04 May Gatklettur: Stone Arch in Arnarstapi, Iceland

Take a drive (or hike) to the small, charming town of Arnarstapi to see Gatklettur. It is a stone arch that formed naturally over the years. The wind and the waves constantly collided with the stone, thus forming the arch shape visible today. While in the area, be sure to check out some of the other nearby attractions as well as spot some birds (hint: they are everywhere along the coast).

Contents:

1) Gatklettur Location

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Hiking Information

7) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Gatklettur Location

Gatklettur is located in the small town of Arnarstapi within the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. For reference, it is approximately two and a half hours northwest of the capital city of Reykjavík. 

Other attractions in the direct vicinity include the Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue and Arnarstapi Lighthouse. Some nearby attractions on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include Ytri Tunga Beach (perfect for spotting seals), Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall (Game of Thrones fans should recognize this location).

Parking

You can park at the small parking area at the end of the road. You should not have trouble finding a spot since this area is not as touristy as others. 

Nearby Lodging

Since Gatklettur is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, your best option for lodging is thus on the peninsula since there are a fair amount of options. However, if you plan to head to Reykjavík for the night, then check out lodging options in the city of Reykjavík. We stayed at Guesthouse Pavi, which was a cheaper option and honestly the least nice accommodation of our whole trip (though we did expect that due to the fact it was in the city).

Gatklettur stone arch in Arnarstapi

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

First, you are able to visit Gatklettur whenever you want, whether that be 4:00pm or 4:00am. There are no restrictions on visiting hours since it is a stone arch visible from along the coast. However, I would imagine it would be quite difficult to see in the dark. Additionally, walking along the coastline in the dark can be a bit dangerous. 

Second, there is no entrance fee to visit Gatklettur. Additionally, there is no parking fee for the lot listed above. 

3) The Best Time to Visit Gatklettur 

Since Gatklettur and the town of Arnarstapi are not overly populated with tourists, you generally do not have to worry about afternoon crowds. 

You can visit Gatklettur in any season and admire its beauty and strength. The only thing to note is that it might be a bit more difficult to walk along the coastline in the winter if there is a lot of snow or ice on the ground. You thus might have to settle with viewing the stone arch from a distance if that is the case. 

Estimated Visit Time

I would recommend that you plan for 30 minutes to one hour in your itinerary for Gatklettur. The walk from the parking area to the coastline will only take about five minutes one way, and then you have the rest of the time to explore. For example, we spent about one hour in this area. We first walked towards the coast to get a good view of Gatklettur. Then we strolled along the coast, taking our time and admiring the views. 

Full view of Gatklettur

4) Quick Facts

1. Gatklettur is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. 

2. Gatklettur is a stone arch in the ocean, though it is easily visible from the coastline. 

3. The arch formed naturally over the years as the waves and wind were constantly beating against it. 

4. You can choose to either drive or hike to the town of Arnarstapi to see Gatklettur. 

5) Background of Gatklettur

The stone arch known as Gatklettur formed naturally. The constant beating of the ocean waves and wind against the stone created the shape of the arch as well as the texture of the stone. The name “Gatklettur” translates to “Hellnar Arch”. 

In the area visitors can also enjoy an array of plant life and birds. When we visited, there were a ton of birds. They were literally everywhere. For example, we could look at certain spots on the ocean cliffs and see hundreds of birds sitting there.

On the other hand, we saw a few puffins flying around at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Cliffs along the coast at Arnarstapi

6) Hiking Information

There are two main options to view Gatklettur. The first one is quick and easy while the second requires a greater time commitment. Choose whichever is better for your preference and schedule. We chose the first option of driving to Arnarstapi and then strolling along the coastline there. 

Some of my other favorite hikes in Iceland include Stuðlagil Canyon (a basalt rock column canyon with a turquoise river) and Fimmvorduhals Pass behind Skógafoss Waterfall.

Option 1: Drive to Arnarstapi and Walk to Gatklettur

• Distance: short 5 minute walk from parking lot
• Estimated time needed: 15 to 30 minutes 

For a short, fun addition to your itinerary, park at the road listed above and walk about five minutes to the coastline to view Gatklettur. Feel free to visit some of the other nearby attractions within walking distance. These include Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue and Arnarstapi Lighthouse. If you want to check out the other attractions as well, I would plan for 30 minutes to one hour in your itinerary. 

Birds, birds, and more birds

Option 2: Hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi

• Distance: 3.4 miles (~5.5 kilometers) round trip
• Estimated time needed: 1.5 hours round trip
• Difficulty level: easy

Second, visitors can choose to hike to Arnarstapi from Hellnar or vice versa. The trail is 3.4 miles (~5.5 kilometers) round trip with only 145 feet (~44 meters) in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in one and a half hours. 

However, I always recommend adding some extra time in your schedule so as to not feel rushed. Moreover, you will need time to stop and enjoy the views. That being said, I would plan for at least two hours if you complete the round trip hike. 

Additionally, watch your footing on this hike. There are a fair amount of loose rocks along the path, especially throughout the middle portion. Consider wearing hiking shoes. For example, Merrell (my personal choice) has a bunch of options on Amazon.

With the longer hike, visitors are rewarded with more attractions. For example, the hike passes through a lava field. The field formed many years ago after a previous volcanic eruption by Snaefellsjökull. Additionally, the Snaefellsjökull glacier as well as Stapafell Mountain are visible from the trail.

Cliffs along the coast at Arnarstapi

7) Recommended Items to Bring

Need some additional recommendations on what to pack for your Iceland road trip? Check out my Iceland hiking essentials and Iceland summer road trip essentials.

1. Water bottle: Be sure to bring water with you while visiting Gatklettur and especially if you are hiking to Arnarstapi from Hellnar. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle.

Hiking Items

2. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will come in handy as you walk along the coastline in the town of Arnarstapi. Additionally, hiking shoes will be even more helpful if you plan to hike from Hellnar to Arnarstapi. 

3. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity due to the fact the trails are short and flat. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

4. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trails. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Check out another peninsula in Iceland: Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland.

Start planning your itinerary today: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.