Driving along the Vatnsnes peninsula reveals the extraordinary rock formation of Hvítserkur, which is a 15 metre (49 ft) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. It has a unique shape that some Icelanders say resembles a giant dinosaur or a cow enjoying a drink from the ocean. Sea erosion has carved out unique holes in the shape. If you’re lucky you might glimpse some seals relaxing in the area.
Hvítserkur is a beautiful cliff where many types of seabirds, especially gulls and fulmars, have made their nests for centuries. Their guano deposit has made it’s mark on the cliff, painting it white in many places. Hence the cliff is named Hvítserkur.
The cliff is mostly basalt. Due to the powerful and never ending onslaught of the tireless sea, the base of the stack has been reinforced with cement in order to protect and maintain it.
What does Hvítserkur mean?
It translates as white shirt, specifically the traditional ruffled white collars worn by some Icelandic Lutheran ministers.
Hvítserkur and the troll
There is a legend that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll. The troll lived in Strandir, east to Hvítserkur. He wanted to tear down the bells at Þingeyrarkirkja church, since the ringing bells bothered him. Fortunately for the church, the troll got caught by daylight, and as we all know trolls turn into stone when they are exposed to sunlight.
Birding at Hvítserkur
Hvítserkur is a great place for birding, since many species of seabirds nest in the rock formation. You can expect to see seagulls, fulmars, kittiwakes and even a few puffins.
