Hellnar

Basic Information

Charming Café at the shore
Spectacular rock formations
Historical church
Valasnös cliff
Great Hiking Routes

Iceland is peppered with mesmerizing lakes, massive waterfalls, and various breathtaking spots. Icelandic land of canyons and fjords is an arena of picturesque locations. Hellnar is one such place, situated in the westernmost part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is another gem from Iceland that will let you experience an absolute thrill with its breathtaking views. The stunning scenery and boundless green lands are sure to capture your heart.

Boundless Beauty of Hellnar

Hellnar was used to be one of the largest fishing stations of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. As settlements began to move their base towards cities, Hellnar was left abandoned. The tourism sector began to rise here from the twentieth century onwards. Currently locals and tourists from across the world visit here for its boundless beauty. You will experience the tranquility of the countryside, away from the busy lives of the city and mainland. There is a guest house based in Hellnar where you can explore a very interesting exhibition about the economy of former times, and on the geology, flora, and fauna of the park. Spectacular rock formations are what you can see at the shores of Hellnar. Hikers can explore a beautiful yet thrilling cliff called Valasnös, which is nearby and can be easily hiked upon. You can spot a variety of birds that nest here. If you are lucky, some birds might give you close shots. So carry your camera as you are going to take back many amazing memories from Hellnar. Among other things, you can see a historical church here. Hellnar also has a charming little café where you can grab a bite and relax for a while.

Explore around Hellnar Fishing Town

There are exquisite marvels of nature to explore near Hellnar. You can see a majestic mountain called Kirkjufell. Also known as ‘Church Mountain’, it is a distinctly shaped peak found on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is also the most photographed mountain in Iceland. This is because of its exciting shape and the contrast it forms against the beautiful sky. You will see mesmerizing scenes here. In winters, snow pleasantly covers this mountain. For fauna lovers, fishing and bird watching are added perks. Bird watching is specifically something that you cannot miss out on in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can make a stop at Ytri Tunga. It is a beach famous for seal watching. Situated by the farm of the same name, Ytri Tunga has golden sands which will be a new experience to see. There are many intriguing sites nearby that you can discover. Arnarstapi is another beautiful location that is only 5 minutes drive from Hellnar. It is a great hiking route to hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi along the sea and see all the spectacular rock formations and caves. Rauðfeldsgjá is a gorge that is located 7 mintues drive from Hellnar. The hike to the gorge is uphill but not that long and will be well worth it once you arrive to the gorge. The gorge is narrow and it is such a unique experience to be “inside the mountain”.

Best Season to Visit Hellnar Fishing Town

Summers are considered a high season to visit here. The hiking routes are clear and accessible, the café is open and it is easier to travel around and explore all the beautiful sights this location has to offer. Strict precautions are to be taken if you decide to travel in winters. Packing a sturdy jacket and boots with a good grip is mandatory in any season. Even summers can get chilly in Iceland. They would keep you warm and help in covering long walking distances on uneven grounds. Check out the summer and winter packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. Do follow weather forecasts consistently. Winters in Iceland can be dangerous as there are frequent snowstorms and other risks. Keep enough supplies with you of energizing snacks and water as long distances might drain your energy.

Places to Stay around Hellnar Fishing Town

You will find ample spaces to lodge near Hellnar fishing town. If you are low on budget, you can opt for places such as Arnarstapi Cottages, a two-star hotel. They have a great location and a modern vibe. With basic amenities, it also has facilities like free wifi. Guesthouse Snjofell is another amazing option with added perks like sightseeing and separate diner from where you can delve into an amazing serene view. You can also plan an elaborate trip, starting from Reykjavik from where most of the guided tours begin. There are various guest houses, hotels, and camping grounds where you can stay throughout the trip.