Your guide to Hvítserkur, in Vatnsnesvegur, Iceland
Hvítserkur is a popular tourist attraction in Northwest Iceland, thanks to its unique shape. Some say it’s a drinking dinosaur, others a rhino or elephant. Whatever it looks like to you, the Hvítserkur sea stack is well worth a stop – by day or under the colorful Aurora Borealis.
This 15-meter rock formation is made of basalt rock. But have you ever wondered how Hvítserkur formed? Over time, relentless waves and wind sculpted the basalt rock into the unique shape you see today. However, erosion threatened its stability, so to protect its foundations, the base of the stack has been reinforced with concrete.
There’s a lot of debate about what it looks like. But its name, Hvítserkur, actually means ‘white shirt’ in Icelandic, thanks to the bird droppings that cover the rock!
You’ll find Hvítserkur just off the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula. A gravel road leads you to a nearby parking lot, about a 30-minute detour from the Ring Road. From there, it's a short walk to the best viewpoints.
While you’re here, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. This area is home to adorable seal colonies, often seen lounging along the shore. Whether you're here for the seals, the folklore, or just a fantastic photo, Hvítserkur, Iceland, is a must-see stop on your adventure.
