Last Updated on December 20, 2023
A hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar is the perfect way to explore some of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s beautiful coastline, in West Iceland.
Arnarstapi and Hellnar are two villages in the southern region of the peninsula, right at the foot of Mt. Stapafell. Both are tiny, old fishing villages with populations of less than 100 people.
Arnarstapi is a historic village because it was more than just a fishing town. It was also a vital trading post.
Today, it’s a popular stop for tourists visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula who want to see gorgeous natural scenery, the village’s old homes, and learn about the area’s ties to Icelandic mythologies.
Hellnar is even smaller than Arnarstapi. It’s home to around 10 residents. In the village you’ll find the Hellnar Church, a hotel, and a nice little cafe. You’ll visit this cafe on your walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar!
This easy walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar is a must-do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula because you’ll get to see two old villages, as well as a beautiful coastline. You’ll see lava fields, mountains, streams, little waterfalls, rock beaches, and cliffs.
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Arnarstapi to Hellnar Hike: Must-Know Tips
Ready to walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar? Below are must-know tips before enjoying this coastline hike.
How long is the walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar?
The Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike is about 2.5 kilometers / 1.5 miles long each direction. It’s a point to point trail, so you’ll walk to Hellnar, and then walk back. Each direction takes about an hour, making the whole walk 2 hours long.
Should you start the walk in Arnarstapi, or in Hellnar?
You can choose to start this Snaefellsnes Peninsula coastal hike in either Arnarstapi or Hellnar. Both villages have a small parking lot where you can leave your vehicle. Some visitors opt to start in Arnarstapi, only because the village has more amenities than Hellnar. There you’ll find a restaurant, coffee shop, and a bit more parking availability.
I also recommend beginning the hike in Arnarstapi because the cafe in Hellnar is a really lovely spot to sit for a little bit. The Fjöruhúsið Café is right on the coast, with outdoor seating overlooking a beach and the ocean. You can do the first half of the hike, and then stop for a warm drink before hiking back to Arnarstapi.
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Starting the Trail in Arnarstapi
The trailhead in Arnarstapi begins toward the end of the road, Arnarstapavegur. The parking lot in Arnarstapi is on this same road. You’ll park, and then walk toward the Stone Arch, which appears on most map apps. Check out the arch (it’s cool!) and then turn west to see a clear, marked path. This is the start of the trail!
Starting the Trail in Hellnar
The trailhead in Hellnar begins at the Fjöruhúsið Café. Park your vehicle at the Hellnar View Point (it appears on most map apps), and then walk down the hill to the cafe, where the start of the trail will be obvious.
Amenities on the Arnarstapi to Hellnar Walk
Since the walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar is quite short, there aren’t any amenities on the trail itself. The nice thing is that each village has all the basic amenities: Bathrooms, restaurants, and cafes.
Can you walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar in winter?
While it’s possible to hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar in winter, it will be chilly, and the conditions may make for a tougher walk. You’ll also find that the cafes in both villages are either closed or operating during limited hours. This trail is better to walk during the spring, summer and fall months.
Highlights on the Arnarstapi to Hellnar Walk
We walked from Arnarstapi to Hellnar on a sunny day in early June. We were incredibly lucky to have beautiful, clear weather! But, this hike will be beautiful in any weather, including the rain. Just be sure to dress in layers so you’re prepared for all conditions.
The Arnarstapi to Hellnar is one marked path, so along the way you’re sure to encounter the below highlights. These were our favorites!
Bardur Snaefellsnes Statue
Before you start the hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, visit the statue of Bardur Snaefellsnes. The statue is located in Arnarstapi, close to the parking lot. It’s impossible to miss because it’s quite large! According to Icelandic legend, this half-man, half-troll is the namesake of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Gatklettur
Gatklettur is a beautiful natural stone arch, right at the start of the trailhead for the walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar.
Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint
This marked viewpoint is right at the start of the trailhead in Arnarstapi. From this viewpoint you’ll see a small black sand beach, basalt columns, beautiful cliffs, and lots of birds!
Lava Fields
As you walk along the trail between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, you’ll notice the landscape change. Not too far into the hike, you’ll find yourself surrounded by old lava fields!
These volcanic fields are left from a past eruption of the Snaefellsjokull volcano. At this part of the walk, the trail becomes rockier. Around you are tons of volcanic rocks, many of them covered with beautiful green moss.
Mount Stapafell
On a clear day, you’ll have beautiful views of Mount Stapafell as you hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar. Stapafell is a volcanic mountain that’s about 526 meters high. According to Icelandic legend, the mountain is home of hidden people, also called elves.
