As we drove up to the view point for the Londrangar, Iceland coastline during our Snaefellsnes tour with Goecco, out guide, Audunn, prepared us for the fact that we were about to meet one of Iceland’s most legendary inhabitants: TROLLS.
And, while we rode along watching Iceland’s “photoshopped” landscape (his words!) fly by, he told us the following legend:
Legendary Icelandic Lóndrangar trolls
Many eons ago, huge, hulking trolls fiercely prowled Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
Trolls were renowned for their legendary ferocity. But it was the king of the trolls, and his lover, who made history. One night, they walked together to the edge of the sea, and sat, enjoying the ocean air and staring deeply into each other’s eyes.
Finally, the sky began to lighten, but neither of them saw, so consumed were they by their passion for each other. As all those familiar with trolls well know, these giant creatures turn to stone in the presence of the sun. And so, the troll king and his loving lady now stand, forever gazing into each other’s eyes at Lóndrangar.
Or, at least, that’s the story as we’ve heard it. Lóndrangar definitely isn’t an ancient lava rock formation at the edge of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, created when molten lava rock collided with the frigid ocean and exploded upwards…
Cliffs, trolls, and “tundra”
Hellnar will always stick with both of us as a place that was fun, educational, and also beautiful.
Boyfriend Perspective: And, you know, the troll story is kinda cool.
When you drive up, park at a small, gravel carpark. Walk uphill on a winding, metal-grated path, which will eventually lead you clockwise up and around a protruding cliff. The first view you’ll see is the one above and on the left. We’re not far from Hellnar, at this point, so those cliffs look quite familiar!
Continue around the path, admiring the ocean view. As you get closer to the right side of the cliff, you’ll see the trolls begin to come into view. Happily, you can take photos from here, and there’s also an observation deck so you can get even closer, should you wish to. Beware, sunset is beautiful here, but is also tough for photos, as you can see from the silhouetted shot below.
Lóndrangar has scenery for nearly every preference. Once you make your way around the path at the top of the cliff, come back around facing the car park and take a look at that golden field and mountain view! It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here.
You can explore for about as long as you want here, and then, finally, head back to the car and on to your next adventure.
This is definitely a place we’re planning to come back to when we return to Iceland next time!
Boyfriend Perspective: While it was cold and windy, this was a fantastic spot to stop and take in some of the amazing mountains and sea cliffs that Iceland has. The scenery is as unforgettable as the trolls are. A must on your vacation.
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Is it weird that I think that story is the most romantic I have ever heard? I hope that I can leave behind a beautiful story like the troll rocks one day. Iceland keeps popping into my scope, think its a sign.
Not weird at all – the added bonus, though, was hearing a native Icelander tell the story. Just added a little extra oopmh 🙂 I hope you do make it to Iceland – it’s well worth the trip!
I love that you started this post with the legend of the troll king! So interesting, I didn’t realize trolls were part of Icelandic folklore. Nevertheless, it looks like a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or just explore during the day.
We didn’t realize that, either – but all those huge, tower volcanic rock formations are associated with troll tales, which is so cool. It really was a perfect afternoon!
I never saw any trolls when I was in Iceland recently but I heard plenty of stories. The mythology surrounding trolls and fairies is really quite amazing and like nothing I’ve ever heard before. The landscape in Iceland is just incredible isn’t it? We hung out a bit on the Snafs as we liked to call it. I hope you can spend more time here if you come back.
It really, really is one of the most unique places we’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. Definitely planning to come back through… but there are so many other places on the list, too 🙂
Haha the trolls story at the beginning didn’t make sense Until it was finished.
I do like how you describe the path you took. When it is not just technical details and is actually in a story-like way.
besides all that, this place looks incredible, and I do hope you were able to enjoy the sunset with your own eyes even though it was hard to capture with the camera!
Yes! Whether it was easy to photograph or not, it was hard to keep our eyes off that amazing horizon. And thank you for your kind feedback on our style 😀 safe travels!!
Beautiful! I missed this when I was in Iceland – a summer return is in the books for us next year. This will definitely be on my list. I love all the troll history and folklore in this country as well! So cool!
That’s so exciting that you’re getting back there! We’re still figuring out when our return will be. Can’t wait to live vicariously through you! 🙂
I love stories like the one of the trolls! Snaefellsnes looks quite amazing, I would love to catch a sunset there!
Aren’t those kinds of stories the best?! It’s so neat to hear how people used to explain the existence of natural occurrences/phenomena 🙂
I have amazing and horrific memories of snaefellsnes. I saw the northern lights here but this is also where I wreck my rental car.
OH NO. What happened?! Our rental car company gave us copious warnings about the unpredictable wind and weather… was that what got you? On the upside, lucky you for catching the northern lights! The weather didn’t quite cooperate while we were there :\
Iceland’s landscape is so incredible! I take it you didn’t find any trolls out there?
I hear they can be quite elusive when they want to be – might explain why we didn’t run into any 😉 Can’t wait to get back and do a little more troll hunting though!
I must agree with the boyfriend that the love story of the trolls are kinda cool! It has a perfect setting, too. Iceland’s landscapes are just sooo beautiful!
Hearing the lore definitely just made the nature even more beautiful… which is difficult, considering Iceland is… well, Iceland <3