Snæfellsnes · Iceland
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell on the southern side of Snæfellsnes. The reason to stop is the coast: basalt columns dropping straight into the sea, blowholes, the Gatklettur stone arch, and cliffs full of nesting kittiwakes, fulmars and Arctic terns in summer. A marked coastal path runs from the village to Hellnar.
I walked the coastal path to Hellnar and back, and that is what earns the four. The short loop by the village gives you Gatklettur and the blowholes, but the full walk puts you along the cliff edge for the whole stretch with the arch and the columns changing shape as you go. If you only have twenty minutes, stay by the village. If you have the time, do the walk — it is the best thing on Snæfellsnes.
My rating
Scale 1–5. On Cost, 1 means free and 5 means pricey. On Crowd level, 1 means near-solitude and 5 means tour-bus central.
Four out of five, the highest score I gave on this peninsula. The cliffs do the work — the rock is stacked into columns and arches and the sea is right underneath you, so it holds up close rather than only from a distance.
Located roughly 190 kilometers (about 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive) from Reykjavík, Arnarstapi can be reached via Route 1 and then Routes 54 and 574. The roads are generally well-maintained in summer, but visitors should be cautious driving in winter conditions.
Free — no entry and no parking charge. Checked August 2026.
Arnarstapi sees a steady flow of tourists, especially during summer months, but the village and surrounding trails are spacious enough to avoid feeling crowded. Early mornings or late afternoons provide a quieter experience with softer light for photography.
Before you go
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Iceland Ring Road Campervan Guide
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