Region
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
195 km from Reykjavik
Hellissandur, Snaefellsnes
The closest village to Snaefellsjokull glacier: a traditional fishing community with maritime heritage and wall art.
Population
~400
Snaefellsnes • Near glacier
Quick Answer
Hellissandur has a Snaefellsjokull National Park center in the village, street murals and a maritime museum that records the working life of the fishing community.
Hellissandur is a quiet fishing village at the westernmost tip of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the closest base to Snaefellsjokull glacier and national park. It has a long maritime history and well-known wall murals, and it is calmer than the busier tourist towns on the peninsula.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The park center in Hellissandur and the visitor center at Malarrif are separate stops.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~400
Traditional fishing village
Known for
Closest to glacier
Gateway to national park
Top Attractions near Hellissandur
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Glacier, lava fields, and coastline
Maritime Museum
Historic fishing boats and village heritage
Hellissandur Wall Art
Murals by international artists
Djupalonssandur Beach
Black pebble beach with lifting stones
Vatnshellir Lava Cave
8,000-year-old lava tube tours
Londrangar
Basalt sea cliffs and rock towers
How to Get to Hellissandur
From Reykjavik: 3 hours via Route 1 to Borgarnes, then Route 54 around Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
From Olafsvik: 5 minutes west along Route 574.
Peninsula circuit: Hellissandur is at the western tip, a good place to start or end a Snaefellsnes loop.
Best Time to Visit Hellissandur
Summer: Best conditions for glacier hiking and exploring the national park. Cave tours operate regularly.
Winter: Quieter, with Northern Lights viewing. Some services may be limited.
Two stops on Sandahraun
The National Park Center at Sandahraun 5 opened in March 2023. Start here for information from park staff before choosing a coastal walk or a longer outing. It is separate from Malarrif’s visitor center. The park’s pages display conflicting opening hours, so confirm with +354 661 1500 if your visit depends on arriving early or late.
At Sandahraun 7, the Maritime Museum in Sjomannagardurinn covers a different part of the peninsula’s history. The municipal description names rowing-boat fishing equipment, boat engines, photographs and lifting stones. It also identifies the reconstructed Thorvaldsbud, the last such fishermen’s dwelling occupied in Hellissandur.
The museum directs visitors to its own Facebook page for opening hours and lists +354 844 5969 for inquiries. Confirm that separately from the park center: the two addresses make a useful pair, but they do not share an opening schedule. Leave time for a walk past the village murals between indoor stops.
Planning help
Hellissandur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Hellissandur?
Hellissandur has approximately 400 residents and sits at the tip of Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
How close is Hellissandur to Snaefellsjokull?
The national park has a center in Hellissandur at Sandahraun 5. It is a place for park information; visiting it is separate from a trip onto the glacier.
How far is Hellissandur from Reykjavik?
Hellissandur is about 195 km from Reykjavik, approximately 3 hours by car via Routes 1 and 54.
What is the Maritime Museum?
The Sjomannagardurinn Maritime Museum in Hellissandur covers the fishing heritage of the peninsula with historic boats and artifacts.
What is the Wall Art in Hellissandur?
Hellissandur has a well-known wall mural painted by international artists, contemporary art in a traditional fishing village.
Where can I get national park information?
The National Park Center at Sandahraun 5 has information staff, rangers and educational displays. Contact +354 661 1500 to confirm current opening.
Is Hellissandur a fishing village?
Yes, Hellissandur has a long fishing tradition. The village's economy historically centered on shark fishing and cod.
What services does Hellissandur have?
Hellissandur has guesthouses, a restaurant, small grocery store, and the Maritime Museum. It's quieter than neighboring Olafsvik.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.