Hljóðaklettar

North East, Iceland
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Hljóðaklettar or “Echo Cliffs” are a collection of peculiar columnar rock formations in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in Northeast-Iceland. These extraordinary rock formations are the remains of an ancient row of craters that have been created by centuries of erosion by the strong current and floods of the river. The ancient volcano plugs showcase intriguing basalt formations that look like works of art and are mesmerising to look at. The size of the columns varies, but in general they are huge and dwarf a person standing next to them. The possibilities at this location are almost endless, as they display all kinds of graphic formations, including honeycomb, block, and basalt pillars, whether diagonal, horizontal, or vertical. The unique geological features are truly awe-inspiring. The rocks seem to almost defy gravity and create a landscape that feels otherworldly. Hljóðaklettar will leave you speechless, even if their name means sound or echo.

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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

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  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

    Find out if location is frequently visited, if there is any danger in the location area and how to stay safe.

Accessibility

The location lies 2 kilometers off the main road. Part of the road to this location is a staggering 17% steep. The paths that lead to various viewpoints are easy and with a permission you might be able to use 4-wheelers to transport equipment closer to your area of filming.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Bad phone coverage
Poor phone coverage with frequent interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Services nearby

Nearest hospital is in Húsavík, 73 kilometres away. Around this area, there are many airbnbs and guesthouses. Within a 50-kilometre radius, there are convenience stores, a gas station, restaurants and hotels and other services.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
More than 50 km away

Permits

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This area needs a two-way permit. Hljóðaklettar are a part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Shooting permits are issued by the local government

Basecamp and facilities

There is a medium/large parking lot at the base of various hiking trails. There are no facilities at this location and phone coverage is average or bad.

Risk factors

Some of the hiking trail will take you straight to a vertical cliff with high fall. The trail is narrow with overgrown bushes and the first two viewpoints to the canyon are dangerously close to the unstable cliff edge.

Visitors

The area is on the Diamond Circle and is popular with tourists and locals. There is a national park ranger within 1 kilometer in Vesturdalur who could give information and help if needed.

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