Rif

A tiny harbour village of arctic terns and sea air.

HomeDestinationsWest IcelandRif

Welcome to Rif

Rif is a small fishing village near the tip of Snaefellsnes, known for its busy harbour and the clouds of arctic terns that nest nearby in summer.

It sits between Olafsvik and Hellissandur, a quiet stop close to the national park.

How to get there

The Snaefellsnes peninsula reaches west into the sea about two hours from Reykjavik, an easy and rewarding self drive at any time of year.

Region: West Iceland
Type: Village
Best for: Birdwatching, harbours, quiet stops
Best time: May to September
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
Browse tours →
Rif

What to see and do

The places and moments worth slowing down for.

Harbour

A small, active fishing harbour by the sea.

Arctic terns

Summer colonies wheeling over the shore.

Ingjaldsholl

A historic concrete church with sweeping views.

Tours & activities

Local experiences in and around Rif. Reserve in minutes once booking goes live.

We are connecting local operators across Iceland through Bokun so you can book trusted tours and activities near Rif in a few clicks. Live pricing and instant booking arrive with our marketplace.

See all tours →

Nearby and worth pairing

Other places within easy reach for a longer trip.

More in West Iceland → All destinations →

Good to know

Quick answers for planning your visit.

Where is Rif?

Rif is in West Iceland, Iceland. It is on the northwest tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

What is Rif known for?

Rif is known for its fishing harbour, large arctic tern colony, the historic Ingjaldsholl church and its place near Snaefellsjokull National Park.

When is the best time to visit Rif?

The best time to visit is may to September, and every season here has its own character.

How long should I spend at Rif?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours here, depending on the weather and how much of the surroundings you want to explore.

Start planning your trip

Tell us your dates and we will help you build the perfect route.

Get trip advice →