All About Arnarstapi Village in Iceland

01-01-2025

Discover the authentic Icelandic charm of Arnarstapi Village in our complete travel guide. We’ll cover all the key things you need to know about the village, including where it is, how to get there and top activities you can enjoy in and around Arnarstapi.

Iceland’s Arnarstapi Village

Arnarstapi Village, also known simply as Stapi, is a small fishing village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula known for its natural beauty, including the spectacular Arnarstapi cliffs, beach and stone arch.

An important, historical trading port, Arnarstapi once had a much bigger population than it does today. Only around 60 people now live in Arnarstapi, with visitors arriving during the summer months to appreciate the area’s beautiful nature and activities.

Arnarstapi was once a thriving fishing hub, with its accessible harbor and rich herring grounds making it an attractive location for fishermen to settle. During the Industrial Revolution, most jobs relocated to Reykjavik, which led to a population decline in Arnarstapi.

In modern times, tourism and hospitality form the main part of Arnarstapi’s economy, before fishing and trade. Arnarstapi’s location makes it a key stop-off point for travelers wanting to visit Snæfellsjökull National Park, with a range of accommodation options and tour companies operating from the village.

Where is Arnarstapi Village?

You’ll find Arnarstapi Village on the south of the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland at the foot of the famous Snæfellsjökull Mountain. Arnarstapi Village is around 190 kilometers from the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik.

How to Get to Arnarstapi, Iceland

Most visitors to Iceland will stay in the capital city of Reykjavik, which thankfully isn’t too far away from Arnarstapi, so you can easily take a day or weekend trip to enjoy the village and its surrounding nature. To get to Arnarstapi Village from Reykjavik, you’ll need to take the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1), then Route 54. It’ll take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to get there.

Best Things to Do in Arnarstapi Village

So, what exactly can you do in Arnarstapi Village? Take a look through our list of the top sights to see and activities to enjoy to make the most of your time in Arnarstapi.

• Marvel at the amazing Arnarstapi cliffs – The spectacular Arnarstapi cliffs are an amazing birdwatching and photography location, with a large Arctic tern colony sitting nearby the village.
• Hike across the beautiful landscape between Arnarstapi and Hellnar – You can take a 6.2 kilometer trail that starts at the Arnarstapi parking lot to enjoy the epic natural scenery around Arnarstapi, which will take around 2 hours.
• Check out the Bardur Snæfellsas Statue – Take a look at the unique statue of Bardur near the beach, who is believed to be a being of half man and half troll that looks after and protects the people of Snæfellsnes.
• Take a look at Gatklettur Rock Formation – This dramatic arch set out to sea is well-worth a visit. Just make sure to bring your camera!
• Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park – Located on the southeastern edge of the amazing Snæfellsjökull National Park, Arnarstapi is the ideal base from which to explore the park, where you can see a glacier-topped volcano, black sand beaches and unique lava formations.
• Visit Raudfeldsgja Ravine and Skardsvík Beach – On the opposite side of the peninsula you’ll find a striking ravine and expansive beach – two more must-sees!

Top Travel Tips For Arnarstapi Village

Before planning your trip to Arnarstapi Village, we recommend keeping these top travel tips in mind.

• Look at the up-to-date weather forecast – You can check the Iceland weather forecast online here to see what weather conditions to expect for your day trip to Arnarstapi.
• Wear waterproofs – Iceland’s weather is famously changeable, so we recommend wearing or bringing at least a waterproof jacket to keep yourself cozy and dry.
• Check the road conditions before you travel – We recommend taking a look at the up-to-date road conditions in Iceland before setting out so you can make sure your route is open (particularly important during winter).

Visit Arnarstapi Village For Yourself

Inspired to visit Arnarstapi Village for yourself and explore the incredible nature nearby? Make your dream Iceland vacation a reality by starting to plan your trip today!

We can help you find an affordable and reliable rental car in Iceland to make your epic road trip adventure come true. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help. See you in Iceland soon!