Discover Arnarstapi: Coast, Lava and Birdlife

Discover Arnarstapi through its coastline, volcanic landscape and birdlife. To plan your stay, you can consider these highlights individually: notable places include the beach, the landing place and an old coastal path. The surrounding area also offers guided tours through lava landscapes and onto a glacier.

Coast, Lava and Cliffs

Hellnahraun stretches between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The lava field formed about 4,000 years ago from a crater near Jökulháls, which is now covered by a glacier. Its formation connects the landscape around Arnarstapi with a named crater and an approximate date. If you are interested in the geological side of the destination, Hellnahraun offers a specific point of reference.

The coast and cliffs between Arnarstapi and Hellnar have been protected since 1979. The waves have shaped unusual rock formations there. At Arnarstapi’s landing place, columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the area. Different formations meet along the coast: from wave-shaped rocks to basalt, ravines and grottoes at the landing place. A walk along the coast near Arnarstapi is a good way to observe birds and striking lava formations.

Cultural Traces and the Coastal Path

A sculpture of Bárður Snæfellsás by Ragnar Kjartansson stands on Arnarstapi’s beach. It adds a distinct cultural touch alongside the natural coastal formations. An old coastal path near Arnarstapi passes former fishermen’s landing places and crosses a lava field. Black-legged kittiwakes, Arctic terns and northern fulmars are among the birds found along the path. The route thus brings together maritime history, volcanic landscape and birdlife in a single outing.

Birdwatching and Excursions

There are different ways to go birdwatching: the village is home to a large colony of Arctic terns. Along the route between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, breeding common guillemots can be observed unusually well in crevices near Arnarstapi. This observation is limited to the breeding season. The village colony and the seasonal opportunity to observe common guillemots are therefore separate highlights to consider when planning your visit.

The family-run adventure company Glacier Paradise is based in Arnarstapi and offers buggy tours year-round through the lava landscapes around Arnarstapafell. The company also offers snowcat tours onto a glacier from March to July. These trips can offer panoramic views across West Iceland and the Westfjords; the seasonal window may change. The tours therefore differ in both vehicle and timing. If you would like to include a tour in your travel plans, check its availability in advance.

The Bárður Snæfellsás hiking trail is also worth considering when planning your timing: in winter, ice can make the path slippery. The coastal path, birdwatching and guided tours offer different ways to experience the landscape and nature around Arnarstapi. Which of these shapes your stay depends on whether you are more interested in geology, coastal formations, cultural history or wildlife watching.

Discover more destinations: Búdardalur, Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, Hvanneyri, Snóksdalur, Álftanes, Kleppjárnsreykir, Hellissandur.

For the broader travel overview: Vesturland.