Gatklettur
A wave-carved basalt sea arch on the Arnarstapi coast, reached along the scenic coastal path toward Hellnar.
About
About Gatklettur
A wave-carved basalt sea arch on the Arnarstapi coast, reached along the scenic coastal path toward Hellnar.
See one of Snæfellsnes' best-known sea arches while walking a dramatic stretch of lava coastline between Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
Photos
Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
Gatklettur is primarily a geological landmark rather than a built or archaeological site. Its form records the ongoing erosion of the volcanic Snæfellsnes coastline, where waves, frost and weather gradually break down lava formations and leave arches, caves and sea stacks behind.
Gatklettur is a naturally eroded basalt arch on the southern Snæfellsnes coast near Arnarstapi. It sits within a rugged shoreline of lava cliffs, sea stacks and small coves shaped by repeated Atlantic wave action. The arch is a remnant of more resistant volcanic rock in which the sea has opened a large hole over time. The popular coastal route between Arnarstapi and Hellnar passes through this landscape and provides several viewpoints over Gatklettur and the surrounding cliffs. In summer, seabirds add movement and sound to the coast, while outside the main season the exposed shoreline can feel especially dramatic. The site is best experienced as part of the coastal walk rather than as a single roadside photo stop.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Gatklettur shows how the Atlantic is still reshaping the Snæfellsnes coast. Waves exploit fractures in the basalt, gradually enlarging them until arches and isolated sea stacks remain. The result is a compact but striking example of the same erosion that has sculpted the wider Arnarstapi coastline.
💡 Did You Know?
Gatklettur is the eroded remnant of a volcanic rock intrusion; the sea has opened a large window through the harder basalt.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi 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.
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.
Location
📍 Location
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