Hellissandur: Murals, Hiking Trails and Maritime Heritage

Hellissandur combines colourful murals with maritime heritage and trails through the landscape. In the village, you’ll encounter art and traces of life by the sea; the surrounding area also offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, as well as an important bird habitat. You can therefore choose different focuses when planning your stay: cultural discoveries, getting active on the trails, or nature between Hellissandur and Rif.

Murals and Maritime History

Hellissandur is an open-air gallery featuring murals by Icelandic and international artists. Many of the paintings cover the walls of the old fish factory. Their subjects are often inspired by marine life, Icelandic sagas, volcanic landscapes and mystical beings. The themes thus range from the sea and storytelling traditions to images of nature and legendary figures. Those interested in murals will find a distinct cultural side to Hellissandur.

The Maritime Museum adds two special pieces of heritage to these impressions. It is home to Bliki, described as Iceland’s oldest rowing boat, built in 1826. The museum also includes a reconstruction of Þorvaldsbúð, the last turf house in Hellissandur to be inhabited. The rowing boat and reconstructed house draw attention to different aspects of the village’s history: its maritime heritage and a historic form of architecture.

Keflavíkurvör is another trace of the area’s boating past. The site is protected, and deep grooves made by boat keels can be seen there. These traces themselves illustrate the connection between the boats and this protected place, without the need for an exhibition.

Hiking and Cycling Trails, Each with Their Own Appeal

The Frístundarstígur is a combined hiking and cycling trail connecting Ólafsvík, Rif and Hellissandur. Parts of it follow the coast, with views of Svöðufoss and Snæfellsjökull. You can include the route in your travel plans on foot or by bike. Coastal sections and the views mentioned give the trail its own distinctive landscapes.

There are also good hiking trails in and around Hellissandur. A trail described as enjoyable and varied runs through the Tröð skógrækt forest. This means you can experience different landscapes: the Frístundarstígur follows the coast in places, while the trail through Tröð skógrækt passes through a forest. If you’d like to choose your outings by landscape type, these trails may appeal to different interests.

Bird Habitat and Snæfellsjökull National Park

An important bird haven lies between Hellissandur and Rif. It is home to one of Iceland’s largest Arctic tern colonies, offering a distinct natural attraction alongside the murals and trails. For travellers who want to include nature in their stay, this is another reason to explore the area between the two villages.

Snæfellsjökull National Park is very close to Hellissandur. Its visitor centre is in the village, next to the campsite. Hellissandur therefore brings together the national park visitor centre and the Maritime Museum, each with a different focus: information about the park on the one hand, and local and maritime history on the other.

Choose Hellissandur for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday apartment or house in Hellissandur, you can start by considering what you want your stay to centre on: murals and maritime history, trails for walking or cycling, or natural attractions such as the bird habitat and nearby national park. These themes offer different starting points for planning your trip, without limiting your stay to just one way of exploring.

Discover more places: Hellnar, Borgarnes, Álftanes, Skorradalur, Hjarðarholt, Akrar, Snóksdalur and Miklholt.

See the regional travel overview: Vesturland.