Arnarstapi is a small village at the southern foot of Snæfellsjökull, serving as the eastern end of the classic coastal walk to Hellnar. The village sits on a low headland of basalt sea cliffs where arches, sea stacks, and caves have been carved out by the Atlantic swell. Arctic terns, kittiwakes, and fulmars nest in the cliff faces in summer; the birds are densely packed and the noise and activity extraordinary.
The 2.5-kilometre path to Hellnar along the cliff tops is one of the finest short walks in Iceland — through a landscape of lava formations, sea arches, basalt columns, and surge channels, with Snæfellsjökull rising behind and the open ocean in front. The path is well-marked and suitable for most walkers. A car can be left at either village and a return made on the same path. The small harbour at Arnarstapi has a coffee shop and a restaurant; the fresh fish is recommended.