What are basalt columns and where are the best places to find them in Iceland? In this post, we will cover what these unique geological formations are and 8 breathtaking locations in Iceland where you can experience them.
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If you’re a rock lover or self-proclaimed geologist (like me!), then you have to witness basalt columns at least once in your life! They are not found just anywhere but luckily they are scattered all throughout Iceland.
If you want to see this amazing rock feature make sure to add this to the list of reasons you need to visit Iceland and be sure to stop at as many of these locations as you can.
Basalt columns are truly a natural phenomenon and they will leave you wondering how mother nature could make such an interesting feature. Here is a list of 8 attractions in Iceland where you can experience these magical rock formations. But first…
How Basalt Columns are Formed in Iceland
There is a reason Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice (and not only because scenes from GoT were filmed there), but because of all the volcanoes and glaciers which shape its terrain.
Basalt columns are formed when the lava from a volcanic eruption cools and contracts very quickly as it’s exposed to air. This causes the ground to crack into long, geometric columns.
Because of the high amounts of volcanic activity, these basalt rock formations can be found all over Iceland.
Where are the Basalt Columns in Iceland Located
Above is a map I made to give you a better idea of the locations throughout the island. These are just my top 8 that I will be detailing below but there are surely more basalt columns that I have not outlined.
As you can see most of them are right along the Ring Road but also spread out around the country. Iceland is truly a fascinating country when you consider how all the beautiful natural attractions are formed.
8 Locations to See Basalt Columns in Iceland
1. Stuðlagil Canyon
This list begins with Stuðlagil Canyon because it is absolutely breathtaking. You definitely don’t want to miss this one although it has become quite the touristy spot.
Here you can admire the towering basalt columns on both sides of the canyon with a beautiful turquoise blue river running down through it. This might just be the most beautiful one on this list!
There is an east and west side access to the canyon. The west side has a ton of stairs to walk down before you get to a platform for the viewpoint. The access to this one is much shorter (although way more stairs) but you don’t get to actually walk down into the canyon like you do on the east side – just make a note of this before you follow google maps to this side (like we did).
The east-side access is much better. The hike is a little longer, maybe about 30-40 mins one way but it’s so worth it. You can walk straight down into the canyon and get beautiful photos and be mesmerized by Iceland’s natural beauty.
I was even able to fly my drone through the canyon when I went in 2021. You can see the amazing birds-eye video here.
2. Stuðlagil waterfall
As you may be able to tell from the name, this waterfall is located in the same area as Stuðlagil Canyon. In fact, you pass it on your left on the walk down to the canyon. Isn’t it just great when you can see two attractions in the same place?
I remember being happily surprised when we came across this one and even though it was quite chilly out, I stopped and asked my husband for a quick photo. It’s also a nice spot to stop and take a little break before continuing the walk.
3. Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is a beautiful black-sanded beach with a basalt column cliff right by the ocean. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of people climbing along this backdrop, as this attraction is also very popular. If you want to get some great photos, be sure to make it there as early as possible.
This beach is located in Vik, a remote seafront village. There is also a parking lot right by the attraction so it doesn’t require any long walks at all. The ocean is known to have a strong current so be mindful of the waves and beware there is absolutely no swimming.
Across from the columns themselves in the ocean is Reynisdrangar – a sea stack rock formation. All of these features make for an incredible view. These hexagonal columns are perfect for climbing and exploring.
Reynisfjara was also a filming location for GoT in season 7. If you’re a fan of the show, you might recognize it as the location for Eastwatch-by-the-Sea; the easternmost castle of the Night’s Watch.
4. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss means ‘black waterfall’ in Icelandic and you’ll quickly realize why it’s earned that name. This gorgeous waterfall runs perfectly over the edge of the dark, gray basalt columns making for wonderful scenery.
Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell which is a nature reserve in Vatnajökull National Park. To get to this basalt column waterfall, you must park at the Skaftafell visitor center and hike about a 1-mile trail. The hike is easy to moderate uphill, which takes about 45 mins one way.
