Dverghamrar’s hexagonal lava columns and the echoes of Icelandic legend

In the landscapes of southern Iceland, near the settlement of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a cluster of rock formations stands out for both its geometric beauty and the legends surrounding it. Known as Dverghamrar, which translates to “Dwarf Cliffs” or “Dwarf Rocks,” this site embodies the mixture of geology and mythology that marks Iceland’s countryside.

Basalt columns shaped by ancient lava flows

Dverghamrar presents a striking array of basalt columns, formed when flowing lava cooled and contracted. The columns rise vertically from the ground, many with a pronounced hexagonal cross-section at their base. Above, the rocks become more irregular, hinting at shifting conditions during their formation. The process that finalized this pattern likely began during the Ice Age, a reminder that even features which appear timeless were born from moments of volcanic violence intertwined with icy epochs.

The cliffs are composed of solidified lava, which over time became etched by the natural forces of weather and further deposits. Layers of volcanic ash and other sediments can be seen nearby, adding to the records of repeated eruptions that have shaped this region of Iceland.

Whispered hymns and the echo of old stories

For centuries, Dverghamrar has held a special place in Icelandic folklore. Stories of supernatural happenings persist alongside scientific explanations. One tale from the early twentieth century has been preserved in Iceland’s collection of folktales, “Íslenskar Þjóðsögur og sagnir.” In 1904, a young girl herding sheep around the cliffs reported hearing singing. The tune was unfamiliar at first but revealed itself to be “Faðir á himna hæð” (“Father in Heaven”), a hymn well loved in Iceland.

The story notes that the girl was alone, yet heard the singing distinctly even as she started walking back to her home. No other person could be found in the area at the time. It did not take long for people to suggest that the hymn had been sung by the hidden folk dwelling in the rocks, the dwarfs, or possibly the high elves, who according to tradition were known for both their Christian faith and their elusive presence.

Today, Dverghamrar is visible just off the Ring Road, where travellers pause to look at the strange basalt pillars and, sometimes, to consider the intersection of geology and legend that runs deep through Iceland’s terrain.

TopicsBasalt ColumnsDverghamrarIcelandic folkloreKirkjubæjarklausturvolcanism