Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a tiny fishing village perched at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull volcano, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Its black basalt cliffs, natural sea arches and puffin colonies make it one of the most photographed stops on the peninsula. The site also serves as a starting point for hikes to the glacier and coastal trails leading to Hellnar.

Essential information at a glance

• Access: Route 574, on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula; car rental recommended.
• Suggested duration: 1 to 2 hours for the coastal trail and cliffs.
• Admission: Free access to the village and coastal trail.
• What to wear: Waterproof hiking boots; strong winds are frequent.

What you'll see

Arnarstapi's harbour is framed by basalt columns and arches sculpted by marine erosion. The statue of Bárður Snæfellsás — a figure caught between man and troll in Icelandic mythology — watches over the village. The cliffs shelter thousands of seabirds: puffins, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes nest in the crevices of the lava formations.

History and context

Arnarstapi was once an active trading port connecting the peninsula to the rest of Iceland. The village is intimately linked to the legend of Bárður Snæfellsás, guardian of the glacier according to Icelandic sagas. Jules Verne set the entrance to Journey to the Centre of the Earth in the nearby Snæfellsjökull, adding a literary dimension to the site.

Highlights of your visit

The coastal trail to Hellnar

A well-marked 2.5 km trail runs along the cliffs between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The path winds above sea caves, arches and coves where waves crash with dramatic force. The walk is accessible and offers constant views of the glacier.

Basalt arches and columns

Just east of the harbour, a natural basalt arch rises from the sea. The hexagonal columns, formed by the slow cooling of lava, create striking geometric patterns at water's edge.

The statue of Bárður Snæfellsás

Sculpted by Ragnar Kjartansson, this stone figure towers over the village entrance. It represents the half-troll protector of Snæfellsnes, a central figure in local sagas.

Birdwatching

From May to August, the cliffs come alive with nesting colonies. Puffins — recognizable by their colourful beaks — are visible at close range from the coastal trail.

Photography tips

Golden late-afternoon light illuminates the basalt cliffs from the west. To photograph puffins, approach slowly and stay on the marked trail. The basalt arch frames well from the edge of the harbour, with the glacier in the background on clear days. In winter, the northern lights may appear above Snæfellsjökull.

Location and access

Arnarstapi sits on Route 574, on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The town of Stykkishólmur, the peninsula's main settlement, lies to the north. No regular public transport serves the village; a rental car is essential. The car park by the harbour is free. The coastal trail is walkable but not wheelchair-accessible due to the rocky terrain.

Nearby attractions

• Hellnar — Neighbouring village 2.5 km along the coastal trail, with a sheltered cove and café.
• Snæfellsjökull — Glacier-volcano designated as a national park, visible from the village and accessible by guided excursion.
• Djúpalónssandur — Black pebble beach and shipwreck remains, to the west on the same road.
• Lóndrangar — Two isolated volcanic peaks on the coast, between Arnarstapi and Djúpalónssandur.
• Stykkishólmur — Colourful port town to the north of the peninsula, departure point for ferries to the West Fjords.