Hljodaklettar (Hljóðaklettar) Hike
Hljodaklettar (Hljóðaklettar) Hike
Useful Information: pick up a map at the warden’s office in Asbyrgi or Vesturdalur. Bring food and drink with you. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Difficulty: fairly challenging circular walk on an uneven, rocky path. Interest: fantastic rock formations of columnar basalt, volcanic plugs, a crater. Start/End: from the Dettifoss to Asbyrgi road on the west bank of the river take the turning down a dirt track to Vesturdalur. As the hut comes into view bear left and continue to the car park (toilet) at the end of the track.
From the car park head north along a broad trail. After 15 minutes the trail splits and you should take the right fork, which leads you to the first of the huge volcanic plugs. The circular route winds among these extraordinary formations, which were once part of a crater row that erupted along the river bed.
Take your time to explore the area well and discover the huge cave on a side trail to the left of the main path. The trail branches again and you should bear right joining another path, which winds up through birch forest and rocky slopes to a red crater. After summiting the crater for the view, bear left down an easy path, heading north to return to your vehicle.