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Hvítserkur, the amazing 15-metre rock formation that appears in different perspectives to different people, is a sight to behold! For some it appears as an elephant drinking, for others a rhino, while for some others a bison or even a dragon… but all unanimously agree that it looks like a stocky animal drinking in the Húnaflói Bay.
Hvítserkur, the amazing 15-metre rock formation that appears in different perspectives to different people, is a sight to behold! For some it appears as an elephant drinking, for others a rhino, while for some others a bison or even a dragon… but all unanimously agree that it looks like a stocky animal drinking in the Húnaflói Bay. 
For Icelanders it is a troll that was caught in the morning rays of sun and remains transfixed as a rock. Hvítserkur is known by several names, including ‘Troll Rock’, ‘Elephant Rock’, ‘Rhino Rock’ etc. Located 82 km from the capital and 35 km Þingvellir it lies close to Vatnsnes Peninsula in the north-west region. Interestingly, the umpteen seabirds that nest on the rock stack may have influenced its name, which literally translates to ‘white shirt’, possibly due to the bird droppings on the black basalt rock. Hvítserkur is said to be a volcanic dyke, which took this shape due to the constant onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean and natural forces that may have eroded the craters around it. The fear of losing this beautiful natural site to natural forces compelled authorities to reinforce its base with concrete to protect its foundation in 1955, which eventually saved it from an earthquake eight years later.
Hvítserkur, which has a waterfall close by, is an ideal place to watch seabirds, including Arctic tern, seagull, kittiwakes, fulmar, shag and even puffins. Seals are aplenty on the beach and sometimes also some colourful jellyfish. In fact, the adjoining town Hvammstangi has the biggest seal colonies of Iceland. Other attractions nearby include the historical Súluvellir farm, trade museum and Seal Centre of Hvammstangi.
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