Hellissandur Village

Basic Information

Hellissandur, a charming village located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, may be small in size, but it boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and an unexpected claim to fame as the Street Art Capital of Iceland. Known for its proximity to the famous Snæfellsjökull National Park and the towering Snæfellsjökull glacier, Hellissandur is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse range of landscapes.

Hellissandur’s blend of nature, history, and art makes it a unique destination in Iceland, perfect for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience with plenty of culture and breathtaking scenery. Here’s everything you need to know about Hellissandur, and why it should be on your list of places to visit while touring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The History of Hellissandur

Hellissandur is one of Iceland’s oldest fishing villages, with roots that date back to the 16th century. In the past, it served as an important fishing hub for the region, and remnants of its maritime history are still evident today. You can find artifacts and exhibits on the area’s fishing heritage at the Maritime Museum, which offers insight into how early Icelanders lived and thrived in this remote and often harsh environment.

Although the fishing industry has diminished in recent decades, Hellissandur has evolved into a quiet yet vibrant village that attracts visitors who are eager to explore its history, admire its unique street art, and access the natural beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Hellissandur - The Street Art Capital of Iceland

What sets Hellissandur apart from other villages in Iceland is its transformation into the Street Art Capital of Iceland. Walking through the village, you’ll find over 40 vibrant murals adorning the walls of buildings, each created by both local and international artists.

This open-air gallery was established as part of an initiative to breathe new life into the village and showcase art in a natural setting. The murals are inspired by Icelandic culture, nature, and folklore, as well as the artists’ personal interpretations of life in Iceland. As you stroll through Hellissandur, you’ll encounter large, colorful depictions of fishing boats, sea creatures, Viking legends, and abstract designs that blend seamlessly with the village’s coastal surroundings.

The street art in Hellissandur not only adds a splash of color to the village but also attracts art lovers and photographers looking for unique, Instagram-worthy shots against the backdrop of Snæfellsjökull glacier and the open ocean. The murals change regularly, so each visit offers a new visual experience.

Hellissandur’s Proximity to Snæfellsjökull National Park

One of the biggest draws to Hellissandur is its close proximity to Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of Iceland’s most famous and iconic natural landmarks. The Snæfellsjökull glacier, a 1,446-meter-tall stratovolcano topped with a glacier, looms over the village, providing stunning views on clear days.

Snæfellsjökull is perhaps best known for its role in Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” where it was depicted as the entrance to the Earth’s core. The glacier and its surrounding national park offer numerous hiking trails, volcanic craters, lava fields, and beaches, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park also contains a wealth of geological formations and a wide variety of flora and fauna, adding to its appeal as a natural wonder.

Things to Do in and Around Hellissandur

While Hellissandur itself is a quiet and small village, it serves as a perfect base for exploring the greater Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Here are some of the top activities and sights in and around Hellissandur:

1. Visit the Maritime Museum

Delve into the history of Hellissandur’s fishing past at the Hellissandur Maritime Museum. Located in the old fishing village, the museum features traditional fishing boats, tools, and other artifacts that illustrate how the local population made a living from the sea for centuries.

2. Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park

Hellissandur offers easy access to the Snæfellsjökull National Park, where you can hike, explore volcanic craters, and experience the pristine natural beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Popular hikes include trails leading to Saxhóll Crater and the Lóndrangar sea stacks.

3. Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Located not far from Hellissandur, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a narrow, hidden gorge in the mountainside that makes for an exciting adventure. You can climb through the gorge’s dramatic, moss-covered walls, making your way deeper into the ravine to discover hidden waterfalls and incredible rock formations.

4. Svörtuloft Lighthouse

A short drive from Hellissandur, the Svörtuloft Lighthouse offers spectacular views over the North Atlantic and is perched dramatically on top of a rugged cliff. The lighthouse, with its bold orange color, is a beautiful contrast to the surrounding black volcanic rock.

5. Visit Ingjaldshóll Church

Ingjaldshóll Church, located just a few kilometers from Hellissandur, is said to be the oldest concrete church in the world, dating back to the early 1900s. The church offers great historical insight and incredible views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier and the surrounding landscape.

6. Birdwatching

The nearby coastal cliffs are a haven for seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Birdwatchers will enjoy exploring the area around Hellissandur for glimpses of these feathered creatures nesting and flying along the cliffs.

7. Golden Beaches

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to some stunning golden and black sand beaches, many of which are a short distance from Hellissandur. Skardsvík Beach, with its golden sands framed by black volcanic rock, is particularly beautiful and ideal for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

8. Svöðufoss Waterfall

Just a short drive from Hellissandur, Svöðufoss is one of the lesser-known but stunning waterfalls in the region. With the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the background, this waterfall cascades down a cliff into a picturesque valley. The walk to the waterfall is easy, and it offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers.

9. Kirkjufell Mountain

No visit to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula would be complete without seeing the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, located about 40 minutes from Hellissandur. Known as one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, its distinct shape has made it famous worldwide. The nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall offers an incredible vantage point for capturing both the mountain and the cascading falls in one frame. The mountain is also a popular spot for hiking and photography, especially in the summer and during the Northern Lights season in winter.

10. Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi, located along the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is a picturesque fishing village known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, basalt columns, and natural rock formations. A coastal walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar provides incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the towering Snæfellsjökull glacier. The unique rock arch, Gatklettur, is a highlight and a must-see for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

11. Djúpalónssandur Beach

Located about 20 minutes from Hellissandur, Djúpalónssandur is a striking black sand beach with unique rock formations and historical significance. Once a bustling fishing village, the beach is now a peaceful spot where you can explore the remains of a shipwreck that washed ashore in 1948. The area is also home to lifting stones, which were used by fishermen to test their strength. The dramatic scenery and the power of the crashing waves make this a memorable stop on any Snæfellsnes tour.

12. Búðir

The small hamlet of Búðir is known for its Black Church (Búðakirkja), one of the most iconic churches in Iceland. Set against a backdrop of lava fields and the Snæfellsjökull glacier, the stark black structure stands in stunning contrast to its natural surroundings. Búðir is also home to the Búðahraun lava field and golden sand beaches, making it a beautiful spot for peaceful walks and photography.

Where to Stay in Hellissandur

While Hellissandur is small, it offers a few accommodation options for travelers looking to stay in the area. These include cozy guesthouses and farm stays that provide a more intimate experience of Icelandic village life. If you prefer more variety, nearby towns like Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður also offer additional accommodations and services, all within a short drive from Hellissandur.

Why Visit Hellissandur?

Hellissandur is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of an Icelandic fishing village, with the added bonus of colorful street art and easy access to the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Whether you’re here to explore the Snæfellsjökull glacier, enjoy the scenic coastline, or admire the ever-changing open-air art gallery, Hellissandur offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere in Iceland.

Whether it’s your first time in Iceland or you’re a seasoned traveler, Hellissandur will surprise and delight you with its mix of quiet charm and artistic flair. Be sure to include this hidden gem on your itinerary as you explore the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula!

Plan Your Trip to Hellissandur Today

Ready to explore Hellissandur and the surrounding Snæfellsnes Peninsula? With its incredible street art, rich history, and stunning landscapes, this village is the perfect stop on your Icelandic adventure. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Iceland’s most unique and picturesque destinations.