Hljóðklettar
Hljóðaklettar are special rock formations by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum in a valley called Vesturdalur between Ásbyrgi and the waterfall Dettifoss. It contains amazing basalt columns that formed where water and flowing lava have coexisted. The columns are very diverse and are both horizontally and vertically. There is a small cave in Hljóðaklettar formed by basalt columns.
Plan Hljóðaklettar with route advice, tours, nearby places, towns and villages, map coordinates and practical FAQ.
Quick guide to Hljóðaklettar
| Location | North Iceland, Vesturdalur in Jökulsárgljúfur between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi - 65.9319, -16.5495 |
| Best for | Basalt formations, canyon walking, geology, photography, quieter Diamond Circle route planning |
| Nearby places | Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Vesturdalur, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík |
| Typical visit time | 1 to 2 hours for a short walk; half day for slower hiking in Vesturdalur |
| Best season | Summer and early autumn are easiest; road 862 and local access can be seasonal or weather-dependent |
| Good to know | Check road conditions before committing; keep the plan flexible when combining Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn |
| Coordinates | 65.9319,-16.5495 |
What is Hljóðaklettar?
Hljóðaklettar, often called the echo rocks, is an area of striking basalt formations in Vesturdalur within the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon landscape.
The shapes, caves and twisted columns were formed by volcanic material and powerful river action, making the area one of North Iceland’s more distinctive geology stops.
Hljóðaklettar is a strong route-planning stop within Iceland's Capes & Cliffs section.
Why visit Hljóðaklettar?
Visit Hljóðaklettar if you want the Diamond Circle to feel more textured than only the famous stops. It is quieter than Dettifoss and more walk-focused than many roadside viewpoints.
It works especially well for travellers connecting Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík and Lake Mývatn with enough time for a real canyon walk.
Hljóðaklettar works best when it is connected with nearby places and the right travel route.
How to visit Hljóðaklettar
Most travellers visit Hljóðaklettar by self-drive on a North Iceland route, but access depends on road conditions and season. Check road updates before committing to road 862 or nearby gravel sections.
Guided Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Lake Mývatn tours or private Diamond Circle tours are best if you want the route planned around timing and access.
Best Hljóðaklettar and Diamond Circle tours
Hljóðaklettar fits naturally with Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík. Use these when the canyon route should be guided or combined with stronger North Iceland stops.
A practical route for Hljóðaklettar, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and North Iceland canyon scenery.
Best when the day should be flexible around roads, viewpoints and Hljóðaklettar walking time.
A private North Iceland route that can connect the canyon with lake, waterfall and geothermal stops.
A natural coastal add-on when Hljóðaklettar is part of a slower North Iceland base plan.
Places near Hljóðaklettar
Hljóðaklettar works best when it is connected with nearby nature stops and route anchors.
Towns and villages near Hljóðaklettar
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Short canyon walk
Walk Hljóðaklettar in Vesturdalur, then continue toward Ásbyrgi if road and daylight conditions are comfortable.
Diamond Circle day
Use a Private Diamond Circle Day Tour to connect Hljóðaklettar, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Lake Mývatn with flexible timing.
Húsavík base plan
Stay in Húsavík, add whale watching and use the canyon route as a slower nature day.
FAQ about Hljóðaklettar
Is it Hljóðklettar or Hljóðaklettar?
Both forms are seen, but Hljóðaklettar is the common Icelandic name for the echo-rock basalt formations in Vesturdalur.
Is Hljóðaklettar worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy basalt geology, short hikes and quieter canyon scenery between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi.
Where is Hljóðaklettar?
Hljóðaklettar is in Vesturdalur in North Iceland, between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi in the Jökulsárgljúfur area.
What tours fit Hljóðaklettar?
Choose by route:
- Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Lake Mývatn Tour for a practical shared route.
- Private Diamond Circle Day Tour for flexible canyon timing.
- Private Mývatn, Dettifoss and Goðafoss Tour for a broader North Iceland day.
Can you visit Hljóðaklettar in winter?
Sometimes access can be difficult or unsuitable in winter. Check road conditions and keep the route flexible; this is easiest in summer and early autumn.
How long do you need at Hljóðaklettar?
Allow 1 to 2 hours for a short walk and photos. A half day is better if you want a slower hike in Vesturdalur.
What should you combine with Hljóðaklettar?
Combine it with Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Húsavík.
The basalt columns cave in Hljóðlettar
Beautiful landscape in Hljóðklettar
Hljóðklettar basalt columns
Hljóðklettar
Hljóðklettar in North Iceland