Gatklettur Rock Formation – Hálsaskógur
Gatklettur is a remarkable geological formation located in
Hálsaskógur forest,
just outside Djúpivogur
in East Iceland.
The rock takes its name from two long, parallel holes that pass through the cliff,
creating a distinctive link between the forest and the underlying geology.
The basalt layers forming Gatklettur date back to the
Late Miocene period,
approximately 8.5–10 million years ago.
The rock stack is intersected by volcanic dikes that are believed
to be associated with the Álftafjörður volcanic system,
which is considerably younger than the surrounding bedrock.
When these lava flows formed, the area was covered by dense woodland.
Both coniferous and deciduous trees thrived here,
including giant pine species, spruce and swamp cypress,
alongside broadleaf trees such as beech, oak, elm and magnolia.
The unusually straight shape of the holes in Gatklettur
suggests that they were created when
tree trunks were engulfed by molten lava.
As the lava cooled and the wood later decayed,
hollow tubes were left behind within the rock.
In some formations of this type, traces of tree bark can still be found,
allowing scientists to identify the tree species involved.
Gatklettur therefore offers a rare insight into both
Iceland’s ancient vegetation and its volcanic history.
Gatklettur is an accessible stop along the walking paths in
Hálsaskógur,
where geology, nature and history come together
in a unique and educational setting.
Gatklettur er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.