Lóndrangar pillars in western Iceland is comprised of twin landmark pinnacles which are comprised of basalt. They were created by a volcanic eruption and are the only remnants of what was once a crater — most of which has eroded over the years.
Lóndrangar Pillars in Western Iceland
The site is comprised mainly of two pinnacles: one tower is 75 meters or 246 feet tall; and the other tower is 61 meters or 200 feet tall, as they majestically stand on the cliffs of Snæfellnes Peninsula by the Atlantic Ocean in western Iceland.
Because of its dramatic scale and unique formation, the nickname of Lóndrangar is “the rocky castle”.
The viewpoint on the cliffs are easily accessed from the parking lot nearby by walking up an incline at a mild angle through fields of mossy lava; but they can also be seen from the sea while surfing, which is an activity that is relatively popular in the area.
The above photographs show a closer view of the cliffs which are in the opposite direction of Lóndrangar.
This view of the main — and only — road is seen facing east from the viewpoint.
The small parking lot is north of the viewpoint ad has at least three sets of picnic tables and benches. That lone vehicle in the parking lot is the car which I rented to drive around Iceland for eleven days.
Hundreds of black-legged kittiwake and other birds perch along the sides of the cliffs at any given moment, with plenty of guano to show for it. If a visitor is fortunate enough, puffins may be seen here as well.
A lighthouse and the main road can also be seen from the viewpoint when looking to the west.
Final Boarding Call
Plan to spend up to 30 minutes to enjoy the view of Lóndrangar at Snaefellsness. Another place to view Lóndrangar is at Malarrif.
No admission is charged to see Lóndrangar on Snæfellnes Peninsula in western Iceland; and the viewpoint is never closed to anyone who wants to visit it. No facilities are available at the site itself; but free parking is available in a small parking lot.
Plan to spend at least two hours and 40 minutes to drive the approximately 200 kilometers from Reykjavik — although the site is only a drive of eight minutes west of Gatklettur stone arch. Bring a jacket, coat, or other garments to keep you warm against what could potentially feel like brutally cold winds.
All photographs ©2018 by Brian Cohen.
