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236 km
About 3 h 40 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
West & Snæfellsnes · from KEF
About Arnarstapi and the drive
Arnarstapi is a tiny harbour village on the southern coast of Snæfellsnes, below the slopes of Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano at the tip of the peninsula. The coastline here is all lava cliffs, sea arches and nesting birds in summer, and a marked path runs along the cliff tops to the neighbouring hamlet of Hellnar. A large stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, the half-troll guardian of the area from local saga, stands near the harbour.
From Keflavík Airport the route goes through Reykjavík and north on Route 1 via the Hvalfjörður tunnel to Borgarnes, then west on Route 54 along the southern side of the peninsula. This stretch is flat and open, with lava fields, farms and the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, and it passes several places worth a short stop, such as the black church at Búðir.
Arnarstapi has only a few places to stay, so it suits travellers who want to be close to Snæfellsjökull National Park and the western tip of the peninsula. Your driver will take you to the door of your guesthouse or cottage. For a day visit instead, see our Snæfellsnes private tour.
Seasons and roads
The south side of Snæfellsnes is exposed to strong winds, especially in winter, and daylight is short around December. We check the forecast before long trips and may suggest a different time if a storm is due.
