Your guide to Arnarstapi, Iceland
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village in West Iceland. You’ll find it on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, close to the Snæfellsjökull National Park boundary.
While you’re strolling around this sleepy village, it might surprise you to learn that it was once a thriving fishery and trading post. This was during the 1700s when Iceland was under the control of Denmark. In fact, the Danish Prefect’s home is one of the oldest buildings in Iceland.
Visit Arnarstrapi today and you'll find that the village's history stretches back even further, all the way to the Viking age. Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, written down in the 14th century, is an Icelandic saga that tells the story of Bárður Snæfellsása, who was half-human, half-ogre.
These days, Bárðar’s spirit is thought to live in Snæfellsjökull glacier, where he sits and watches over the peninsula. Head to Arnarstapi cliff viewpoint and you’ll see a striking stone monument that stands in his memory.
What to see and do near Arnarstapi
One of the best things to do nearby is to walk around 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from the parking lot and viewpoint in Hellnar, along the coastal trail to Arnarstapi. This is a great way to take in jaw-dropping scenery while you stretch your legs.
On the hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, you’ll cross an ancient lava field and spot plenty of rock formations in the sea cliffs. These include countless basalt columns and impressive stone arches, such as Gatklettur.
During the summer months, you could also see the Arnarstapi cliffs come alive with hundreds of nesting Arctic terns.
What else can you do here in a day? Arnarstapi is close to plenty of other natural attractions that you won’t want to miss. While you’re exploring Snæfellsnes, you could visit Snæfellsjökull glacier, Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, and Vatnshellir cave.
