Stays in Hellissandur
Hellissandur sits at the northwestern tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, on Route 574 where the coast road meets Snæfellsjökull National Park. The village runs to self catering apartments and holiday homes, with one three star hotel and a hostel at Rif two kilometres east.
Hellissandur sits on Route 574 at the northwestern corner of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, roughly 205 km by road from Reykjavík Domestic Airport and about 10 km west of Ólafsvík. Snæfellsjökull National Park begins a few minutes down the same road, which puts Djúpalónssandur, Saxhóll crater and the Svörtuloft cliffs within reach of any bed in the village. Stays here run heavily to self catering apartments and holiday homes, with one three star hotel and one hostel in converted fish processing premises at Rif. Most travellers arrive late, cook in and leave early for the park. That rhythm shapes what is worth booking.
Hellissandur in numbers
CoastalKleifar: Ocean View Apartment
CoastalLaufás Guesthouse
Glacier viewThe Bookstore Family Apartment
FamilyThe Freezer Hostel & Culture Center
FamilyAdventure Hotel Hellissandur
CoastalBrenna - Ocean View Apartment
Glacier viewSeaside Retreat, Glacier View
What to expect
- Route 574 runs straight through the village, with Route 54 linking back to the Ring Road
- Snæfellsjökull National Park starts a few kilometres west, with Saxhóll crater and Djúpalónssandur close by
- Mostly self catering apartments and holiday homes, plus one hotel in the village and one hostel at Rif
- Dark skies over the lava field make aurora watching possible from September to April
- Rif harbour two kilometres east and Ólafsvík about 10 km east cover fuel and groceries
- The 412 metre Hellissandur radio mast marks the village from halfway across the peninsula
Local tips
- Fill the tank in Ólafsvík or Grundarfjörður before you turn onto the western stretch of Route 574. Pumps west of Hellissandur are scarce and they close early out of season.
- Book a place with a kitchen. Restaurant hours in the village shrink hard between October and April, and the nearest reliable dinner is in Ólafsvík about 10 km east.
- Drive the Snæfellsjökull park loop in the morning. Saxhóll, Skarðsvík and Öndverðarnes take the best light before noon, and the tour coaches arrive later.
- Check road conditions for Fróðárheiði on Route 54 before a winter arrival. That pass closes in wind hours before the coast road does.
- Leave the curtains open on clear nights between September and April. The lava field north of the main street has almost no lighting, so no drive is needed.
- Walk or drive up to Ingjaldshóll church for the widest view of Snæfellsjökull. It stands on the rise directly behind the village houses.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Where should you stay in Hellissandur?
Most beds are in the village itself along Skólabraut, Hellisbraut, Snæfellsás and Helluhóll, all within a few minutes of Route 574. Hellisbraut is the beachfront street, Klettsbúð holds the only hotel, and the hostel sits at Rif two kilometres east.
What kinds of accommodation does Hellissandur have?
Self catering dominates: one and two bedroom apartments, a two bedroom holiday home and a three bedroom guesthouse, most with full kitchens and several with washing machines. There is also one three star hotel with a restaurant and one hostel at Rif.
When is the best time to visit Hellissandur?
June to August gives long light, open restaurants along the peninsula and usable terraces. September to April brings hard wind off Breiðafjörður, short days and closed kitchens, but also aurora over the lava field and empty park roads.
Is Hellissandur a good base for Snæfellsjökull National Park?
Yes. The park boundary begins a few minutes west on Route 574, and Saxhóll crater, Skarðsvík, Öndverðarnes, the Svörtuloft cliffs and Djúpalónssandur all sit on the same loop. Staying here removes the daily drive from Ólafsvík or Grundarfjörður.