Driving along the Vatnsnes peninsula reveals the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur which is a 15 meter (49 ft) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. It has a unique shape some say resembles a giant dinosaur or a cow enjoying a drink from the ocean. Sea erosion has carved out unique holes in the shape and often seals can be spotted enjoying the view.
Hvitserkur is a beautiful cliff where many types of seabirds, especially gulls and fulmars, have made their nests for centuries. Their guano deposit has made it’s mark on the cliff, painting it white in many places. Hence the cliff is named Hvitserkur, which translates as White Shirt.The legend goes that Hvitserkur is a petrified troll. The troll lived in Strandir, east to Hvitserkur, and wanted to tear down the bells at Þingeyrarklaustur convent, since the bells bothered it. Fortunately the troll got caught by daylight and as we all know trolls turn into stone by daylight.
