Region
Snaefellsnes
185 km from Reykjavik
Hellnar, Snaefellsnes
A historic fishing village on Snaefellsnes, once a busy port, now a quiet hamlet known for coastal hikes and the Fjoruhusid cafe.
Population
~15
Snaefellsnes • Historic village
Quick Answer
Hellnar, once one of Snaefellsnes's largest fishing stations, now counts about 15 residents, with the Badstofa sea cave and a 2.5 km cliff trail to Arnarstapi.
Hellnar is quiet today, but it was once home to hundreds of fishermen. The tiny village beneath Snaefellsjokull glacier draws visitors for its coastal scenery, the walk to Arnarstapi, and the Fjoruhusid cafe by the sea.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Confirm Fjoruhusid’s current opening before planning a meal around it. Allow for the return walk if your car is in Hellnar.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~15
Historic fishing village
Known for
Fjoruhusid cafe
Seaside cafe with homemade cakes
Top Attractions near Hellnar
Fjoruhusid Cafe
Seaside cafe with homemade cakes
Coastal Trail to Arnarstapi
2.5 km cliff walk
Badstofa Sea Cave
Coastal formation at Valasnos rock
Snaefellsjokull Views
The glacier rises behind the village
Historic Church
Small church with cemetery
Bird Cliffs
Seabird colonies along the coast
How to Get to Hellnar
From Reykjavik: 2.5 hours via Route 1 north, then Route 54 around Snaefellsnes. Hellnar is accessed via a short side road near Arnarstapi.
Snaefellsnes tours: Many peninsula day tours include both Hellnar and Arnarstapi, with time for the coastal walk between them.
Best Time to Visit Hellnar
Summer: Long daylight for the coastal walk; confirm cafe opening and current trail conditions.
Shoulder seasons: Fewer crowds and rougher weather. Winter brings Northern Lights but limited services.
Plan the return from Arnarstapi
The park’s walking FAQ describes the Hellnar–Arnarstapi path as about 2.5 kilometers each way. If your car stays in Hellnar, the return makes roughly five kilometers before extra detours. Allow time to stop at the coast rather than treating a one-way estimate as the whole outing. A cafe stop in the other village does not solve the return journey.
At Hellnar itself, Visit West Iceland identifies Valasnos rock and Badstofa cave, known for changing light and colors. The cave’s name is Badstofa, not Badhusid. This description establishes what the formation is; it does not provide a safe entrance route or a tide window for walking inside.
The same regional account dates the present Hellnar church to 1945, on a site where a church was raised in 1833. That offers another short stop if conditions make a longer coastal walk unattractive. Confirm Fjöruhúsið’s current hours directly before relying on it for lunch; the presence of a cafe on a map does not establish that it is open on your date.
Planning help
Hellnar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Hellnar?
Hellnar has approximately 15 permanent residents and is one of Iceland's smallest settlements.
What is Hellnar's history?
Hellnar was one of the largest fishing villages on the Snaefellsnes peninsula until the 19th century, with a population once reaching several hundred.
What is Fjoruhusid?
Fjoruhusid is a seaside cafe in Hellnar known for its homemade cakes, fish soup, and setting by the water. It operates seasonally.
Can I hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi?
Yes, a 2.5 km coastal trail connects Hellnar to Arnarstapi, passing cliffs, sea caves, and bird nesting areas.
Is there a sea cave at Hellnar?
Badstofa is the coastal cave associated with Valasnos rock. View the coastal formations from established paths; a low tide is not evidence that entering the cave is safe.
How far is Hellnar from Reykjavik?
Hellnar is about 185 km from Reykjavik, approximately 2.5 hours by car via Route 54.
What wildlife can I see at Hellnar?
The cliffs host various seabirds including fulmars, Arctic terns, and occasionally puffins. Seals are sometimes spotted in the waters.
Are there places to stay in Hellnar?
Hellnar has a small guesthouse and a few rental cottages. Most visitors stay in nearby Arnarstapi or Olafsvik.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.