A trail with jaw dropping views of the rugged coast connects two tiny fishing villages in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Hellnar to Arnarstapi.
The length of the hike from one end to the other is 1.5 miles, so a roundtrip equals three in total along a rocky path with light rolling hills. If you want to do the whole hike, I highly recommend starting in Hellnar beside the Fjöruhúsið Café (open 10-5 offering light fare). Beginning here the walk builds up in its beauty, but if you just want some quick sightseeing, the parking lot in Arnarstapi leads to the most popular sight within minutes. Embark onto a pebbly beach, right beside the restaurant and trail.
Along its coast is a rock called Valasnös which has a cathedral like entrance, if the tide is right you can walk right up to its opening.
After this initial exploring hop onto the boardwalk and begin your journey.
The boardwalk is short lived, and very soon turns into a dirt trail which was very muddy on our visit – good boots are a must. Pass by a dramatically colorful home with Mt. Stapafell right in its backyard.
This pyramid shaped mountain is a volcano standing 1725’ tall, as you hike it will be the background in your photos of the lava field.
Before long the path leads you up slopes and the rocky shore with its strange nooks and knobs reappear.
Many herd paths allow you to get a closer look of the water and have a bit of solitude from the crowds on the main trail.
Discover secret pebbly coves and castle like spires of mossy lava.
Even with all of the people on this hike, it is still very much filled with wildlife, especially busy with waterfowl.
Not only did we enjoy birding, but I was beyond ecstatic to see my first mink!
It was such a delight to watch this adorable (and vicious) little creature navigate through the obstacles of the terrain.
Moving forward, marvelous basalt cliffs came into view continuously impressing with each step.
The unique designs of the angles that this lava flow creates is such a pleasure to view.
You might even spot the gorgeous sea cave filled with foam after each wave smashes its walls.
Each bend of the trail truly requires its own photograph!
Crossing over a little footbridge with a creek running under it I had a thought.
Due to the sheer nature of these cliffs, would that creek gradually enter the sea or tumble into it? A faint herd path was beaten into the grass beside the bridge, follow it to find out! Position yourself exactly right and you’ll see this treasure of a tidefall, pouring right into the ocean.
Most spectacular of all as you reach Arnarstapi is the sea arch rock called Gatklettur, I’ve never seen one quite like it.
A perfect entrance way in its center with a little window to its side, jagged all the way through, topped with a healthy slathering of green. It is magnificent. After admiring this sight on the platform, quite crowded due to the easy access from the parking lot just a few steps away, walk back the same way you came. It’s not a chore, because you see the incredible views all over again from a whole new perspective.
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