Hvitserkur
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Iceland trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Iceland trip
What foods do Iceland locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Iceland
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Iceland
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Iceland
What people say
Kristen Mackiewicz
" About: Really unique lava rock formation in the middle of the ocean. The drive is out of your way, but might be a nice stop if you need a break. Birds love to perch on top of the rock, hence the white coloring. Hvitserkur means “white shirt” Everyone sees a different animal - I see a rhinoceros, what do you see? Directions: turn onto road 711 from the ring road. (Turn left if you’re coming from Reykjavík, turn right if you’re coming from Akureyri). It's a rough road and longer than it seems. Time: 30 minutes from main road to parking lot, 10 minute walk down to view Rating: 3/5 Crowds: few-moderate Vehicle: all accessible but it is a very rough road, 4wd recommended in winter (Nov - April) Parking: small lot - free Views: You can get a nice view from the overlook perspective, but there is also a staircase that takes you down to the beach. If the tide is low, you can walk over to the rock. Seasonal: since it’s a dirt road with many potholes, road is probably not serviced in the winter Amenities: none Pro-tip: best photos near sunset or at low tide More info: Very common to see seals in this area! "
Read more in:
Eva Rios
Available for hire
"❗️EVA'S TIP: you might have seen this rock on Instagram (or not). But the place is not as worth as it might look, unless you're really into photography (drones and dogs are prohibited in the area because of the presence of wildlife such as seabirds, arctic foxes and seals, and you should respect that).
Despite this, I would recommend you to go if you feel like visiting a remote area. A good thing about this place is that you can see a lot of seabirds, and a peaceful beach if you go early in the morning or late in the evening (almost no tourists at that time). What's more, I got to see lots of seals on the other side of the beach, and that was magical! So, if you are lucky, you can get to see all this wildlife.
❗️The gravel road is quite bumpy, which can be uncomfortable if you don't drive a SUV or 4x4. But vans and cars can drive carefully, too. "
Read more in:
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"Hvítserkur, also nicknamed the "Troll of Northwest Iceland" or the "Rhino Rock", is a fascinating basalt sea stack located along the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes Peninsula in northwest Iceland. Standing at an impressive 15 meters (49 feet) tall, it's a popular stop for visitors traveling around the area.
Hvítserkur's most striking feature is its distinct shape. The base of the rock has two holes that, with some imagination, resemble the legs and underbelly of a large animal. This has led to the nicknames "Troll of Northwest Iceland" and "Rhino Rock." Local folklore tells the tale of a troll who was caught by the morning light while trying to tear down church bells from a nearby monastery. As punishment, he was turned to stone."
Mentioned in these guides
About Hvitserkur
Get the inside scoop on Hvitserkur from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Hvitserkur reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Address
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT