Hellnar is a small, picturesque village that has captured the hearts of many filmmakers. It is surrounded by towering sea cliffs and has a rugged coastline. The village is situated on a downward slope towards the Atlantic Ocean where the old harbour is nestled between Iceland’s awesome rock formations with caves, open holes and shattered rock faces. There are walking paths within these rock formations that take you up close and personal to the dramatic scenery of this location. The stacks have been eroded by the sea and wind over time, creating unique shapes and patterns that are truly breathtaking. The force of the Atlantic Ocean is easily witnessed here as the surf with its awesome relentlessness batters the shoreline.
Hellnar
Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
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Climate
The weather in Snæfellsnes Peninsula is characterized by its unpredictability and dramatic shifts. Rain showers, fog and gusty winds along with a beautiful sunshine can be expected all in one day. The climate is under the influence of Snæfellsjökull glacier and coastal climate in the Atlantic Ocean.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
The road to the village is a good, paved road. The walking path varies, in places it is built up but also has gravel and steep rock steps.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
Best place for a large basecamp would be at the entrance of the village, where there is a medium size field next to a service shed. Most of the village is in a decline, except for the entrance and the hotel beside the road. There is a visitor centre with a small museum and a café in the village. Next to the cove and at the beginning of the walking path through the rock formations lies a small parking lot that could be used for offloading or a tech base. Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
The hike through the cove can be slippery. The path is easy, but the rocks are unstable because of erosion and special precaution should be taken if you choose to go off the trail. The waves are treacherous and the current in the cove is extra strong, as fresh water runs into the ocean there.
Visitors
Hellnar is a popular tourist attraction with visitors hiking through the cove and some people hike from the cove to the village of Arnarstapi, 5 kilometres away. You would need additional staff to close or manage this location.
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