Arnarstapi and Hellnar, The Hidden Gems of Iceland

Posted onAuthorDorothy Pebble

It’s fun to explore the unexplored. And Iceland symbolizing the pristine beauty of nature; it is known for its hidden gems. Arnarstapi and Hellnar are two adjacent villages in Iceland located at the end of the Snæfellsáss peninsula. These two Iceland villages are preserved for tourism. Besides, the trail that connects these villages are perfect for hiking in Iceland.  

The Connecting Trail Between Arnarstapi and Hellnar

The 2.5km trail has a unique story to tell. The connector between Arnarstapi and Hellnar served as the main road earlier. People used to ride on horses to cross the stiff path. There are a host of exciting things waiting for the visitors there. The place is so picturesque that it will evoke a sense of spirituality in every traveller. This trail is known for:

  1. Charming landscapes of lava fields
  2. Nesting areas of Arctic seagulls and other sea birds in summer

 

Arnarstapi, A Small and Quiet Village:

The first among the neighbours, Arnarstapi and Hellnar, is known as a fishing village. It has a glorious history. Once, it was a big trading point for commercial boats. It enjoyed its glory for almost 200 hours and it was a place for unloading merchandise in the 16th century when the Danes ruled Iceland. Now, the village is scarcely populated and attracts tourists due to the lava rocks and sea birds. 

Places to Visit in Arnarstapi:

 

  1. Gatklettur Arch Rocks: It is the perfect place for photography enthusiasts. Located near the port of Arnarstapi, it is a huge rock formation in an arch shape. It stands between the beach and the sea. 
  2. Bárðar Snæfellsáss Statue: Bárðar Snæfellsáss was the son of a human mother and a troll father according to the folklore. His statue is situated near the coastline of Arnarstapi. He is known for his legendary adventures. Besides, there is a local myth that he guards the peninsula and his spirit protects the voyagers to the peninsula. 

Hellnar: A Tourist’s Delight:

Hellnar is a few kilometres away from Arnarstapi. It was one of the central places of the Snæfellsáss peninsula in the 18th century. Though a tiny village now, it is picturesque enough to attract many visitors. It is also known for the rocky shore and green fields. 

Places to Visit in Hellnar:

 

  1. Maria’s Spring – Maríulind: 

The source of this spring is beneath the lava. A bishop called Guðmundur the Good visited Hellnar in 1230. Being thirsty, he asked for water for himself and his companions. Then an older man took them to a nearby spring. They were about to leave, but suddenly a miracle happened. The cloudy weather became sunny and Virgin Mary appeared before them with three angels. On Maria’s command, the bishop blessed the water with healing powers. The localities still believe in its healing power. To manifest their belief, the residents placed the statue of the Virgin Mary next to the spring. 

  1. The Statue of Guðríður and the First European Born in America:

It is a small statue of a woman in a Viking boat with a baby on her shoulder, holding her hand. She was Viking Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir according to the sagas. A resident of Greenland went to North America or Canada to settle on the newly discovered continent. She gave birth to her first son, Snorri, there. He is considered the first European born in America. 

The main places of attractions of Arnarstapi and Hellnar have been mentioned. It’s time to pay a visit to these hidden jewels of Iceland. The mystical energy and divine natural beauty will surely cast a spell on any traveller.