Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Hellnar?
What to see and do in Hellnar
Tucked along the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with the ocean on the horizon and the peaks of Snæfellsjökull as a backdrop, Hellnar is a former fishing village that feels almost like a poem. Here, every gull’s cry and every shard of black lava tells a story. Far from the crowds, this wild haven offers a glimpse of untouched Iceland. A journey inward as much as across the map. Here are 10 ways to fully soak up the spirit of Hellnar.
1. Take in the cliffs of Hellnar
The first thing to do when you arrive in Hellnar? Walk toward the cliff edge, where the land breaks into black, sweeping shapes above the ocean. The steep rock formations, carved by the waves, shelter nests of black-legged kittiwakes and guillemots. At high tide, the water roars through sea caves. At low tide, it reveals its secrets. Just listen, look, and breathe: raw Iceland is right there before you.
2. Marvel at the sea cove of Baðstofa
Just steps from the coastal trail, hidden among the rocks, Baðstofa is a natural cove glowing with reddish hues. Accessible only at low tide, it lets light filter through its basalt arches, revealing shades of red, ocher, and violet. The sound of water echoes here like it would in a cathedral. Little known to travelers in a hurry, it’s one of Hellnar’s hidden treasures. A tip: explore it early in the morning, when everything is quiet.
3. Walk to Arnarstapi along the coastal trail
This 1.5-mile trail is one of the most spectacular on the peninsula. It connects Hellnar to the neighboring village of Arnarstapi, following the edge of the sea. Along the way, volcanic arches, moss-covered lava fields, sea caves, and seabird colonies set the rhythm of the coastline. The air smells of salt and wet stone. Bring sturdy shoes and your camera, because every turn reveals a natural scene worthy of a fantasy film.
4. Have lunch by the ocean at Café Fjöruhúsið
A small brown wooden cabin facing the Atlantic, Café Fjöruhúsið is a favorite hidden spot for food-loving travelers. On the terrace, or behind the windows when the wind picks up, you can enjoy homemade soups, Icelandic rye bread, and rich chocolate cakes, with gulls as your lunch companions. It’s simple, warm, and unpretentious. It’s a place where you can feel the sincerity of Icelandic hospitality. You may never see lunch the same way again.
5. Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park is a place of height, power, and mystery. Here, among glaciers, lava fields, and black-sand beaches, Jules Verne imagined the entrance to his Journey to the Center of the Earth. Reaching the glacier by 4WD or on a hike with a certified local guide feels like stepping into another world. The energy of the place is almost tangible: gentle, magnetic, unforgettable.
6. Watch birds from the cliffs of Valasnös
South of the village, the Valasnös cliff is a favorite spot for photographers and amateur birders. The rocky headland rises about 100 feet above the ocean, and birds are everywhere: fulmars, Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns. On a clear day, you can see the glacier in the distance, while the horizon seems to stretch endlessly. Bring binoculars and take your time. Here, nature moves at its own pace and so can you.
7. Wander through the lava fields around Hellnar
Step away from the coastal trail and into the low, lichen-covered heathland: around Hellnar, a true maze of hardened volcanic flows spreads out across the landscape. Walking through this raw, cracked, silent terrain can feel like being on another planet. In some places, small cairns mark ancient routes. With a local guide, these walks reveal the area’s fascinating geology and the dramatic story of past eruptions.
8. Photograph the black-pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur
A 15-minute drive from Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur is a striking beach scattered with polished black pebbles, pieces of shipwrecks, and fantastical lava formations. Travelers come to see the fishermen’s strength stones. It is four legendary rocks that men once had to lift to prove their worth and to take in the mineral chaos of the beach at the foot of the cliffs. Be careful: the waves are powerful and the currents can be dangerous. Look, listen, but keep your distance.
9. Admire the changing colors at sunset
Hellnar comes softly alive during the golden hour. As the sun dances along the horizon, the cliffs glow orange and pink, the rocks turn into sculptures, and the ocean becomes an endless mirror. The best viewpoint? The headland at the end of Hellnar’s coastal trail, facing the sea from a natural ledge. Bring a blanket and a hot drink, and savor the moment. It’s a graceful pause between sky and earth.
10. Spend the night on a farm or in a guesthouse
Sleeping in Hellnar means choosing deep, peaceful quiet. Several renovated farms and guesthouses welcome you with warmth and authenticity. Expect cozy rooms, homemade breakfasts, and views of the ocean or volcano. Some places are run by families who have lived here for generations. Their knowledge of the area is invaluable, and their hospitality is heartfelt. Spend one night in Hellnar, and you may not want to leave.
Add Hellnar to a tailor-made Iceland itinerary
With Evaneos, you’ll be connected directly with a local, English-speaking travel expert based in Iceland. Passionate about their adopted home, they know the country inside and out and can share off-the-beaten-path routes, tucked-away addresses, and the best times to visit.
Want to include a stop in Hellnar, the small fishing harbor nestled at the foot of Snæfellsjökull? Your local expert will design a fully tailor-made trip with you, at your pace and around your interests. It’s a unique way to discover Iceland close to its nature, its communities, and the people who call it home.
