Geology lovers rejoice! A wonderful short hike awaits you in North Iceland. There you will experience a unique display of basalt rock formations, named Hljóðaklettar (Translation: Wailing Cliffs). Truly a perfect way to spend a summer day in Iceland! So come along with us today as we share all of the details on this inspiring place…
Basalt Caves & Features Around Iceland
Often, when people plan their Iceland self drive adventure, they seek out specific types of locations. Why? Because you may have a limited amount of time and a must do list to complete. Therefore, if you seek basalt features, you may want a list to work from. To illustrate, here are basalt features and caves around Iceland to visit:
- Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Beach, Cave, and Basalt Sea Stacks
- Kálfshamarsvík
- Stuðlagil Canyon
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Dverghamrar
- Gerðuberg
- Hengifoss & Litlanesfoss Waterfalls
- Hljóðaklettar which is today’s stunning Iceland Wedding Planner featured monthly hike!
- Arnarstapi
- Stuðlafoss Waterfall
How to Get to Hljóðaklettar
Curious on how you get to Hljóðaklettar and the famed Kirkjan Cave? Firstly, you need to find your way to North Iceland. Specifically if you’re in the town of Akureyri, you’ll be just under 2 hours away from this spectacular location. Secondly, you would take Route #1 to Road #85 to Road #862 which is also called Dettifossvegur. Thirdly, this area is within the overall Vatnajökull National Park area but actually in Jökulsárgljúfur.
Next, you will make the turn from Road #862 and take the winding road to the left down towards the river. Furthermore, you’ll pass the campsite and finally arrive to the unmarked parking lot. When looking towards the river (named Jökulsá á Fjöllum), you’ll see the hiking path begin on the left hand side of the parking area.
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- Hljóðaklettar Hiking Map
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- Entrance
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- Hljóðaklettar Parking Area
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- Start of Hljóðaklettar Hike
Hljóðaklettar Hike Specifications
Are you ready to visit Hljóðaklettar? As you prepare for your trip, use these specifications to know what to expect…
- Distance: 1-1.5 miles (round trip)
- Hike Time: 30-90 minutes depending on how much time spent exploring.
- Terrain: Small river crossing; dirt; stone; basalt; and sand.
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy Loop Hike
- Google Map Link
- GPS Coordinates: 65°55’53.6″N; 16°32’49.0″W
- Best Time to Hike: Summer (June – August).
- Note: LEAVE NO TRACE – Keep hold of your trash, pick up any you find, and stay on the marked trails.
Guide to Hljóðaklettar
Woohoo, let’s do this thing… Feel free to use this step by step guide to get yourself to Hljóðaklettar!
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- From the parking lot, this will be your view as you embark.
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- Small river crossing within the first 5 minutes of the hike.
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- This is a loop hike so choose what direction you wish to start.
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- Personally, the view is more dramatic starting on the right then looping around.
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- Kastili Rock Formation within Hljóðaklettar.
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- Tröllið (the Troll) rock formation.
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- Endless basalt features surround you!
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- There are a handful of signs guiding you around the trail.
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- Otherwise look for the small yellow trail markers.
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- Literally hiking through the basalt!
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- The path is mainly sand, dirt, and/or basalt.
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- Super exciting hiking through basalt!
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- It’s important to stay on the marked paths to protect the flora trying to restore.
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- From all directions you witness the amazing geology of this area!
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- About 20ish minutes in you’ll be getting closer to the Kirkjan Cave!
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- Sign leading to Kirkjan Cave.
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- Kirkjan Cave inside of Hljóðaklettar.
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- Looking out from inside of Kirkjan Cave
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- Basalt features near Kirkjan.
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- Inside of Kiirkjan Cave.
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- Might be the most beautiful basalt cave in Iceland!
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- Continuing the hike from Kirkjan.
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- Bits of snow were still present at the beginning of June 2021!
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- Looking back on trail on the way out.
Kirkjan Cave
Likely the most famous point within Hljóðaklettar, is experiencing the Kirkjan Basalt Cave. Frankly, it is quite astounding to see from above and then experience firsthand. Maybe because of it’s size or the mystery of how such a place existed or even created in the first place, who knows!
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- Hljóðaklettar Cave named Kirkjan.
Getting Married in a Basalt Cave
Are you leaving so inspired that you want to be married in a basalt cave? In fact, it is possible to get married in Hljóðaklettar & Kirkjan Cave. However, it will require in advance permission / permit to do so from the national park and the environmental agency in Iceland. Hiring a local Iceland wedding planner to help you navigate through those processes.
Lastly, if you would rather find your way to less touristy / populated place to get married privately… Feel free to contact us for more information on planning and adventure wedding or elopement in Iceland!
© 2021, Photos by Miss Ann (DBA Iceland Wedding Planner / Your Adventure Wedding), All Rights Reserved.