Arnarstapi: Coast, Lava and Birdlife

Arnarstapi combines a distinctive coastline with traces of its early fishing industry and a geologically varied setting. The Hellnahraun lava field stretches between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. It formed around 4,000 years ago from a crater near Jökulháls, which is now covered by a glacier. Other features along the coast tell of the sea’s power: the shore between the two villages has been protected since 1979, and wave action has shaped unusual rock formations and cliffs there. Columnar basalt, ravines and caves surround Arnarstapi’s landing place. The landscape thus brings together volcanic rock and coastal features shaped by wave action.

Coast, Lava and Birdlife

A walk along the coast near Arnarstapi is ideal for observing birds and impressive lava formations. An old coastal path near Arnarstapi passes former fishing landing places, crosses a lava field and runs alongside black-legged kittiwakes, Arctic terns and northern fulmars. The former landing places give the coastal path a historical dimension, while birdwatching and lava formations add natural points of interest. On the route between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, breeding common guillemots nesting in rock crevices near Arnarstapi can be observed unusually well. This opportunity is limited to the breeding season. There is also a large colony of Arctic terns in the village itself.

Art and Traces of Fishing

A sculpture of Bárður Snæfellsás by Ragnar Kjartansson stands on Arnarstapi’s beach. It adds a cultural motif to the landscape, while the former landing places along the coastal path point to the history of fishing. Those who want to take in art and historical traces as well as natural features will find a range of points of interest here.

Tours and Practical Information

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 the glacier, with panoramic views across West Iceland and the Westfjords. The season may vary, so check tour availability before your trip. The buggy tours and seasonal glacier trips therefore differ both in terrain and in timing. The route on the Bárður Snæfellsás hiking trail can be slippery in winter because of ice.

Choosing Arnarstapi as a Destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Arnarstapi, it is worth deciding first what kind of trip you want: will you focus mainly on the coastal landscape, birdwatching and traces of the area’s former fishing industry, or would you also like to plan one of the vehicle tours in the surrounding area? This distinction can help you choose Arnarstapi based on the experiences that matter to your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Budhir, Ólafsvík, Hjarðarholt, Leirá, Brimilsvellir, Grundarfjördur, Hvammur, Akranes

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