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written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 26.04.2021
Just east of Hellnar along the main road – or a short walk along a clifftop path – the village of Arnarstapi sits at the foot of Stapafell (526m). It comprises little more than a few holiday cottages and a harbour, reached by following the road through the village down to the sea – but beware of the large number of arctic tern that gather here during summer and take pleasure in divebombing unsuspecting intruders. On entering the village, look out too for the large stone monument to the pagan-age figure Barður Snæfellsás who, according to local legend, still lives in Snæfellsjökull and protects the area from evil.
Travel ideas for Iceland
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Snæfellsjökull tours from Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a starting point for hikes up to Snæfellsjökull. Summit Guides organizes a series of tours, including, for example, a 3-hour trip; full details of all the tours available can be found on the website.
Top image: Arnarstapi town on Snaefell coast in Iceland © Maria Uspenskaya/Shutterstock
