Height
15 meters
Basalt sea stack sculpted by wind and wave erosion over millennia
Hvítserkur: The Troll of Northwest Iceland
A 15-meter basalt sea stack on the Vatnsnes peninsula, known as the "Troll of Northwest Iceland" and a regular subject for photographers.
Location
Vatnsnes Peninsula
North Iceland • Off Route 711
Hvítserkur is a 15-meter-tall basalt rock formation standing in the shallow waters of Húnaflói bay on the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula in North Iceland. Its distinctive two-legged shape, sculpted by centuries of wind and wave erosion, resembles a drinking dragon, rhinoceros, or elephant depending on the angle and the viewer's imagination. According to Icelandic folklore, Hvítserkur is a troll that was caught outside at dawn while trying to tear down the nearby Þingeyraklaustur monastery and was turned to stone by the sunlight. The base of the rock has been reinforced with concrete to slow erosion. The Vatnsnes peninsula is also one of Iceland's better seal-watching areas, another reason to make the detour.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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Official sources to check
Wildlife
Seal colony
Harbor seals and grey seals frequently spotted along the Vatnsnes coast
Region
North Iceland
Vatnsnes peninsula, off Route 711 from the Ring Road
What to Expect
The Sea Stack
A 15-meter basalt formation with two arch-like legs. It stands in the shallow bay, and its appearance changes with the tides
Cliff Viewpoint
A viewpoint at the top of the cliff overlooks Hvítserkur and the bay; you can get good photos without going down
Beach Access
A steep path with steps leads down to the black sand beach for closer views and tide-dependent access to the rock
Seal Watching
The Vatnsnes peninsula is one of Iceland's best areas for spotting harbor seals and grey seals on coastal rocks
Tidal Variations
The formation looks quite different at high and low tide; at low tide you can walk on the sand near its base
Northern Lights
The area has little light pollution, so Hvítserkur is a good northern lights photography spot in winter
Getting There
From Route 1 (Ring Road), take Route 711 north along the Vatnsnes peninsula. Hvítserkur is signposted along Route 711 on the eastern side of the peninsula. The last stretch to the parking area is an unpaved gravel road. The drive from Blönduós is about 30 minutes, and from Akureyri about 2 hours. The parking area is free, and a short walk leads to the cliff viewpoint. The steep descent to the beach takes about 5-10 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) has the best weather, the longest daylight, and the easiest road access. Low tide reveals more of the rock's base and lets you get closer on the beach; check tide tables in advance. Sunrise and sunset give the best photography light. In winter you may catch the northern lights, but roads can be difficult. The Vatnsnes peninsula is quieter than many tourist areas, so crowds are rarely an issue even in summer.
Planning help
Hvítserkur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.