Arnarstapi Coastal Cliffs
Dramatic basalt sea arches and cliffs with Gatklettur arch, seabird colonies, and coastal trail to Hellnar.
About
About Arnarstapi Coastal Cliffs
Dramatic basalt sea arches and cliffs with Gatklettur arch, seabird colonies, and coastal trail to Hellnar.
Walk along dramatic basalt cliffs with sea arches and seabird colonies — one of Snæfellsnes' most beautiful coastal spots.
Tours Near Arnarstapi Coastal Cliffs
Buggy tours around Snæfellsjökull. 2 hour tour
Glacier Paradise · 2 hours 30 minutes
Buggy tours around Snæfellsjökull. 1 hour tour
Glacier Paradise · 1 hour
Into The Glacier - With Snowmobiling From Klaki Base Camp
Arctic Adventures · 2 hours 30 minutes
Private Farm Visit & Silver Circle Day Tour in West Iceland
Rest in the West · 12 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Key features: - Basalt sea cliffs and arches - **Gatklettur**: Natural basalt arch (keyhole-shaped) - Seabird nesting colonies - Bárður statue (half-troll guardian) - Harbor and tiny village Coastal trail to Hellnar: - Distance: 2.5 km one-way - Duration: 45-60 minutes - Scenery: Basalt cliffs, lava fields, sea caves, ocean views, glacier backdrop - Easy, well-marked trail Wildlife: - Fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills nesting - Seals offshore Access: - Route 574 on Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Parking at Arnarstapi village - Café and guesthouse - Year-round access - Free Combine with: Hellnar (coastal walk), Lóndrangar, Djúpalónssandur, Snæfellsjökull Visit duration: 1-2 hours (cliffs + coastal walk to Hellnar). Nearby: Hellnar (2.5 km), Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Arnarstapi is located on the southern coast of Snæfellsnes Peninsula beneath Snæfellsjökull glacier. Key features: - Basalt sea cliffs and arches - **Gatklettur**: Natural basalt arch (keyhole-shaped) - Seabird nesting colonies - Bárður statue (half-troll guardian) - Harbor and tiny village Coastal trail to Hellnar: - Distance: 2.5 km one-way - Duration: 45-60 minutes - Scenery: Basalt cliffs, lava fields, sea caves, ocean views, glacier backdrop - Easy, well-marked trail Wildlife: - Fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills nesting - Seals offshore Access: - Route 574 on Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Parking at Arnarstapi village - Café and guesthouse - Year-round access - Free Combine with: Hellnar (coastal walk), Lóndrangar, Djúpalónssandur, Snæfellsjökull Visit duration: 1-2 hours (cliffs + coastal walk to Hellnar). Nearby: Hellnar (2.5 km), Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Arnarstapi was once a major fishing village. Today it's a tiny settlement famous for dramatic coastal cliffs and rock formations. Gatklettur ('hole rock') is a natural basalt arch carved by waves. Seabirds nest on cliff ledges — fulmars, kittiwakes, ravens. A statue of Bárður Snæfellsás (half-troll guardian of Snæfellsnes) watches over the harbor. The coastal walk to Hellnar (2.5 km) is one of Iceland's most beautiful short hikes: basalt formations, sea caves, lava fields, ocean views, and Snæfellsjökull glacier backdrop.
Did You Know?
Bárður Snæfellsás, Snæfellsnes' legendary half-troll guardian, has a statue in Arnarstapi — he protected the peninsula in Icelandic sagas.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a dramatic coastal settlement tied to Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, where Þorkell rauðfeldur is said to have claimed land and where key figures in the saga grew up, returned, and carried news of tragedy, making the place more than a scenic landmark beneath Snæfellsjökull — it is a setting woven directly into the movements, family ties, anger, loss, and memory that shape the saga’s events and connect the modern village to Iceland’s medieval storytelling tradition.
Bárðarlaug
Bárðarlaug is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Breiðavík
Breiðavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Eyrbyggja saga, Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Hreiðarsgerði
Hreiðarsgerði is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Off-Peak Visit
Visit this attraction during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
Changing Light
this attraction looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More