Norðurklettarnir
The northern part of Heimaey consists of six cliffs: Heimaklettur, Klif and Blátindur—which are generally regarded as the most beautiful vantage points on the island, along with Miðklettur, Ystaklettur and Dalfell. Together, the six cliffs are called the Norðurklettarnir (“The Northern Cliffs”), and they’re the oldest part of Heimaey geologically speaking, around 40,000 years old. On the north-facing coastline are mainly sheer cliff faces, which are teeming with birdlife and puffin nests at the top of their grassy slopes.
In some places, however, it is possible to walk down to sea and wade the sandy beaches or even go swimming, for those who can withstand the cold. One such beach can be found in Stafsnes, in the northwest part of Heimaey. The beach is sandy and protected by cliffs from almost every direction.
The beach can be accessed either by sea or by hiking from Herjólfsdalur. The steep slopes explain why few people make their way to Stafsnes, but those who do make it there will not soon forget it, as it is one of the treasures of Heimaey.
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