Region
Snaefellsnes
180 km from Reykjavik
Arnarstapi: Cliffs and Coastal Trail
A tiny coastal hamlet on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, with basalt cliffs, the Bardur Snaefellsas statue, and views of Snaefellsjokull glacier.
Population
~30
Snaefellsnes • Coastal cliffs
Quick Answer
Arnarstapi on Snaefellsnes has basalt cliffs, the Gatklettur stone arch, the Bardur Snaefellsas statue, and a 2.5 km coastal trail to Hellnar under the glacier.
Arnarstapi was once a busy trading port, but today this small village is known for its coastal scenery. Basalt cliffs, natural stone arches, and sea caves line the shore, with Snaefellsjokull glacier rising behind the village.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on marked trails along the cliffs. Some areas have nesting birds during summer; keep your distance.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~30
Former trading port
Known for
Coastal cliffs
Stone arches and sea caves
Top Attractions near Arnarstapi
Bardur Snaefellsas Statue
Sculpture of the legendary half-troll guardian
Gatklettur Stone Arch
Natural basalt arch in the sea
Coastal Trail to Hellnar
Scenic 2.5 km cliff walk
Snaefellsjokull Glacier
Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'
Bird Cliffs
Seabird nesting sites along the coast
Vatnshellir Cave
Lava tube cave nearby
How to Get to Arnarstapi
From Reykjavik: 2.5 hours via Route 1 north, then Route 54 around Snaefellsnes peninsula. The final stretch is on paved secondary roads.
Snaefellsnes tours: Many day tours from Reykjavik include Arnarstapi as a key stop on the peninsula circuit.
Best Time to Visit Arnarstapi
Summer: Best for coastal hiking and birdwatching. Long days allow exploration of the peninsula.
Winter: Fewer crowds and potential Northern Lights. Some roads may be icy.
Choose the village paths or the walk to Hellnar
Visit West Iceland lists a separate Bárður Snæfellsás walking route in Arnarstapi, with signs at its start, paving and other surfaces, and no lighting. Use that route’s map for a village walk; its accessibility description does not describe the whole coastal trail to Hellnar.
The longer coastal connection passes lava formations, old fishermen’s landing places and seabird colonies. The regional tourism authority dates protection of the Arnarstapi–Hellnar seaside and cliffs to 1979. If you set out toward Hellnar, plan the return as part of the walk. In winter, the route listing specifically warns of slippery ice; an unlit path needs daylight as well as suitable conditions.
Planning help
Arnarstapi FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Arnarstapi?
Arnarstapi has approximately 30 permanent residents, though the area sees many visitors during summer months.
What is the Bardur Snaefellsas statue?
Bardur Snaefellsas is a sculpture by artist Ragnar Kjartansson depicting a legendary half-man, half-troll figure from Icelandic sagas who lived on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
What makes Arnarstapi's coastline special?
Arnarstapi's coast has basalt cliffs, natural stone arches, and sea caves carved by Atlantic waves. The Gatklettur arch is the best known.
Is there a hiking trail from Arnarstapi?
Yes, a 2.5 km coastal trail connects Arnarstapi to Hellnar, passing cliff formations and bird nesting areas.
Can I see Snaefellsjokull from Arnarstapi?
In clear weather, Arnarstapi has views of Snaefellsjokull, the glacier-capped volcano made famous by Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.'
How far is Arnarstapi from Reykjavik?
Arnarstapi is about 180 km from Reykjavik, approximately 2.5 hours by car via Route 54 around the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
What birds can I see at Arnarstapi?
Visit West Iceland identifies Arctic terns, fulmars and kittiwakes along this coast, including a tern colony in the village. Watch from the paths and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
What facilities are available in Arnarstapi?
Arnarstapi has a small cafe, restaurant, and guesthouse. Most visitors come as day-trippers from Reykjavik or Stykkisholmur.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.