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Gerduberg

A wall of basalt columns half a kilometre long, standing straight and even like built masonry.

Updated 30 August 2026

WhereWestern Region
Nearest cityBorgarnes about 50 km; Stykkisholmur about 60 km
Best seasonMay to September
Time to allowAn hour
Getting thereGravel track off road 54 on southern Snaefellsnes; parking below the cliff
EntryFree

Gerduberg is a cliff of columnar basalt running for several hundred metres along the southern edge of Snaefellsnes, and what makes it worth the turning is the regularity: the columns are close to vertical, of similar width, and packed side by side for the whole length, so the face reads as built rather than cooled. They stand between about ten and fourteen metres. A path runs along the foot and up to the top at one end, where the ground above is flat grazing land with a view across to Borgarfjordur. It sits on a gravel spur off road 54 and rarely has more than a handful of cars.

What's there

  • Several hundred metres of columns - vertical, even and tightly packed.
  • A face that looks built - the regularity is the whole attraction.
  • Columns ten to fourteen metres tall - along the length of the cliff.
  • A path to the top - flat grazing land above with a long view.

When to go

May to September; the track is rough when wet. An hour.

What to expect

Rock falls from the face and standing directly beneath it is unwise. The path up is steep and loose at one end. The access track is gravel and potholed. No facilities.

Nearby

Eldborg is east along road 54; Snaefellsnes runs west from here.

Key facts

Local nameGerðuberg (Icelandic)
Location64.8631° N, 22.3575° W · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q15662269, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Gerduberg

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
  • Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
  • Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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