How is basalt rock formed?
Iceland is a minefield of explosive energy, and because of this beautiful shapes and patterns are formed across the landscape.
As basaltic lava cools over an extended period of time, beautiful geometric forms emerge – incredible columns of hexagonal basalt rock. These wondrous formations can be found all around the world, but Iceland is one of the best places for it without a doubt.
It’s incredible to see that after such a violent eruption of lava, almost perfectly symmetrical ‘sculptures’ are born. So much order in the chaos!
This is due to the way basaltic lava cools – basaltic lava is hotter and flows faster than other forms of lava, and as it cools it forms seemingly perfect hexagonal forms. This process is known as columnar jointing.
For some of the best examples of basalt columns in Iceland, head to the atmospheric black sand beach of Vik in South Iceland.
In some areas the formations are so vast and jaw-droppingly beautiful they look as though they don’t belong on our planet, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Basalt rock reveal the tell-tale signs of the earth’s moments over thousands of years ago.
Where can you find basalt columns?
Generally, the basaltic columns are found near sources of water. Most commonly along coastlines or in the middle of rivers and streams, just like the one I stumbled across in Hofsos in North Iceland en route to the pretty fishing town of Siglufjordur.
Hofsos - North Iceland
It’s shocking how I’d never heard of Hosfos before. A quick Google search reveals most of you probably haven’t either since there’s little written about the basalt columns there. Not even in the Lonely Planet!
If these were in another country it would be on the radar much more, but I’m convinced we haven’t because Iceland is packed with so many incredible sites like Dettifoss, Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss and Geysir area, Hverir, and so many other unique places that it just gets massively overlooked in the popularity contest.
Backing my claim is Giant’s Causeway, everyone has heard of it and tourists flock to Ireland every year to marvel at these stunning basalt columns jutting out of the sea, even though I have a feeling Hofsos covers a much larger surface area.
Dettifoss - North Iceland
Another place that showcases basalt columns is the area surrounding Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. However, I should emphasis that the main attraction in Dettifoss, this waterfall is a beast! The basalt columns are in no way as spectacular or defined as the ones you’ll find in Hofsos.
Read more → Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls
Accommodation in North Iceland
If you want to be in the city, I recommend using Akureyri as your base. Akureyri is the second largest city in North Iceland and often dubbed, the ‘Capital of the North’.
If you’re hiring a car and would prefer to be in nature, then Lake Myvatn is the place to be.
Svartifoss - South Iceland
After the black sand beach in Vin, the most famous example of basalt columns in South Iceland is Svartifoss. Also known as ‘Black Fall’ tucked away in Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park.
But its striking appearance isn’t the only thing Svartifoss is notable for. When the architect of Hallgrimskirkja Church, Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, credited the waterfall as the inspiration behind his iconic creation it strengthened its popularity as one of Iceland’s most loved waterfalls.
Can you see the similarity?
Accommodation in South Iceland
The nearest accommodation to Svartifoss is Hotel Skaftafell. It does the trick and the location is great, however, I found it a bit tired looking.
So if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more modern and design-focused, I recommend staying at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. You’ll only be a short walk away from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon too!
Stuðlagil Canyon - East Iceland
Last, but certainly not least, in Jökuldalur valley (Glacier Valley) in Austurland, East Iceland, there’s one of the biggest and most beautiful basalt columns formation in Iceland: Stuðlagil Canyon.
Interestingly, these columns weren’t visible until recently. The valley was mostly submerged by the Jökla River, until a dam was built which reduced the river’s water level significantly and in the process revealed this gem to us.
It’s difficult not to fall in love with something that inspires others so much. They are nature’s skyscrapers if you like, sculpted by the hands of Mother Nature herself.
Accommodation in East Iceland
Compared to North, South and West Iceland, the West is more sparse and therefore accommodation options are fewer. Therefore, I recommend staying in Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland.
Further information:
Want to book a guided tour in Iceland? From Reykjavik you can book a guided tour taking you on a journey to see the geological wonders of South Iceland including places to see basalt rock at Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vik. To book and read more information see here.
Planning a trip to Iceland? See my detailed 2-week road-trip itinerary.
12 responses
Your pictures look so beautiful! I’d love to go back to Iceland to see all this!
Thanks Van! The North of Iceland is amazing with some really bizarre landscapes so I hope you make it there in the near future!
Thanks for the info! I linked to your page on our Iceland starter trip. Would love to see these basalt columns.
Hi Shing, your photos at absolutely stunnig. I am planning to visit Iceland mid-March and was wondering if driving from Reykjavík to Black sand beach and diamond beach all do-able in one day? We plan on driving ourselves. Not too interesting in seeing all the waterfall but perhaps one along the way. Any insights are much appreciated.
Hi Jen! Hmmm interesting question. Technically it can be done, but I would advise against it. Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon (diamond beach) is already 380 km, so if you factor in stopping off at black beach (Vik), you’ll be doing at least 900km there and back in one day!
Is it possible to spend a night in Vik or do you not have the time? If you don’t – and a day-trip is all you can do – then it could be worth trying but it’s still a mad idea haha. Also… it depends what time of the year you are going i.e. it could be dark by the time you reach Jokulsarlon in the winter.
Loving th post! Having just returned to Reykjavík from Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon I was looking up info on basalt formations in Iceland and came across your blog!
Thanks for all the great info!! 🙂
Just a note to fellow readers, my husband and I made a day trip to Diamond Beach, did the boat tour of Glacier Lagoon, stopped at Vik briefly, stopped at the bridge site, and Skagfoss (only for a few pics) – all in one day!
It was a little crazy to make it back to Reykjavík, but can be done. We left at 7am and were back by 10pm.
This drive deserves 2 days, but can be done in one ! 🙂
I’m so happy I came across this post because I would never have known about basalt columns at Hofsos. I’m loving the pictures you took there. Is there a particular location in Hofsos where you recommend viewing the columns? I can’t find any other information on them or see them on a map. It would be so nice if you could help me out! We are visiting Iceland in a few weeks and would love to see Hofsos.
Hi Kim, sorry for the late reply, I’ve been neglecting my blog recently! Yes, if you go to the outdoor thermal swimming pool in Hofsos and walk behind it (if I remember correctly, there should be a little footpath, you’ll see loads of the basalt columns depicted in this post!
Have an amazing time, let me know if you have anymore questions! x
I just returned from 9 1/2 magnificent days in Iceland and miss it so-o-o much! I grew up in NE Washington State in the USA. It is a volcanic area and in several places we have basalt columns reminiscent of those in Iceland. See for example: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMJHDE_Basalt_columns_Spokane_WA
Hello Karen! The basalt columns in the link look so cool – now I want to visit Washington State! 😀