Hvitserkur is one of Iceland’s most beautiful sea stacks tourist attraction located in North Iceland and well worth a trip to see. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this frozen troll of northwest Iceland!
What’s special about Hvitserkur? A brief background of this rock
As with many places in Iceland, Hvitserkur is steeped in folklore. It’s said that this basalt rock column was once an evil troll. In an attempt to destroy the nearby Þingeyraklaustur Monastery, he became trapped in the sand and tides and was turned to stone by the rising sun.
In all reality, Hvitserkur is simply an eroded section of rock that has withered away slowly over time due to salt air and sea. Its name literally translates to “white shirt” due to the guano that often covers the rock.
Where is Hvitserkur?
Hvitserkur stands majestically on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes Peninsula in Northwest Iceland, presenting a silhouette that sparks the imagination.
Positioned within Húnaflói Bay, this remarkable sea stack, shaped uncannily like a troll, creates an imposing figure against the backdrop of the North Atlantic.
It’s a spectacle that, under the glow of the moon and aurora borealis, transforms into a scene from a myth, where the boundaries between the natural world and the tales of old blur seamlessly.
This area, not just known for its geological wonders, is also a stone’s throw from the Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi, making it an ideal spot for those keen to delve into the local wildlife and the mystical allure of the aurora-lit night skies.
How to get to Hvitserkur?
Reaching Hvitserkur is a journey through Iceland’s captivating landscapes. Starting off the Ring Road, your adventure takes you down Highway 717, a road number that marks the beginning of your trek into the wild. As you progress, you’ll find yourself on Highway 711, guiding you towards the Hvitserkur parking area.
The journey there is dotted with opportunities to witness the dynamic interplay between the sun, moon, and aurora borealis, painting the sky in hues that are nothing short of magical. A mere 10-minute hike from the parking area will lead you to this iconic rock formation, making it accessible for a broad range of adventurers.
Whether you’re jetting off from Reykjavik or wheeling your suitcase directly from the airport in Keflavik, Firefly Iceland car rental makes your journey to Hvitserkur effortless and comfortable, ensuring your first (or next) Icelandic adventure starts off without a hitch.
If you’re driving to Hvitserkur from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, it will take about 3 hours and 25 minutes. Most rental car pick ups are at the airport in Keflavik. If you decide to drive straight here from the airport it will take about 3 hours and 50 minutes.
How far from Hvitserkur to Akureyri
Getting from Hvitserkur to Akureyri takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. The journey is 127 miles (205 kilometers).
How far from Hvitserkur to Myvatn
Traveling from Hvitserkur to Myvatn will take 3 hours and 40 minutes and is 173 miles (279 kilometers).
What is the best time to visit Hvitserkur
The best time to visit Hvitserkur is from late May to October. Being in the north of the country, this area does get its fair share of snow and ice with intense weather conditions in winter.
As you need to reach Hvitserkur by a hiking trail, it can become slippery due to heavy snow and ice. The same goes for road conditions which can be particularly tricky from November to April.
What to Do on the Vatnsnes Peninsula
After visiting the beautiful Hvitserkur, why not combine the trip with more sights along the Vatnsnes Peninsula?
Zip on over to the eastern side and make your way to Hvammstangi, one of the best seal watching location with wild seal colonies, to check out the Icelandic Seal Centre. Here, you can learn all about where to find seals and even see them lounging around, especially from July to September. Keep in mind, they’re off on their own adventures in May and June, so the place is quiet then.
And guess what? The area around here is also a fab spot for catching the northern lights or the aurora borealis, making those chilly evenings truly magical. If you find yourself covered in bird droppings, don’t fret; it just means you’re in a spot that birds love too!
Don’t forget to take a little detour to Kolugljúfur Canyon. It’s a cool place with waterfalls that look like something out of a fairy tale, and a peaceful river that’s perfect for a picnic. Imagine munching on your snacks with the water rushing by and maybe the moon or aurora waving hello from the sky.
Best rental car option for this trip
One of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting Hvitserkur is that you’ll need to traverse gravel roads. Once you turn off the Ring Road (also known as Highway 1) you’ll be navigating dirt and gravel roads that can be tricky to travel on.
Now, for the smart choice: picking a 4×4 vehicle. Why? Well, it’s like having superpowers for your car. Gravel roads? Easy peasy. Unexpected potholes? No problemo. Plus, a 4×4 is just the ticket for feeling confident behind the wheel, no matter what the road throws at you.
But let’s talk about the weather, because it’s got a big role in this adventure. In the summer, Iceland is like a scene from a beautiful movie. The roads are mostly clear, making it easier to drive, even on those gravel parts. But, it’s always good to have a 4×4 for those just-in-case moments when you find a road that’s a bit more “wild” than you expected.
Winter, though, is a whole different story. Imagine snow, ice, and everything nice—that is, if you’re snug at home with hot cocoa. On the roads, it means you gotta be extra careful. Those gravel roads can get slippery, and some might even be covered in snow. This is when having a 4×4 isn’t just nice; it’s a must. It’s like wearing a warm coat in the cold—it keeps you safe and sound.
So, no matter the season, a 4×4 from Firefly Iceland car rental has got your back. It makes driving on those summer roads a breeze and turns winter journeys into cozy, snowy adventures. Get ready to explore Hvitserkur and all its nearby wonders with the right car for the job.
Safety rules when visiting
Because Hvitserkur is a bit off the beaten path and in a remote, rugged area of Iceland, there are a few things you should keep in mind before visiting.
● Rent the right car.
While some websites suggest that you can get by with a normal vehicle, it’s a good idea to have a 4×4 to traverse the roads. They quickly turn to dirt and gravel once you’re off of Highway 1 and you’ll be driving for miles on roads that are often in rough shape.
2. Don’t go off route.
Off-road Driving (driving on the not-marked roads )in Iceland is illegal and can result in hefty fines! The Icelandic government enforces these rules to help protect the fragile landscape which we can all agree to do our best to preserve.
3. Beware of slippery rocks when hiking.
The path out to the viewing platform for Hvitserkur is relatively easy with a gentle grade and only takes about 10 minutes from the parking area.
If you want to descend down to the black sand beach from the viewing platform, the trail becomes a bit more strenuous. Alternatively, there is another trail that leads from the far right end of the parking area down to the beach and isn’t quite as steep.
In conclusion
If you’re inspired to visit Iceland’s frozen troll, there’s no better way to do it than by renting a cheap 4×4 vehicle with Firefly Iceland Car Rentals.
With some of the best rates in the county, not only are you getting a great deal but you’re also getting wonderful customer service. Instead of renting with an expensive company, save money while still securing a reliable vehicle and have the trip of a lifetime!
