Visiting Arnarstapi in winter is a must. This is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland: you’ll love the contrast between the black lava cliffs with their various rock formations and the mountains and fields covered in white snow.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Arnarstapi in winter
Is Arnarstapi worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, Arnarstapi is well worth a visit in winter. While some attractions may be closed or less accessible, the village itself has a charming winter atmosphere with its snow-covered landscapes. The coastal scenery remains breathtaking, with winter hiking opportunities along the cliffs and the chance to observe the Northern Lights. Dressing warmly is essential, but Arnarstapi offers a quiet and picturesque winter getaway.
This is one of the must-see attractions on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Our favorite moments
In Arnarstpi, there are several rock formations to see, and what’s more, they’re surrounded by beautiful scenery. The whole tour is superb, but we particularly enjoyed it:
- The pretty Gatklettur arch
- The view of Stapafell mountain
- Midgja Bridge
- The view of the black cliffs with the snow-capped mountains in the background
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
How to get to Arnarstapi in winter: access and map
Where is Arnarstapi in Iceland?
- On the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Parking along Route 574 at the end of the peninsula
- From Grundarfjordur = 45min drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h30 drive
- From Reykjavik = 2h40 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
Discover the best offers on Discovercars, our preferred platform!
On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
The Sanefellsnes peninsula is normally accessible in winter, and the main roads are clear.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
As it’s one of the main attractions and has a village, the access road to the Arnastapi trail is also clear.
Organized tours of the Snaefellsnes peninsula from Reykjavik always stop at Arnastapi – see options
Parking
The area to discover is a long stretch of cliffside.
There are several parking areas at different ends: near the port or right in the heart of the village.
Free parking, last time I checked.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Trail map
The area has a whole path between Stapi and Hellnar. Not everything is clear in winter, but the area with the main rock formations is. It’s a nature reserve.
The main trail is only between Hellnar and Arnastapi, and the best-known area is in the village of Arnarstapi.
There’s more to see than Londrangar, but we recommend visiting both places.
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Arnarstapi is freely accessible day and night. It’s free to move around the edge of the cliffs.
Views are mainly to the east. So you’ll have great views at sunrise.
However, the positioning of the viewpoints, and the presence of the village nearby, mean that this is not an ideal place to see the northern lights.
You can also stay in the village. See some of our accommodations
Find out more in our article on the best hotels on the peninsula.
Main difficulties
The paths are quite clear for exploring the cliffs.
There are signs indicating the various rock formations to be seen.
In some places, metal platforms have been built to enjoy the scenery in complete safety.
The area is fairly flat with no difficulties.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Visiting time and facilities
Allow at least 1 hour, but as the site is spectacular, if you like geology and rock formations, allow more.
In the village you’ll find restaurants and public toilets.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Gatklettur
Gatklettur is an iconic rock formation whose name means “Hellnar Arch”. Sculpted by the power of ocean waves over countless years, this natural rock arch is composed of basalt, a dark, dense volcanic rock that forms distinctive hexagonal columns.
Gatklettur’s shape is characterized by a circular opening, which frames the breaking waves. The arch is around 10 metres high and 5 metres wide.
During the winter months, Gatklettur’s surroundings offer an even more breathtaking experience. The mountains are covered in a layer of immaculate snow, creating a contrast with the dark basalt rock formations.
The bridge: Midgja
Midgja is a natural rock arch that forms a basalt bridge, the same volcanic rock that makes up the rest of the Arnarstapi cliffs.
It is shaped like an arched bridge with a circular opening underneath, allowing waves to crash across the span during high tide.
This part of the bridge is relatively wide, and we saw a lot of people taking photos on it. We still advise you to take great care, especially with children.
We couldn’t find any information on its size.
Pumpa
Another area signposted along the trail is “Pumpa”. It’s a small beach protected from the waves as the basalt cliffs close in, letting in only a little water.
The basalt columns and their geometric formations are clearly visible.
And once again, we loved the perspective with the snow-capped mountains in the background.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Basalt formations – Geology at Anarstapi
Don’t just look at the whole landscape. We advise you to look down to discover the different shapes and colors of the lava rocks. Geology buffs will love it here!
The coastline around Arnarstapi features spectacular cliffs composed of basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows. These hexagonal columns are a common geological feature in Iceland. They are created when lava cools and contracts into geometric shapes.
Stapafell and Bardur mountains
Up to now, we’ve mostly been looking out to sea.
But don’t miss the show inland.
Here you can see Stapafell, a volcanic mountain 526 metres high. Its pyramidal shape is quite astonishing.
Stapafell is a palagonite mountain, i.e. it’s composed of palagonite rocks formed from solidified lava that has cooled rapidly on contact with water. In winter, Stapafell is often covered in snow, in stark contrast to the dark palagonite rock. It’s not as fascinating as Kirkjufell, but it’s beautiful too.
Legend has it that Stapafell is home to “hidden people” or elves. Note also the small monument in the photo above. This is the Bardur Snaefellsas statue. It was designed and created by Icelandic sculptor Ragnar Kjartanssson, and stands over 6 metres high. It represents the legendary figure of Bárður Snæfellsás, described in medieval Icelandic sagas as a half-human, half-troll giant.
Village and port
Arnarstapi is also a small village and port.
Once an important fishing village and trading post, it is now more focused on tourism.
Arnarstapi has just a few hundred inhabitants with colorful houses.
Arnarstapi boasts a picturesque natural harbor surrounded by basalt cliffs and spectacular rock formations.
Although no longer a commercial fishing port, it is still used by small boats.
In summer, you can see many birds around the harbor, but it’s much quieter in winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
