Gatklettur

Gatklettur — Icelandic for "hole rock" — is a natural stone arch on the southwestern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, formed where the Atlantic Ocean has spent centuries hammering away at the volcanic basalt cliffs. The result is a striking circular opening in the rock, framing the ocean beyond, that has become one of the most photographed spots on the peninsula.

The Arch

The arch was carved by wave action and wind erosion over hundreds of years. The basalt here was already fractured and layered from its volcanic origins, and the relentless force of the Atlantic gradually widened weak points in the rock until the sea broke through entirely. What remains is a freestanding arch with a circular opening and a second smaller window beside it, both shaped by the same erosive forces that continue to reshape this coastline today.

Geologists note that Gatklettur, like all sea arches, is a temporary formation. The same erosion that created it will eventually cause it to collapse, leaving behind a sea stack. For now, it stands as a particularly elegant example of what the Atlantic can sculpt from volcanic rock.

The Coastal Path

Gatklettur sits directly on the coastal walking path between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, a 5-kilometre trail that follows the cliff edge along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in western Iceland. The path passes lava formations, sea caves, blowholes, and nesting bird cliffs, with Gatklettur as its centrepiece.

From the Arnarstapi car park, the walk to Gatklettur takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes on a well-worn trail of gravel and packed earth. The terrain is mostly flat with some uneven rocky sections. Sturdy footwear is recommended but no special hiking equipment is needed.

Wildlife

The basalt cliffs surrounding Gatklettur are alive with seabirds during the breeding season from May through August. Fulmars nest in crevices along the cliff face, kittiwakes crowd onto narrow ledges, and arctic terns patrol the coastline overhead. Razorbills and shags also use the area, making this stretch of coast a reliable birdwatching spot without the crowds that gather at more famous colonies elsewhere in Iceland.

The birdlife is best observed from the path itself. Binoculars help, but many of the nesting sites are close enough to see clearly with the naked eye. Stay on the designated trail to avoid disturbing the colonies.

When to Visit

Summer offers the longest daylight, calmest weather, and active bird colonies. The arch photographs well in any light, but the low-angle sun of early morning or late evening produces the most dramatic results, particularly when the light passes directly through the circular opening.

Winter visits are possible but come with shorter days, stronger winds, and a more exposed experience. The cliffs and path can be icy, and the sea is rougher, which makes the power of the ocean more visceral but the footing less certain. Regardless of season, check the weather forecast before setting out — conditions on the Snaefellsnes coast can change quickly.