Hvítserkur is a basalt sea stack about 15 m high on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula in northwest Iceland, with two holes at its base that give it the look of a dragon drinking. It is about 250 km (3 hours) from Reykjavik, 30 km on a gravel road from Blönduós, and best seen at low tide. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The stack
rises from the shallows at the edge of the bay, with a hollow base that is fully exposed at low tide.
The troll legend
local tradition says it is the petrified remains of a troll who tried to destroy the monastery at Þingeyrar and was turned to stone by the rising sun.
The seals
they rest on the sandbanks at Ós, across the river mouth below the rock, and numbers peak near low tide.
The viewing platform
a short walk from the car park, above the shore.
Practical info
Tips
- Plan 30 to 60 minutes. From the car park a viewing platform gives the overview, and a trail of about 300 m leads down to the beach, where you can walk up to the rock at low tide. Arctic terns defend their nests in early summer and swoop from higher points, so carry a stick or hat. In winter the beach path can be slippery; crampons help. The stack was reinforced with concrete at its base in the mid-20th century because farmers feared the eroding rock might topple; trampling by visitors has damaged nearby bird-nesting sites and seal haul-outs, so stay on the paths and keep a distance from the seals. The route circles the peninsula on Route 711, a narrow, bumpy gravel road that most standard cars handle in good summer weather; a 4WD is recommended from November to March or after heavy rain. Check vedur.is and road.is before setting out. Pair it with Akureyri, about 145 km from Blönduós on the Ring Road, or with the route in Reykjavik to Akureyri. The Discover Cars page for Iceland is linked in the box above; see also Iceland car rental.
How to get there
From Reykjavik, take Route 1 to Blönduós (the Reykjavik distance is about 250 km, or 3 hours), then Route 711 for about 30 km. From Hvammstangi it is about 30 km as well.
Opening hours
Nearby
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