Hljodaklettar, meaning echo rocks, is a cluster of columnar rock formations at the entrance to Vesturdalur in the Jokulsargljufur area of Vatnajokull National Park. It stands by the river Jokulsa a Fjollum, and the columns lie at all angles rather than standing upright. Hljodaklettar is south of Asbyrgi.
What Hljodaklettar is
Hljodaklettar is a group of rock formations in Vesturdalur, in the Jokulsargljufur area of Vatnajokull National Park. The site sits down by the river Jokulsa a Fjollum, and its Icelandic name translates as echo rocks.
For nearby context, Asbyrgi is in the same broader area. Holmatungur is also in Jokulsargljufur, with rich vegetation and columnar rock formations.
How the rock formations were made
Hljodaklettar and Raudholar together form a row of craters that erupted thousands of years ago. During outburst floods, the river swept loose material away from most of these craters and exposed their basic structures.
Where magma solidified in the volcanic conduits, it formed many kinds of unusual rock formations. That process is what gives the area its varied columns and shapes.
The named rocks
Several formations at the site are named. Trollkarlinn means the giant troll.
Kirkjan is a domed cave, and its name means the church.
Karl og Kerling is another named formation at Hljodaklettar.
Walking the marked trails
Marked routes here include Eyjan, the Hljodaklettar circle, the route to Trollid, the Raudholar route, the Karl and Kerling route, and the Svinadalur circle.
The park grades Eyjan, Trollid, and the Karl and Kerling route as easy. It grades the Hljodaklettar circle, the Raudholar route, and the Svinadalur circle as challenging.
Hikers are prohibited from walking outside the marked footpaths at Hljodaklettar and Raudholar, to protect the vegetation.
There is good access for every visitor from the car park at Langavatnshofdi.
Getting to Vesturdalur
Hljodaklettar is reached on road 862, by a paved road, and there is a campsite at Vesturdalur. The road is closed over the winter months. For live status and seasonal closures, check road conditions.
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