Time has changed Hellnar
The tranquil village of Hellnar in Snæfellsnes is a must see on your trip to Snæfellsnes peninsula to breath in the atmosphere as the 11th century settler did and enjoy the contemporary environment that is so well preserved by the locals.
The picturesque village of Hellnar on Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. With a history dating back to the 11th century, Hellnar was once a thriving fishing village before losing much of its population to larger nearby settlements like Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður. It did not help Hellnar that the area and village of Arnarstapi was favoured by the Danish authorities ruling Iceland at that time.
Today, Hellnar is home to just 10 permanent residents, but its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings are well worth a visit.
Hellnar main attraction
Breathing in the fresh sea air, watching the birds and the waves of the ocean corroding the shoreline should get the most stressed person relaxed after the visit.
The rocky shoreline, steep cliffs and strong current at Hellnar are the main attraction. With time, the current has created a cove called Baðstofa. You find Baðstofa underneath the cliff Valasnös. In Baðstofa you find different shades of colour in the rocky shoreline that creates all kinds of forms and figures. The cove colours differ depending on time of the day and some say it is most beautiful in the morning.
From under the lava, fresh water is flowing into the ocean and there you can find two wells, Gvendarbrunnur sometimes called Maríulind. You will also find the well Ásgrímsbrunnur that the priest at Hellnar, Ásgrímur (1758 – 1829) carved into the cliff where there had be no water running before.
Even though Hellnar was for the most part abandoned for a long time, it is still a beautiful place to visit.
The hiking track from Hellnar to Arnarstapi
The cliffs between the Hellnar and Arnarstapi villages offer a stunning natural scenery that is perfect for a peaceful hike. The two and a half kilometer (1.5 mi) hiking trail over the lava field along the cliffs and shoreline, linking the two settlements, is a great destination for photographers. At Hellnar, you will find an excellent café, Fjöruhúsið, practically on the tempestuous beach, and a lovely eco-friendly hotel allso.
The track is a great destination for photographers.
The Hellnar church
Nestled in the picturesque Hellnar, you’ll find a typically Icelandic church atop a hill. Surrounded by mountains and the Snaefellsjokull glacier, the somewhat spooky Church of Hellnar is yet another opportunity to capture stunning photos of Iceland’s beautiful landscape and architecture. The Hellnar church was first built in 1833, with the current structure being erected in 1945.
