Gerduberg (Gerðuberg) is an impressive natural wall of hexagonal basalt columns, visible from Route 54 south of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. We were captivated by the geometric regularity of these formations, which seem to form a rampart protecting the magnificent Ytri-Rauðarmelskúla crater just behind.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Gerduberg.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Gerduberg?
Is Gerduberg worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, Gerduberg is well worth a visit. This geological site is usually the first remarkable place visitors discover when they arrive on the Snaefellsnes peninsula from Reykjavík. The hexagonal basalt columns, 7 to 14m high and 1 to 1.5m wide, are aligned so regularly that they look as if they’ve been sculpted by hand.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
We found the place interesting for its natural geometry, even if the visit remains brief. The site is quick to discover and an easy stop on any itinerary on the peninsula.
WHERE TO STAY IN Snaefellsnes
In Grundarfjordur, near Kirkjufell
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In Stykkisholmur, surrounded by water and islands
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In Borganes, at the junction of Route 1 and Snaefellsnes
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How to get to Gerduberg: access and map
Where is Gerduberg?
- On the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, west of Iceland
- On the western edge of the Hnappadalur valley
- Accessible from Route 54
- Driving time from Borgarnes: 30min
- Driving time from Stykkishólmur: 40min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there? Access road
Gerduberg can be reached by car from Route 54 via a short dirt road. The good news is that this route is accessible by conventional car (2WD). However, we recommend that you drive slowly, as the track is quite bumpy.
A sign indicates a possible loop, but be aware that the rest of the path passes through private property. Go back the way you came.
Parking
A parking area is located at the end of the dirt road, in the immediate vicinity of the site. We parked there without difficulty. The surface is dirt and gravel, but suitable for passenger vehicles.
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The wall faces south-east. We recommend visiting Gerduberg in the morning or early afternoon to fully appreciate the beauty of the basalt columns in the low-angled light.
Access to the site is free, with no time restrictions.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 15-20 minutes to discover Gerduberg. The visit is brief but well worth the detour. You can walk along the base of the cliff, observe the columns up close and climb to the top if you feel like it.
We encountered no major difficulties on site. However, the terrain is uneven in places, so good walking shoes are recommended.
Visiting with children
The site is family-friendly. Children will love the fun of climbing up the columns, which resemble giant steps. But be sure to keep an eye on them as you climb to the top, as there are no safety barriers.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
You won’t find any facilities on the Gerduberg site: no catering, no toilets.
A fortress-like basalt wall
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the sheer size of the site. The basalt columns, perfectly aligned, rise up from the plain and can be seen from afar. This immense natural wall, over a kilometer long, resembles a fortress built by giants.
The hexagonal columns, ranging in height from 7 to 14m, stand with remarkable geometric regularity. They are up to 1.5m wide. You’ll be amazed by the near-perfect symmetry of these formations, so much so that they seem to have been carved by the hand of man. Yet nature alone is the architect.
The geology of the Gerduberg columns
The formation of these columns is the result of a volcanic phenomenon that occurred thousands of years ago. During an eruption, rivers of lava flowed uniformly from the cliffs. The sea then rapidly cooled the lava, causing it to solidify into regular columns.
This type of rock, known as dolerite – a coarse-grained basalt – is distinguished by its crystalline structure. We found it fascinating that this natural process produces such precise shapes. Such courses are still rare in Iceland and the rest of the world. Others can be seen at Hofsós, in northern Iceland. The Snaefellsnes peninsula is marked by a long volcanic chain dominated by the Snaefellsjökull glacier. No lava flow comparable to the one that created Gerduberg has occurred in the region for several hundred years.
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Ytri-Rauðarmelskúla crater
Behind the wall of basalt columns lies the Ytri-Rauðarmelskúla crater. This colorful volcano offers a striking contrast to the dark rock of Gerduberg. The basalt columns seem to form a natural rampart around the crater, adding a spectacular dimension to the landscape.
We enjoyed getting up high to see its contours. From the top of the cliff, you can enjoy a beautiful view of this volcanic formation.
Cliff ascent and summit plateau
Following the base of the cliff, you can then climb to the summit, where the plateau is surprisingly flat. Seen from above, the columns give the impression of staircases carved for a giant. It’s a fun show! Enjoy unobstructed views over the surrounding plain and the Ytri-Rauðarmelskúla crater.
Other nearby attractions
If there’s anything noteworthy:
You can combine your visit to Gerduberg with these nearby attractions:
- Ytri Tunga, a beach renowned for its colonies of seals, which can be observed from the shore.
- The Rauðfeldsgjá gorge, a narrow fault in the mountain where a stream flows through
Frequently asked questions
Is there a charge for access to Gerduberg?
No, access to Gerduberg is completely free. The site is open-air, with no barriers or ticket booths. You can visit at any time.
How long does it take to visit Gerduberg?
Allow 15-20 minutes to explore the site. This is enough time to walk along the cliff, observe the columns up close and climb to the summit. If you’d like to take photos or picnic on site, please allow a little more.
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