Hvitserkur is a basalt rock formation rising from the sea with a distinctive shape.
Hvitserkur – Dragon’s Rock
Hvitserkur is often referred to as the Rock of the Dragon. According to legend, the fossil is the troll Hvitserkur, who wanted to destroy the bell of the Þingeyraklaustur Monastery, which was causing – in his opinion – a lot of noise. As he failed to carry out his plan before sunset, he turned into stone.
According to geologists, Hvítserkur is a volcanic causeway that was carved by the sea. It looks most beautiful from the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula.
In summer, many seagulls, pintail cormorants and other birds nest on Hvitserkur. The rock then seems very lively and … more white 😉
Hvitserkur – tips and practical information
- It reaches a height of 15 m and is located in northern Iceland, on Road 711, about 35 km northeast of Laugarbakka. The exit from Road 1 is about 25 km and a 30-minute drive.
- To admire Hvitserkur, you can climb to the viewing platform or descend to sea level by climbing a 20-meter steep (and usually slippery) path. At low tide, you can even go straight down to the rock itself. With shallow water, it is only 50 meters from the shore.
- Because the rock was at risk of erosion, its base was reinforced with concrete. As a result, an earthquake that occurred in 1963 did not destroy it.
- Hvítserkur is located off the Vatnsnes peninsula. The following places are also worth seeing in this area:
– Borgarvirki – a Basalt Fortress on the Vatnsnes Peninsula;
– Kolugljufur – the Canyon of the Kola Giantess;
– unusual Kattarauga pond with two natural floating islands;
– seals frequenting the surrounding beaches;
