I can’t explain why, but I get true pleasure looking at naturally forming geometric shapes. Maybe it has something to do with my semester studying and implementing Fibonacci’s theory into my work. Or maybe because I enjoy predictable patterns… Regardless, these cliffs are oddly satisfying.
Standing at the base, there are moments where I can almost “see” the cliffs crumbling as they lean forward. The portions that have already fallen seem to be rolling downhill. And for a moment I believed the stillness of it all meant they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. But sitting on a rock at the top of the cliffs, it shifted under my weight. It was a quick reminder that nothing on this earth lasts forever. A reminder to see as much as I can and enjoy it while it’s there.
The Gerðuberg Cliffs (or Gerduberg Basalt Columns) are located just off of Snæfellsnesvegur (Road #54). You can see them on your right as you approach the entrance to the dirt road. They are very unassuming and easily missed if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The GPS coordinates for the dirt road turn off are 64.846546, -22.368966.
We arrived in a low ground clearance minivan fully loaded with luggage and 6 adults. I wouldn’t worry about the dirt road all too much on a dry day. As you can see below, it’s pretty well packed with some expected potholes. I can’t speak for what the terrain is like after it’s rained heavily and would advise you proceed with caution. After driving on the dirt road for a few minutes you’ll find a small parking lot to the right.
Walking up the steep path like so many others have done previously, you get an idea of how tall the cliffs actually are. Below you can see the worn path with a three rock scramble at the top. If you find this area to be too steep, simply walk around to the left where the cliffs level out. It’s a longer walk but an option for someone who is not too keen on possibly sliding on some mud.
At the top you have views for miles.
Below I’m sitting on the rock I previously mentioned that shifts. The moss also makes climbing these rock formations precarious. Please use caution when attempting to get close to the edge. Safety is more important than “doing it for the gram.”
Our way down was interesting. The mud made for some slippery moves and that caused the whole group to laugh the whole way down.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll see plenty of sheep all along the dirt road when leaving.
“The thing about Iceland is that we are trapped there anyway, all of us. We have been trapped there for thousands of years.”
Baltasar Kormakur
