Gatklettur

About Gatklettur

Gatklettur, often called the Arch Rock or Hellnar Arch, is a basalt sea arch on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, right beside the small harbour village of Arnarstapi. The name means roughly 'rock with a hole', and waves and wind have worn a large opening through the rock so that the sea surges in and out beneath it. It is one of the classic stops on any Snæfellsnes day.

The arch lies on the coastal walking path that links Arnarstapi with the hamlet of Hellnar, and it appears almost as soon as you set out from the Arnarstapi end, so it takes only a few minutes to reach. The path starts near the large stone statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, the half-troll guardian of the peninsula from the medieval Bárðar saga. Continuing along the cliffs to Hellnar is about 2.5 km each way; allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the one-way walk with stops for photos and birds, and the same to return.

The cliffs around Gatklettur are busy with seabirds in summer. Guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and gulls use the ledges, and Arctic terns nest in the coastal grassland between May and August, so stay on the path. The basalt formations, small coves and other arches along the way make the full walk worthwhile if you have time.

Parking at Arnarstapi is in a free gravel car park, and there are no fees or permits for the walk; Hellnar has only limited roadside parking. The path needs no special gear in summer, but in winter it can be icy and microspikes are recommended. Keep back from the cliff edges, especially in strong wind, and be ready for fast changes in weather and fog.