Where to See Iceland Basalt Columns: A Unique Geological Phenomenon
Iceland basalt columns are a unique geological feature that is made of volcanic rock. While Basalt can be found throughout the world, it is rare to see large basalt columns similar to the ones found throughout Iceland.
Interested in seeing these famous basalt columns on your next trip to Iceland? Check out the guide below for the easiest and best places to see Iceland’s basalt columns.
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Iceland Basalt Columns – How did they Form?
Iceland basalt columns found throughout the entire country, as they were formed due to the large amount of volcanic activity on this island.
They form when the basaltic lava cools down and cracks, usually into a hexagonal shape. This is a process known as columnar jointing, and is why there is such an intensive geometric shape to these columns.
This phenomenon has happened across Iceland, but also occurs in other places of the world such as the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Overall, if you are interested in geology, Iceland is a must visit destination.
5 Places to See Iceland Basalt Columns
Iceland Basalt Columns are located throughout the country, but below are the 5 best places to visit to see these unique geological formations.
1. Iceland Basalt Columns at Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara beach, also known as the Black Sand Beach, is one of the top sites in Iceland. This dreary beach is also home to some of the most astonishing basalt pillars in Iceland. Reynisfjara beach is an impressive sight to say the least. The basalt columns tower magnificently over the beach, giving the place a mystical appearance. You can also venture into the cave to see more of the beautiful basalt columns.
Fun Fact: Game of Thrones filmed these magnificent geological formations at Reynisfjara beach. The dark, mystic beach was the portrayal for Eastwatch by the sea in Season 7.
How to Get There
Reynisfjara beach is located in South Iceland, 2.5 hours away from Reykjavík. It is also nearby the town of Vik, which makes a wonderful place to stay the night if you are completing an Iceland road trip. I would highly recommend driving, as it will allow you to stop at other natural wonders on the way, such as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
If you do not plan to rent a car you can also see Reynisfjara via a guided tour from Reykjavik. In fact, several tours of South Iceland, such as this one, will include this as a stop.
Tips for Visiting Reynisfjara
The Icelandic basalt columns at Reynisfjara are very popular. Due to this popularity, there can be crowds of tourists which make it harder to admire the true beauty this site has to offer. Tourist crowds can be especially large in the summer. Mid-day can also be crowded, as this is when the tour busses will arrive. If you are driving, try going early in the morning or later in the afternoon/early evening. This will give you the best chance to admire the basalt columns without the high crowds.
Another very important tip is that certain safety hazards must be followed at Reynisfjara beach. You must NOT go anywhere near the water, as the undertow here can easily pull you out to sea. Keep in mind that there are also sneaker waves which come up the shore much further than expected, and therefore it is essential to stay far back from the water.
Tip: Check safetravel.is for any alerts on conditions in the area.
Things to Do Nearby
South Iceland is a magnificent area to visit, and truly a must-visit of an Iceland trip. On the way from Reykjavík, make sure to stop at some of Iceland’s most beautiful and impressive waterfalls: Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
After stopping to admire Iceland’s basalt pillars at Reynisfjara beach, make a stop in the nearby village of Vik. Here you can see the picturesque church amongst the cliffs. If possible, stay a night in Vik before continuing on to other highlights of South Iceland, such as Vatnajökull National Park or Glacier Lagoon.
2. Svartifoss – Iceland’s Basalt Columns as a Waterfall
Svartifoss is known as the Black Waterfall in Icelandic and is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. The dark, mysterious looking basalt columns against the waterfall are truly a site to be seen.
Svartifoss is not only famous for it’s majestic beauty, but it also served as the inspiration for the design of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s famous church.
How to Get There
Svartifoss is located in South Iceland, around 4.5 hours drive from Reykavik. If you are driving the Ring Road, Svartifoss makes an excellent stop between Vik and Höfn. Svartifoss is located in Vatnajökull National Park, and until 2008 this area was known as Skatafell Nature Preserve.
Hiking to Svartifoss
To see Svartifoss, you will need to hike around 30 to 45 minutes. It is an easy, beginner level hike. There is some initial uphill but overall, this hike is not too strenuous. When approaching Svartifoss, you’ll see it from afar. You’ll then have the option to get much closer via a small bridge with a central view. You can also use the stream to cool off as well as fill up your water bottle (natural water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world).
There are 2 options for the hike to Svartifoss. The first is that you can come back the way you came. The second option is to take the longer, circular loop back. For more information on this hike, you can check out the website alltrails or stop by the visitor center at the entrance for a map and information.
