Photo: Anders Peter

Hjörleifshöfði

A historic promontory rising from Iceland’s black sands

Hjörleifshöfði is a dramatic, isolated rocky promontory located near the black sand plains of Mýrdalssandur in South Iceland. Steeped in legend and history, it is named after Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, one of Iceland’s first Norse settlers. According to the Icelandic sagas, Hjörleifur was buried atop the headland after being killed by his slaves, and a burial mound believed to be his can still be visited today. The site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding black sands, glaciers, and coastline. A hike to the summit (roughly 2–3 hours round-trip) rewards visitors with a mix of natural beauty and cultural history. It’s a quiet, often overlooked stop that offers a deep connection to both Iceland’s dramatic landscape and its early human stories. Ideal for hikers, history lovers, and photographers alike.

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