The stone dragon
Two holes at the base.
paul morris oldskool2016 — CC0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY 4.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY 4.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY 4.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY 4.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY 4.0
Hvítserkur is a 15-metre basalt stack standing in the water off the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula. Two holes at its base make it look like a dragon bending to drink, and it is among the most photographed rocks in Iceland, especially when calm water reflects its shape. Local tradition says it is the body of a troll who tried to destroy the nearby Þingeyrar monastery and was turned to stone by the rising sun. Because the sea was eating its base, farmers reinforced it with concrete in the mid-twentieth century for fear it would fall. Marked paths are lacking, and visitors have trampled bird-nesting sites and seal haul-outs nearby, sparking debate over its protection. From the car park you walk a short way to the edge of a grassy slope that looks down on the rock, and you can sometimes go down to a gravel beach beneath. The view changes with tide and light. Fulmars nest on the slope, and you may see seals on the nearby gravel banks, so bring binoculars. A long summer evening gives the rock fine shadows. The rock is 27.5 km in a straight line north-east of Hvammstangi. The road is gravel in parts, so drive slowly. Keep to existing paths and stay away from nests and seals, especially in breeding season. Check the tide before going down to the beach, and bring a jacket against the frequent cold wind.
Two holes at the base.
Nests on the grassy slope.
Gravel near the rock.
East coast of the Vatnsnes peninsula, north-west Iceland
It is gravel in parts, so drive slowly and check conditions in winter.
Perhaps on the nearby banks, so bring binoculars and do not approach them.