South IcelandSea stacks
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Basalt sea stacks rising from the ocean near Vík. Legend says they are trolls turned to stone at sunrise. Choose an open viewpoint at Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey; beach access may be restricted.
Basalt Columns
Basalt Columns of Iceland: Svartifoss, Stuðlagil, Reynisdrangar & More
Hexagonal columns formed by slowly cooling lava, found across Iceland in waterfalls, canyons, caves, and coastal cliffs.
Fun fact
Inspired Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík's landmark church was designed to echo basalt column geometry.
Quick Answer
Iceland's basalt columns appear at Svartifoss, Stuðlagil Canyon, Gerðuberg, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. How the hexagonal rock forms and how to reach each.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Some basalt formations are near cliffs, waves, or unstable ground, so follow on-site warnings and stay on marked paths.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
South IcelandWaterfall + columns
Svartifoss
The 'Black Falls': a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns in Skaftafell. The columns inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. 1.5 km uphill hike.
East IcelandCanyon columns
Stuðlagil Canyon
Tall hexagonal basalt columns lining a canyon with turquoise glacial water. One of Iceland's most photographed geological formations. Two access trails available.
West IcelandColumn wall
Gerðuberg Cliffs
A long wall of symmetrical basalt columns on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Short approach on foot; paths continue along the formation. Notable geometric regularity.
South IcelandDwarf rocks
Dverghamrar
Small basalt column formation near Foss á Síðu. 'Dwarf Rocks' in Icelandic: folklore says elves live here. Quick roadside stop off Route 1.
South IcelandBasalt pavement
Kirkjugólf (Church Floor)
Natural basalt column cross-sections eroded flat to resemble a tiled church floor. Located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Small and easy to miss, so look for the sign.
East IcelandWaterfall + columns
Litlanesfoss
30m waterfall flanked by basalt columns. On the hiking trail to Hengifoss. The column formations here are among Iceland's most symmetrical.
North IcelandWaterfall + columns
Aldeyjarfoss
A waterfall framed by dark basalt columns against white glacial water. Highland F-road access. One of Iceland's most photographed column formations.
South IcelandCave columns
Hálsanefshellir
Basalt column cave at Reynisfjara beach. Geometric formations cover the cave ceiling. Stay aware of tides and sneaker waves when visiting.
Match the rock formation to the approach
For a small formation close to a road, compare Dverghamrar and Kirkjugólf. For a waterfall walk, Litlanesfoss is a possible turnaround on the Hengifoss approach. Neither option needs the longer hike to the final waterfall.
Aldeyjarfoss involves a final F26 road section, while Svartifoss needs a trail-status check during Skaftafell’s September 2026 Austurbrekkur works. At Hálsanefshellir, access depends on the beach restrictions: seeing the columns does not justify entering a closed cave or wave zone.
Planning help
Basalt columns FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How are basalt columns formed?
Basalt columns form when thick lava flows cool slowly and contract, cracking into geometric shapes, usually hexagons. The slower the cooling, the more regular the columns. Iceland's volcanic activity and climate make it one of the best places in the world to see these formations.
Where are the most impressive basalt columns in Iceland?
Stuðlagil Canyon and Svartifoss have tall columns in memorable settings. Gerðuberg has the most geometrically regular columns, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are the best known. Each formation has its own character depending on how the lava cooled.
Are basalt column sites easy to reach?
Many are very accessible: Gerðuberg, Dverghamrar, and Kirkjugólf are roadside stops. Svartifoss requires a 1.5 km uphill hike in Skaftafell. Stuðlagil is a longer trail. Aldeyjarfoss requires Highland F-road access. Check specific access requirements before your visit.
Did basalt columns really inspire Hallgrímskirkja?
Yes, architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed Hallgrímskirkja (Reykjavík's landmark church) to evoke basalt column formations, particularly Svartifoss. The church's facade mimics the geometric patterns found in columnar basalt across Iceland.
What are the best tips for photographing basalt columns?
Overcast days work well: they bring out the texture and geometry without harsh shadows. At Stuðlagil, visit when glacial river levels are low (late summer) for the clearest turquoise water. At Svartifoss, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full column curtain behind the waterfall.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.