Things to Do Nearby
There are a lot of things to do near Vatnajökull National Park. One of the most popular is to visit Glacier Lagoon. At Glacier Lagoon, you can even take an exciting 30 minute boat tour around icebergs! Glacier Lagoon is located only around an hour drive from Svartifoss. Next to Glacier Lagoon, you will find the famous Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is a black sand beach that got it’s nickname due to the icebergs that sit amongst the dark colored sand.
3. Stuðlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon is a jaw dropping canyon with beautiful basalt columns. Best of all, Stuðlagil Canyon has less tourists, and can be considered as off the beaten path. The canyon is in East Iceland, located not far off from Route 1. The closest town is Egilsstaðir, which is around an hour drive. It is around 8 hours drive from Reykavik as it is located on the other side of the country, but still a convenient stop if you are driving the full Ring Road.
How to Get There
From the Ring Road, you’ll want to turn on Jökuldalsvegur/Route 923 and continue on Jökuldalsvegur for around 10 miles. You can put “Stuðlagil East side parking” in your GPS and it will bring you to a free parking lot near a farm called Klaustursel. From the parking lot, you’ll cross a small bridge and follow the hiking path for around 2.5 miles before coming in view of the canyon.
Tips for Visiting
The best time to visit Stuðlagil Canyon is between June through the first week of August. This is because at this time, there is a plethora green vegetation and also the water is an enchanting turquoise blue color during the summer months.
4. Gerðuberg Cliffs
Gerðuberg consists of large cliff like basalt columns that tower over the existing landscape. These Iceland basalt columns make for an easy stop if you are driving from Reykjavík to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s worth it to note that there isn’t anything to see from the top, so no need to climb all the way up them to get a view.
How to Get There
Gerðuberg Cliffs are located around an hour and a half from Reykjavík. It is off from Road 54 which leads to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You’ll want to put Gerðuberg into your GPS, and it will instruct you to turn on a small gravel road from Road 54. A little over a mile down the road you should see the cliffs and there is a small pull off area to park (no large parking area).
5. Arnarstapi Cliffs
Arnarstapi Cliffs are also located in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and are a great place to spot Iceland’s Basalt columns. These cliffs run along the Atlantic ocean and are a beautiful area of Iceland. There are several spots where you can see the Basalt columns, including the Arnarstapi Cliff lookout point and the Arnarstapi harbor.
There is also a great walking trail along the cliffs between the village of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The walking path is 1.5 miles one way and provides beautiful views of the cliffs overlooking the sea.
How to Get There
Arnarstapi is located around 2.5 hours from Reykjavík, in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Some people choose to do a day trip to the the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but I highly recommend staying 1 night somewhere in the the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to break up the drive. Arnarstapi is an easy drive and there is parking available in the small village, but keep in mind that there are not many places to eat or get gas in this area, so fill up and grab snacks when you can!
The magnificent basalt columns found throughout Iceland were formed due to the large amount of volcanic activity on this island. The basaltic lava cools down and cracks, usually into a hexagonal shape. This is a process known as columnar jointing, and is why there is such an intensive geometric shape to these columns. This phenomenon has happened across Iceland, but also occurs in other places of the world such as the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Overall, if you are interested in geology, Iceland is a must visit destination.
Tips for Visiting Iceland
Iceland is a truly astonishing country to visit that is full of adventure & dramatic scenery. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting this magnificent place:
- Always check weather and road conditions each day before starting your drive. Even in the summer months there can be high winds that make driving hazardous. Check road.is or safetravel.is each day for updates on travel conditions.
- Gas stations can be far and few between. Especially when you are travelling in the north and east, make sure to fill up your gas when you come across a gas station.
- Wind can be very strong! If there is a high wind warning, make sure to park your car so that it is facing the wind and hold onto the door when getting out. If you park against the wind and leave the car door open, it can potentially be ripped off by a strong gust.
- Make sure you visit the hot springs or pools! This is a huge part of Icelandic culture, and it is an amazing experience to visit the geothermal hot springs. There is both man-made (such as the blue lagoon) and natural hot springs (such as secret lagoon).
- Do NOT go off roading as it destroys the natural landscape.
- Any roads with an F at the front are known as “F roads” and you must have a 4×4 to drive these. Also, some of these have river crossings which you should not attempt in a 4×4 rental car. I recommend staying mostly on Road 1 (the ring road).
- Take time to enjoy the journey & don’t over plan! You’ll want to make sure you have time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
