Dverghamrar
Located east of the town Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the unique columnar basalt formations called Dverghamrar or “Dwarf rocks”. Columnar basalt is formed when lava flow gets cooled and contraction forces up. It is believed that this beautiful formation was formed at the end of the Ice Age when the sea level was much higher.
Plan Dverghamrar near Kirkjubaejarklaustur with basalt-column context, southeast route ideas, tours, coordinates and FAQ.
Quick guide to Dverghamrar
| Location | Southeast Iceland, near Kirkjubaejarklaustur |
| Best for | Basalt columns, short walks, folklore atmosphere, Kirkjubaejarklaustur route planning and southeast stopovers |
| Nearby places | Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Fjaðrargljufur, Foss a Sidu, Laki route and Skaftafell |
| Typical visit time | 20 to 45 minutes for a short stop; longer if pairing with local walks and photo time |
| Best season | Year round from the Ring Road area, with winter ice and wind checks |
| Good to know | Use marked paths and parking. The site is small, so it works best as part of a wider southeast route. |
| Coordinates | 63.8493,-17.8611 |
Dverghamrar basalt columns near Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Dverghamrar is a small but memorable basalt-column site near Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The name means "Dwarf Cliffs", and the place has the kind of compact, folklore-heavy feel that makes it a useful pause on a long southeast drive.
The columns are connected to volcanic history and glacial shaping in the region. Unlike the larger headline stops nearby, Dverghamrar is not about scale; it is about texture, rock structure and the way a short walk can break up the Ring Road journey.
Dverghamrar is a compact basalt-column stop west of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Why Dverghamrar is worth a short stop
Dverghamrar is useful because it sits close to Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Fjaðrargljufur, Foss a Sidu and the approach toward Skaftafell. It gives travellers a quick geology stop without adding a major detour.
For visitors driving to Jokulsarlon or Skaftafell, Dverghamrar can make the day feel less like a straight transfer. If conditions are poor, keep it short and focus on safe parking and clear paths.
Dverghamrar works best when it is linked with nearby Kirkjubaejarklaustur and the wider southeast route.
How to visit Dverghamrar
Park in designated areas and use marked paths. The stop is short, but wet grass, ice or wind can still make footing awkward.
Guided tours rarely focus only on Dverghamrar. Choose a broader southeast or glacier route if you want the long drive handled for you, then use Dverghamrar as a route idea rather than the main booking anchor.
Tours that fit a Dverghamrar route
Dverghamrar itself is usually a self-drive stop, but it fits naturally with longer southeast tours, glacier activities and routes toward Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon.
Compare South Coast and southeast tours
A long southeast route that can pass the Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Dverghamrar area.
Best when the southeast drive should be flexible around daylight, weather and smaller stops.
A meet-on-location glacier activity east of Dverghamrar for travellers continuing into Vatnajokull country.
A classic glacier walk that pairs naturally with a longer Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Skaftafell day.
Places near Dverghamrar
Use Dverghamrar as a small geology stop within a broader Kirkjubaejarklaustur and southeast Iceland route.
Towns and villages near Dverghamrar
These towns and bases help make Dverghamrar part of a practical South Coast or southeast journey.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Kirkjubaejarklaustur short loop
Use Kirkjubaejarklaustur as the base, then combine Dverghamrar with Fjaðrargljufur and Foss a Sidu.
Southeast glacier route
Continue east from Dverghamrar toward Skaftafell and book a glacier activity if the day is built around ice rather than small stops.
Long Ring Road day
If driving from Vik toward Jokulsarlon, keep Dverghamrar as a flexible leg-stretcher and avoid overloading the day with too many side roads.
FAQ about Dverghamrar
What is Dverghamrar known for?
Dverghamrar is known for basalt columns, a short walking stop and folklore atmosphere near Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Is Dverghamrar near Kirkjubaejarklaustur?
Yes. It is one of the easiest short stops to add when staying near Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Do you need a 4x4 for Dverghamrar?
Usually no for the standard access from the main route, but winter conditions can still affect parking and walking paths.
How long should you spend at Dverghamrar?
Most visitors need 20 to 45 minutes unless they are taking photos slowly or pairing it with nearby local walks.
What tours work near Dverghamrar?
Longer South Coast and southeast tours, Skaftafell glacier activities and Jokulsarlon routes are the best practical matches.
What places are close to Dverghamrar?
Nearby ideas include Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Fjaðrargljufur, Foss a Sidu, Skaftafell and the road toward Vatnajokull.
Can you visit Dverghamrar in winter?
Yes, but ice and wind can make the short paths slippery. Use the stop only if access and parking feel safe.
Is Dverghamrar a main destination?
For most travellers it is a high-quality short stop, not the main reason for the day. It works best as part of a connected southeast route.