Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a quaint fishing village in Snæfellsnes Peninsula, between Hellnar and Breidavik, about 193 km from Reykjavik, which stands in the shadow of Stapafell or Mt Stapafell. Among the first things one can see here, besides the looming mountain, is a stone structure of Bardur Snaefellsnes near the beach, among the first settlers of the region, created by Ragnar Kjartansson. Bardur, who was looked upon as the protector of the region is said to have been half human and half troll and there is also a wonderful folktale told about him in Iceland.

Arnarstapi is a quaint fishing village in Snæfellsnes Peninsula, between Hellnar and Breidavik, about 193 km from Reykjavik, which stands in the shadow of Stapafell or Mt Stapafell. Among the first things one can see here, besides the looming mountain, is a stone structure of Bardur Snaefellsnes near the beach, among the first settlers of the region, created by Ragnar Kjartansson. Bardur, who was looked upon as the protector of the region is said to have been half human and half troll and there is also a wonderful folktale told about him in Iceland.

Arnarstapi, which is also known as just ‘Starpi’ was a busy port and commercial center during the Danish rule of Iceland, where Denmark enjoyed trade monopoly from 1565 until the 18th century. The home of a Danish prefect who lived here from 1774 to 1787 was declared a historical site in 1990. Fishing is still part of activities undertaken by locals here, even though tourism is fast becoming one of the key activities here during the summer. Arnarstapi, which has some spectacular rock formations also offers various hiking trails which were once horse paths, now has comfortable hotels, good restaurants and also a golf course in its vicinity.

Also known as good place for bird-watching, Arnarstapi also connects to various other interesting places close by including Hellnar, Lóndrangar, Malarrif, Vatnshellir Cave, Dritvík, Saxhóll, Hellissandur, Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður etc.