About This Experience

Arnarstapi sits on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, tucked beneath the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The village itself is tiny — a handful of houses and a small harbour carved into the basalt — but the coastline here is extraordinary.

The cliffs are built from columnar basalt, shaped by the Atlantic into arches, caves, and jagged formations that look like they belong in a fantasy film. Gatklettur, a massive stone arch rising from the sea, is the headline act. Fulmars and kittiwakes nest in every crevice, and on a calm day you can hear the waves echoing through the sea caves below.

The coastal path to Hellnar runs along the cliff edge for about 2.5 km, with the glacier looming behind you and the ocean crashing below. At the other end, Hellnar has a small café in a converted fisherman's hut where you can sit with coffee and watch the surf.

What to Expect

The trail starts near the Bárður Snæfellsás statue — a large sculpture of the half-man, half-troll figure from local saga — and follows the cliff top south toward Hellnar. The path is well-marked and mostly flat, though a few sections near the cliff edge require attention.

Along the way, you pass several viewpoints over the basalt formations and bird cliffs. The most dramatic section is around Gatklettur, where the path drops slightly to give you a clear view of the arch framing the ocean beyond. On sunny days, the contrast between the black rock, white surf, and green moss is striking.

At Hellnar, you can return the same way or arrange a pickup. Most people walk back — the views are different in reverse, and you notice details you missed the first time.

Practical Tips

• The path is flat and well-marked but unfenced along cliff edges — watch your footing
• Wear sturdy shoes; the lava rock can be uneven
• Seabirds nest here from April to August — bring binoculars
• The Fjöruhúsið café in Hellnar serves soup and coffee with ocean views
• Parking is free at Arnarstapi; there are public toilets near the harbour
• Combine with Djúpalónssandur beach (35 km west) for a full Snæfellsnes day
• The drive from Reykjavik takes about 2.5 hours via Route 54
• Wind can be fierce along the coast even on calm days — bring a windproof layer