Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a small place on the southern shore of Snaefellsnes where the coast is broken into columns, arches and blowholes, with the arch of Gatklettur the most photographed of them and the clefts in the Arnarstapi cliffs full of nesting birds in summer. Above the village stands a large stone figure of Bardur Snaefellsas, the half-troll of Bardar saga said to have lived on this coast, built by the sculptor Ragnar Kjartansson from stacked stone. A marked coastal path runs two and a half kilometres to Hellnar along the cliff top through a protected lava field, and walking it one way and back is the standard visit.

Highlights

• Columns, arches and blowholes - the coast at Gatklettur.
• Bardur in stacked stone - Ragnar Kjartansson's figure above the village.
• A cliff path to Hellnar - two and a half kilometres each way.
• Nesting birds in the ravine - loud through the summer.

When to go

May to September for the path and birds. Half a day.

Things to know

Cliff edges are unfenced and undercut. The village is tiny with limited food and parking is charged. The path is exposed to wind the whole way. Coaches arrive midday and fill it.

Nearby

Hellnar is at the other end of the path; Raudfeldsgja is minutes north.

Key facts