For
more on camping and hiking in the area (including a detailed map!), see the article Asbyrgi – scenic horseshoe-shaped canyon
Hljodaklettar is a picturesque cluster of diverse rock formations near Dettifoss and Asbyrgi.
Calling Rocks
The landscape created by the columnar formations of Hljodaklettar is truly remarkable. Vertical, horizontal and diagonal bodies formed by mysterious volcanic activity are arranged in a variety of shapes. They form rosettes, swirls, spirals and honeycombs, enlivening the traditional forms, somewhat boring rock formations.
The effect of the arranging chaos created by nature is the unique acoustic properties of the place – amazing echoes and reverberations. Sound bounces in all directions, traveling from one rock wall to another, like a sonorous spider web. It is this unusual phenomenon that gave birth to the Icelandic name – Hljóðaklettar literally means Calling Rocks.
The first rock that shows its face upon entering Hljodaklettar is Kastali (Castle). It is located at the riverbank, and its two main pillars give it a fortress-like form. The next formation is the Tröll (or Troll, of course) guarding the castle, and the next is the Kirkja (Church). It looks like… a perfectly symmetrical arch and is located at the entrance to the cave. In addition to the aforementioned most distinctive rocks, there are several others in the Hljodaklettar area that are definitely worth seeing.
Hljodaklettar rocks
Walking paths at Hljodaklettar
The picturesque surroundings of Hljodaklettar are conducive to walking. Depending on your preference and physical condition, you can choose between two trails.
For
more on camping and hiking in the area (including a detailed map!), see the article Asbyrgi – scenic horseshoe-shaped canyon
The blue-colored path is about 1 km long and should not cause difficulties for anyone, even the elderly and those who do not do any activity on a daily basis. The red path is more difficult and slightly more demanding, and the walk along it takes about 2 hours.
This red path leads to Raudholar (isl.: Rauðhólar, literally: Red Hills). This is an elongated rhyolite hill on the bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. It is a place of unusual and unprecedented color in the area – another Martian or lunar face of Iceland.
The hills to Raudholar, and even of the same name, are also located in the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, on the southeastern outskirts of Reykjavík.
How to get to Hljodaklettar
Hljodaklettar is located in the valley of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, on Road 862, between the waterfall Dettifoss (about 15 km south) and the canyon Asbyrgi (about 9 km north).
The colorful rhyolite mountain Raudholar can also be seen nearby.
