Gatklettur arch
Two openings onto the waves.
Eric Kilby — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Markus Trienke — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Markus Trienke — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Markus Trienke — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Remarksman — CC BY 2.0 · Remarksman — CC BY 2.0
The coastal arches at Arnarstapi are sea-cut basalt forms by a small fishing village on the south of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, below Mount Stapafell. Waves have carved arches, caves and columns in the black rock where seabirds nest, and it is one of the most pleasant stretches of coast for walking in west Iceland. Arnarstapi was a natural harbour, then a busy fishing and trading centre under the Danish crown from the monopoly of 1565. Local place names draw on the saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-human, half-ogre hero. The village has old houses, including the Danish prefect's residence, which was moved away and brought back in 1985. A path leads west from the village along the grassy clifftop, revealing big arches such as Gatklettur, with two openings the waves show through. From above you see deep cracks and columns in the water. The walk continues toward Hellnar village, above the green sea. The small harbour has boats and little rocks, with a pointed mountain behind. The village is 24.4 km in a straight line south-west of Grundarfjörður. Ground near the edge can be unstable, so stay on the path and keep away from nests in summer. Wind is strong, so bring a jacket. Waves are dangerous, so do not go down to the lower rocks. Check opening hours for anything you plan to use in the village.
Two openings onto the waves.
Grass above the sea.
Boats under a pointed mountain.
South Snæfellsnes peninsula, Arnarstapi
Yes, and it is exposed to wind, so bring a jacket.
Yes in summer, so keep away from nests.