Salthöfði og Salthöfðamýrar

Background

History & Background

Salthöfði is a striking geological formation, a sheer basalt cliff stretching 800 meters long and rising 60 meters high. It forms part of a highland ridge descending from the immense Öræfajökull, a testament to the powerful volcanic and tectonic forces that have shaped Iceland over millions of years. The area is characterized by its dramatic rock walls, dikes, or crater plugs, with cinder cones visible to the north, all contributing to a landscape born of fire and ice. Beyond its geological significance, Salthöfði holds a place in local history. East of the main headland, three prominent rock pillars, or 'drangar,' stand. The largest, Gimluklettur, is associated with a legend recounting the discovery of sheep there after the catastrophic 1362 eruption of Öræfajökull, symbolizing resilience in the face of natural disaster. Another pillar, Loddudrangur, is notably slender and deemed unclimbable. The area also served a practical purpose in centuries past. Before the mid-19th century, the 'vikurskaflar' (pumice drifts) found beneath Salthöfði were ingeniously used as natural cold storage, providing a cool, stable environment for preserving barrels of salted meat throughout the long Icelandic winters. This fascinating historical detail highlights the resourcefulness of early Icelandic settlers in adapting to their challenging environment. Salthöfði and the surrounding Salthöfðamýrar marshlands were officially designated as a protected area in 1977, preserving its 230.7 hectares for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Salthöfði og Salthöfðamýrar presents a magnificent tableau of East Iceland's geological prowess. Salthöfði itself is an impressive 800-meter-long, 60-meter-high basalt cliff, a sheer rock face that is part of a highland ridge extending from the mighty Öræfajökull. Visually, the image captures the dramatic scale, with the dark, calm lake nestled deep within the gorge, framed by the steep, textured cliffs adorned with patches of vibrant green moss. Beyond this intimate scene, the landscape opens up to the expansive, flat Salthöfðamýrar marshlands, a unique ecosystem stretching towards the distant horizon and the sea, all under a vast, often cloudy, sky. This protected area, established in 1977 and spanning 230.7 hectares, is not just a geological wonder but also a site of historical interest. East of the main headland, three distinct rock pillars stand sentinel, with Gimluklettur being the most prominent. Legend has it that lambs were found there after the devastating 1362 eruption, a testament to life enduring even the most cataclysmic events. Loddudrangur, another pillar, is notably slender and said to be unclimbable. Furthermore, a fascinating historical tidbit reveals that pumice drifts beneath Salthöfði were utilized before the mid-19th century as natural cold storage for barrels of salted meat during the harsh Icelandic winters. Visiting Salthöfði og Salthöfðamýrar offers a profound connection to Iceland's volcanic origins, its rich history, and its unique, untamed natural beauty.