Fjöruhúsið Café
When you reach this little cafe that’s right on the coast, you’ll know you’ve reached Hellnar, the halfway point of the walk! You can pop into the cafe to enjoy a warm drink, a snack, or a full lunch. They serve soups, salmon, waffles and more.
Tips for Hiking Responsibly in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Below are must-know tips for if you’re planning to spend time outdoors in Iceland.
Be Prepared for Icelandic Weather
A popular saying in Iceland is that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. Iceland’s weather can change on a dime, because of the island’s northern position in the Atlantic Ocean, right within the Gulf Stream.
Before setting out on any hike in Iceland, be sure to check the weather to make sure it’s safe to be outdoors. The Safe Travel app is a great tool for checking conditions. Be sure to bring layers of clothing with you for the Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike. This way, you can add and remove items according to changes in temperature.
Pack In, Pack Out
“Packing in and packing out” is the practice of leaving zero trace when you’re out in nature. This means you should avoid leaving any litter behind, even if it’s organic. If you end up with litter while walking from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, hold onto it and dispose of it properly when you can.
Stay on the Trails and Follow Signage
Going off trail can damage or kill plant or animal species, or hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. This is especially important to be cognizant of in Iceland because of the ancient moss that is growing almost everywhere. Stepping on this moss can kill it.
You’ll notice that walking and hiking trails in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and all around Iceland are well marked. There’s plenty of signage reminding you to stay on the trail, as well as signage warning you of how to keep safe.
Don’t Start any Campfires
Campfires are illegal on public land in Iceland. This is because Iceland’s ecosystem is quite fragile, and fires have the potential to harm thousands of years of growth on Iceland’s landscapes.
Don’t Touch or Feed Wildlife
Throughout the Snaefellsnes Peninsula you’ll spot all kinds of wildlife! Seeing arctic foxes or puffins is exciting, but it’s important to practice responsible wildlife tourism when you come across these beautiful creatures.
Touching, approaching, or feeding wildlife can impact the relationship that wildlife has with humans. For example, when animals are fed by humans, they can start relying on us as a food source. The best way to enjoy wildlife encounters in Iceland is to observe from a distance.
Avoid Touching or Stepping on Moss
All over Iceland there are endless fields of moss, created by volcanic activity. It’s tempting to get close to the moss, touch it, and even walk through it. Avoid the urge!
Touching or walking on Iceland’s moss can damage it permanently, potentially ruining this beautiful feature of the Icelandic landscape. Moss is an important part of Iceland’s ecosystem, and it takes ages to grow. It’s best to admire it from afar.
Where to Stay Near Arnarstapi
In the town of Arnarstapi there is just one hotel. But luckily, there’s plenty of accommodations around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which aren’t a far drive from the Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike.
Arnarstapi Hotel
This is the only hotel in town! The cliffs of Arnarstapi, and coastal hike to Hellnar, are just a short walk from the Arnarstapi Hotel.
Rooms in this modern hotel have private bathrooms, hairdryers, toiletries, and free wifi. The Arnarstapi Hotel also has an attached restaurant.
This is definitely your most convenient hotel choice for going on this hike. And, it’s a convenient place to stay for exploring the rest of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, too.
Hotel Búdir
Hotel Búdir is just a 20 minute drive from Arnarstapi, making it a convenient place to stay! It’s also just 23 kilometers east of Snæfellsnes National Park.
This hotel has bright, modern rooms with private bathrooms. Wifi and parking are free. Each room of this hotel has a gorgeous view of either a glacier, lava fields, or the ocean.
Hotel Búdir also has a cozy dining room where you can enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes paired with wine selected by their in-house wine expert.
The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center
The Freezer Hostel is on the western end of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, in the town of Hellissandur. From Arnarstapi to this hostel is about a 35 minute drive.
Although this hotel is called a “hostel,” it offers both dorms and private rooms. The dorms are a great budget choice, especially if you’re traveling alone. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and wifi.
The Freezer Hostel is actually a former fish processing factory that has been converted into a hostel that also has a theater, bar, lounge area, and communal kitchen. .
During summer, the Freezer Hostel hosts weekly performances and events. If you’re staying in the hostel, you can go to music nights, game nights, and theater shows for free.
Final Thoughts: Exploring the Coast From Arnarstapi to Hellnar
The walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar was a highlight of our road trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It was amazing to spend some quality time taking in the beautiful coastal views, and we enjoyed visiting both of the little villages.
If you can fit this short coastal hike into your Snaefellsnes Peninsula itinerary, do it!
More on Iceland from Pina Travels:
- 14 Southern Iceland Waterfalls You Can’t Miss
- How to Visit Brúarfoss in Iceland
- What Not to Do in Iceland: A Responsible Travel Guide
- My Stay in the Reykjavik Natura Hotel, Iceland
- What is the Legal Drinking Age in Iceland?
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
