cliffs
Top Attractions near Rif
The Freezer
Theater and music venue in a former freezing plant
Svodufoss
Waterfall walk with a footbridge and viewing platform
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.
A waterfall walk and an evening in Rif
Svodufoss drops ten meters over basalt near Rif. The municipality describes a parking area, benches along the approach, a footbridge and a viewing platform, with about 30 minutes to walk from the parking area to the waterfall. Leave time for the return walk as well as the stop at the platform. Snaefellsjokull stands behind the falls when visibility allows.
The Freezer, or Frystiklefinn, occupies a former freezing plant at Hafnargata 16 in Rif. Founded by Kari Vidarsson in 2010, it hosts theater, music and other events. Contact info@thefreezerhostel.com or +354 833 8200 for the program on your dates before building an evening around it; the municipal description does not establish a daily performance schedule.
Planning help
Rif FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Rif?
Rif has approximately 150 residents. It's a small fishing village on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Is Rif still an active fishing village?
Yes, Rif maintains its fishing heritage with a small harbor. The village is quieter than in past decades but fishing remains important.
Is Rif good for birdwatching?
Yes, the Rif area and nearby Londrangar cliffs are good for birdwatching, with seabirds including Arctic terns and sometimes puffins.
How close is Rif to Hellissandur?
Rif and Hellissandur are neighboring villages, just 2 km apart. They effectively function as a combined community on the peninsula's north coast.
How far is Rif from Reykjavik?
Rif is about 190 km from Reykjavik, approximately 2.5-3 hours by car via Route 54.
Can I see Snaefellsjokull from Rif?
Yes, Rif has views of Snaefellsjokull glacier to the south. The glacier dominates the landscape of this part of the peninsula.
What attractions are near Rif?
The Freezer arts venue is in Rif, and Svodufoss is nearby. Longer drives reach Saxholl crater, Djupalonssandur and other Snaefellsjokull National Park stops.
What services are available in Rif?
Rif is small with limited services. For most amenities, visitors go to Olafsvik or Hellissandur. Basic accommodation is available.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.