With Eryri National Park on the doorstep, The Royal Victoria Hotel makes a great base for exploring the region by car, whether you want to discover picturesque villages, waterfalls, historic landmarks or simply explore Eryri (Snowdonia).
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in Eryri (Snowdonia) by car from Llanberis, along with suggested driving routes to help you make the most of your time in Eryri.
Travel time guide
| Route | Travel time from Llanberis | Road |
|---|---|---|
| Llanberis Pass | 10–15 minutes | A4086 |
| Llyn Ogwen | 30–35 minutes | A5 |
| Capel Curig & Llynnau Mymbyr | 25–30 minutes | A5 & A4086 |
| Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls | 25–35 minutes | A5 & A4086 |
| Nant Gwynant and Llyn Gwynant | 25–35 minutes | A498 & A4086 |
| Beddgelert | 30–35 minutes | A498 & A4086 |
Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, weather and seasonal conditions.
Llanberis Pass
One of the most dramatic scenic drives in Snowdonia, Llanberis Pass winds through the heart of Eryri, with steep mountain slopes rising on either side of the road and impressive views around every bend.
From Llanberis, follow the A4086 towards Pen-y-Pass, passing through a landscape shaped by mountains and valleys. It is a brilliant introduction to Eryri by car and an easy route to include at the start of a wider day exploring the National Park.
Llyn Ogwen
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Tryfan and the Glyderau, Llyn Ogwen is one of Eryri’s most impressive roadside stops. The journey from Llanberis takes you through the Llanberis Pass and Capel Curig before joining the A5 through the spectacular Ogwen Valley.
Once you arrive, there are beautiful views across the lake and towards the surrounding mountains, making it worth stopping rather than just driving through. If you fancy stretching your legs, there are also walking routes around the lake offering views of Tryfan and the Glyderau.
Capel Curig and Llynnau Mymbyr
Set in the heart of Eryri National Park, Capel Curig is a small mountain village surrounded by mountain peaks, open countryside and some of North Wales’ most striking scenery. Sittingat the junction of the A5 and A4086, it makes a convenient stopping point whileexploring Eryri by car and is especially popular with walkers, climbers andoutdoor enthusiasts.
Just a short drive from the village are Llynnau Mymbyr, a pair of beautiful lakes stretching through the valley beneath the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, the lakes offer spectacular views towards Yr Wyddfa and are a great place to stop, take in the scenery andenjoy a quieter side of Eryri.
Together, Capel Curig and Llynnau Mymbyr make an ideal scenic trip for anyone looking toexperience the mountains and lakes of North Wales without needing to venture far from the road.
Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
Often referred to as the “Gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia)”, Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque village surrounded by woodland, rivers and mountain scenery. Its central location makes it a popular stopping point for visitors exploring Eryri National Park, with plenty of cafés, independent shops and scenic spots to enjoy along the way.
Just a short drive from the village is Swallow Falls, one of North Wales’ best-known waterfalls. Set on the River Llugwy, the water creates an impressive sight after periods of rainfall.
Together, Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls offer a great mix of village charm and naturalbeauty, making them a great addition to a scenic drive through Eryri.
Nant Gwynant and Llyn Gwynant
Nant Gwynant is one of Eryri’s most scenic valleys, with a winding road that passes beneath mountain slopes and alongside the waters of Llyn Gwynant. The drive offers plenty of impressive views, making it a worthwhile route whether you are stopping along the way or simply enjoying the scenery from the car.
Llyn Gwynant itself is surrounded by woodland and mountains, creating a peaceful contrast to some of Eryri’s busier visitor spots. There are several places nearby where you can stop to take in the landscape, enjoy a short walk or simply spend some time near the water.
From Llanberis, the route through Nant Gwynant can be combined with a drive throughLlanberis Pass, making it an easy addition to a wider day exploring some of the best places to visit in Eryri (Snowdonia) by car.
Beddgelert
Surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Eryri, Beddgelert is a picturesque Welsh village that makes a natural stopping point on a scenic drive from Llanberis. The journey takes you through Nant Gwynant, with impressive mountain and lakeside scenery to enjoy along the way.
Beddgelert is a great place to break up your drive and spend some time exploring beforecontinuing through Rhyd-Ddu and back towards Llanberis. Combined with the surrounding valleys and mountain views, it offers a quieter way to experience this beautiful part of Eryri by car.
Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog
Dolwyddelan is a small village surrounded by valleys and mountain scenery, with the ruins of Dolwyddelan Castle overlooking the area. It makes a peaceful stop before continuing towards Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Blaenau Ffestiniog has a very different character, shaped by the slate industry that once dominated the town and surrounding landscape. Its dramatic quarries, steep hillsides and industrial heritage make it one of the most distinctive places to visit in this part of Eryri.
Scenic Driving Routes in Eryri (Snowdonia)
If you’re looking for places to visit in Eryri (Snowdonia) by car, a scenic drive is a great way to experience more of the National Park in a single day. From dramatic mountain passes and peaceful lakes to picturesque villages and waterfalls, these three circular routes all start and finish in Llanberis, making it easy to explore some of the area’s most memorable scenery.
| Route | Stops | Round-trip time |
|---|---|---|
| Mountains & Lakes | Llanberis, Llanberis Pass, Capel Curig, Llyn Ogwen, Llanberis | 1 hr–1 hr 25 mins |
| Villages & Valleys | Llanberis, Nant Gwynant, Beddgelert, Rhyd-Ddu, Llanberis | 1 hr 20 mins–1 hr 35 mins |
| Waterfalls & Heritage | Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls, Dolwyddelan, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanberis | 1 hr 40 mins–2 hrs |
Round-trip times are approximate and do not include time spent at each stop. Journey times may vary depending on traffic, weather and seasonal conditions.
Our Top Tips
For Dramatic Mountain Scenery
Take in some of Eryri’s most dramatic scenery on the circular drive through Llanberis Pass and Capel Curig, before reaching the shores of Llyn Ogwen. You can expect towering mountain views, peaceful lakes and plenty of places to stop for sightseeing and photographs along the way.
For Lake and Mountain Views
Discover a quieter side of Eryri as you travel through Nant Gwynant to the picturesque village of Beddgelert, before continuing through Rhyd-Ddu and back to Llanberis. This route combines beautiful valleys, traditional Welsh villages and sweeping mountain scenery.
For a Scenic Village Stop Full of Welsh Heritage
Explore some of North Wales’ best-known natural and historic sights, travelling through Betws-y-Coed to the spectacular Swallow Falls, before continuing through Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Along the way, you’ll experience wooded valleys, cascading water and landscapes shaped by centuries of Welsh history.
Make The Royal Victoria Hotel Your Base for Exploring Eryri
With mountain passes, lakes, villages and some of Eryri’s best-known sights all within easy driving distance, Llanberis is an ideal base for exploring the National Park by car.
Set at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), The Royal Victoria Hotel is one of the closest hotels to Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon’s) main walking routes, putting you right at the starting point for your Eryri adventure. Spend the day following one of the scenic routes above, then return to Llanberis to relax, dine and recharge before discovering somewhere new the next day.
Book your stay directly with The Royal Victoria Hotel for our best available rate and start planning your Eryri escape.