hryggjarliða
Hryggjarliða is a prominent cliff and hiking destination located in the southwest of Iceland, near the town of Hella in the southern region. The formation rises approximately 600 metres above sea level and overlooks the Fimmvörðuháls ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The cliff is composed primarily of basaltic lava flows that were ejected during the Pleistocene volcanic episodes in the area.
The geological structure of Hryggjarliða is a well‑preserved example of columnar jointing, a feature commonly associated
Historically, the site has been mentioned in medieval Icelandic sagas as a strategic lookout point where local
The name Hryggjarliða derives from the Icelandic words “hryggjar” (back, spine) and “liða” (to lie or stretch),