Arnarstapi particularly appeals to travelers looking to focus on coastal landscapes, lava formations and birdwatching. A lava field and a protected coastline lie between the village and Hellnar; in Arnarstapi itself, the pier, a large colony of Arctic terns and a sculpture on the beach offer further points of interest. Walks and tours in the surrounding area offer different experiences.
Coastal landscapes between Arnarstapi and Hellnar
The Hellnahraun lava field stretches between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. It formed about 4,000 years ago from a crater near Jökulháls, which is now covered by a glacier. The coast and cliffs between the two villages have also been protected since 1979. There, the force of the waves has shaped distinctive rock formations. The lava field’s approximate age and the sea-shaped cliffs reveal different aspects of the landscape.
At Arnarstapi’s pier, columnar basalt, ravines and caves surround the pier. These features stand out from those along the coast between the villages: columnar basalt, ravines and caves at the pier, and wave-shaped rocks and cliffs along the coast.
On foot: birds, coastal trail and culture
A walk along the coast near Arnarstapi is ideal for observing birds and impressive lava formations. The old coastal trail passes former fishermen’s landing sites and crosses a lava field; birds along the route include kittiwakes, Arctic terns and fulmars. The former landing sites add a connection to fishing to the landscape.
On the route between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, breeding guillemots in rock crevices near Arnarstapi are unusually easy to observe. The village itself is also home to a large colony of Arctic terns. This offers two distinct birdwatching highlights: along the trail and in the village. A sculpture of Bárður Snæfellsás by Ragnar Kjartansson stands on Arnarstapi’s beach, adding a specific cultural feature to the nature and coastal themes.
The trail can be slippery with ice in winter along the Bárður Snæfellsás hiking route. Take this possibility of slippery conditions into account when planning.
Tours and seasonal differences
The family-run adventure company Glacier Paradise is based in Arnarstapi and offers buggy tours through the lava landscapes around Arnarstapafell year-round. From March to July, the company also offers snowcat tours onto a glacier, with panoramic views across West Iceland and the Westfjords. The seasonal window may change. Check which tours are available before your trip.
Finding accommodation in Arnarstapi
When looking for a hotel in Arnarstapi, you can first consider what you want to focus on during your stay: coastal landscapes and birdwatching, or tours in the surrounding area as well. Activities vary by location and season, so your travel dates matter when planning. Compare specific hotel offers for your chosen dates.
Discover more destinations: Leirá, Snæfellsbær, Skorradalur, Budhir, Brimilsvellir, Borgarnes, Akrar, Hvammur.
For the main travel overview: Vesturland.