Once you arrive and cross over a small bridge, there’s a tranquil feeling that passes over you. It’s a rather quiet but incredible place to admire mother nature’s beauty. Well worth the hike up there.
5. Gerðuberg Cliffs
The Gerðuberg Cliffs are located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – about 1.5 hours north of Reykjavik. At first glance, this seems like any other cliff but once you get closer you can start to admire the real allure.
There is nearby parking and it’s just a short walk to see these cliffs. You are able to walk up to the top to see them from up above, although I think the view is much better from down below.
There is a path that allows you to walk around and in front of them. Here is where the true view is.
6. Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is yet another beautiful waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. This waterfall is a lot more fierce than the others but just as marvelous if you can manage to get there.
So Iceland has these things called F roads… They are essentially mountain roads that require 4×4 vehicles to drive through. However, the signs are not always very clear and the roads are generally closed during the winter. Once again, not always obvious. We had a terrible experience accidentally going down an F road we didn’t even know we were going down but that’s a story for another time.
Because our campervan was not a 4×4 vehicle we did not venture to this location so my personal advice is limited. However, I did read multiple sources to get a comprehensive idea of Aldeyjarfoss before recommending it. Even though I have not been myself, I wanted to add it to the list because I have seen videos and it looks so amazing.
Just be aware that you do turn onto an F road right before you get to the parking lot for Aldeyjarfoss. You only go down the road for about 3 miles and multiple sources say it’s not a tough road to drive down but maybe in the dead of winter, the road could be worse.
Just be aware a 4×4 vehicle is required to visit this location.
7. Hljóðaklettar aka ‘echo rocks’
Hljóðaklettar, also known as ‘echo rocks’, is its very own unique type of basalt clusters. They resemble columns but like they’re sticking out of all sorts of directions instead of just vertically, creating all kinds of different patterns.
It’s certainly a bit strange but also these rock formations are so cool and unique, that they’re worth visiting. The cave-like formations also echo sounds all around adding to the strange vibe of this place.
They’re located in the northern region of the island. Once you get there, there are two different hiking paths you can take. The first one is a short 30 min walk, whereas the other circles around the whole area and is much longer.
If you haven’t felt like you’re on a different planet yet in Iceland, this place will be sure to make you feel like you are.
8. Hallgrímskirkja Church
Okay, so I know these aren’t naturally occurring basalt columns but I couldn’t resist adding it to the list because…well just look at it! This is Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik, the capital city.
Svartifoss was part of the inspiration when they built this church. They wanted to capture Iceland’s raw, natural beauty but in a modern way. There’s no way you’ll miss this if you’re passing through Reykjavik as it’s so tall. I liked looking at this structure and comparing it to all the other naturally formed columns that I got to see.
I thought it was the perfect way to capture Iceland’s natural charm and bring mother nature into the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the basalt columns from Reykjavik?
The closest basalt columns to Reykjavik are going to be the Gerðuberg Cliffs. They are located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – about 1.5 hours north/northwest of Reykjavik.
The next closest ones are going to be at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach located in Vik. Vik is about 2.5 hours heading southeast on the Ring Road.
What beach in Iceland has basalt columns?
That is going to be Reynisfjara – the famous black sand beach. Not only is it a really cool attraction because of the black sand but right along the ocean is a basalt column cliff that is easy to climb and fun to explore.
Why are the rocks in Iceland hexagonal?
The hexagonal rocks in Iceland are called basalt columns. Basalt columns are formed when the lava from a volcanic eruption cools and contracts very quickly as it’s exposed to air.
This causes the ground to crack into long, geometric, 6- sided columns. This process is also known as columnar jointing.
I hope you someday travel to Iceland as it is one of the countries I’d recommend everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Hopefully, this post has taught you something new about how cool mother nature can be and has inspired you to add some attractions to your bucket list!
For more Iceland information, you may also like:
- Iceland Glaciers That Will Blow Your Mind: Vatnajökull vs Sólheimajökull
- Easy, Epic, & Best Iceland Ring Road 5 Day Itinerary
- The Best Time to Visit Iceland By Season (2023)
