<p><strong>Arnarstapi (or Stapi) is a small fishing village at the foot of Mt. Stapafell on the southern Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arnarstapi was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now. However, Arnarstapi still is quite active during the summer, with private fishing and recreational vessels filling the docks.</strong></p>
<p>Furthermore, Arnarstapi is a thriving center for local activities and a variety of natural attractions. We especially recommend the hiking trail past Nedstavatn lake. This bridle path turned hiking trail leads across the lava and along the beach between Arnarstapi and <span id="urn:enhancement-b27891f4-035b-6533-b0ca-bb63469494c2" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place">Hellnar villages</span>. The scenic and easy walk takes about one hour.</p>
<h2>Arnarstapi&#8217;s unique nature</h2>
<p>In 1979 Arnarstapi&#8217;s the cliffs were designated a Natural Reserve. A large arctic tern colony lies near the village itself. You might enjoy taking a walk along the coastline to watch the birds and enjoy the magnificent lava formations.</p>
<h2>What is the mountain that stands so prominently near Arnarstapi?</h2>
<p>Majestic Mt. Stapafell towers over the town and adds to the dramatic landscape.</p>
<h2>What is the sculpture on the beach?</h2>
<p>The sculpture depicts a magical being, Bardur Snaefellsas. Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson designed the sculpture.  Bardur was the settler of <span id="urn:enhancement-aba3d9d7-8040-c74f-a4d4-32c5fbcb1539" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place">Snaefellsnes</span>. Half troll and half human and fully magical, Bardar named the peninsula &#8220;Snaefellsnes&#8221; and the glacier-volcano &#8220;Snaefellsjokull.&#8221; According to folklore, he lives on Snaefellsjokull, where he protects Snaefellsnes and its people. Many place names in the area are inspired by his story.</p>
<h2>What can you see in the area?</h2>
<p>Near Arnarstapi, you can visit other interesting natural wonders.  Longdrangar are two huge basalt pillars on a cliff. They were once part of a volcano crater that the ocean has mostly washed away.  Raudfeldsgja is a beautiful gorge in Botnsfjall mountain. During the summertime, you can walk up to the gorge and into it. <span id="urn:enhancement-e4bc7c17-9288-1235-b7ef-7ddfb10c54c7" class="textannotation disambiguated wl-place"><a href="https://icetstg.wpengine.com/attractions/dritvik/">Dritvik cove</a> is a black sand beach where fishermen used to work between the 17th and 20th centuries. You can still see the remains of their huts.  </span>Bjarnarfoss is an impressive waterfall dropping from a basalt structure.</p>
<p><em><strong>GPS: 64.7691° N, 23.6259° W</strong></em></p>


Arnarstapi

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Arnarstapi

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