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 rock is the petrified troll Hvitserkur, who wanted to destroy the bell of the Þingeyraklaustur Monastery because – in his opinion – it made far too much noise. He failed to carry out his plan before sunset and was turned into stone.
According to geologists, Hvítserkur is a basalt sea stack – volcanic rock sculpted by the waves. It looks most beautiful from the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula.
In summer, many gulls, European shags and other birds nest on Hvitserkur. The rock then seems very lively and… more white 😉
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- It is 15 m (50 ft) high and stands in northern Iceland, on Road 711, about 35 km (22 mi) northeast of Laugarbakki. From the Road 1 turnoff it is about 25 km (15 mi), a 30-minute drive.
- To admire Hvitserkur, you can climb to the viewing platform or walk down to sea level along a steep (and usually slippery) path with a 20-meter (65-foot) drop. At low tide, you can even go straight down to the rock itself. When the water is shallow, it stands only 50 meters (about 160 ft) 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 that often lie on the nearby beaches.