The path to the cliff at Valahnúkur has been closed as a large fracture has formed in the rock, as a huge section of the cliffs is threatening to collapse down into the beach below.
Ólafur Helgi Kjartansson, chief of police in the Suðurns district, told the local news site Vísir that the crack in the cliffs has been expanding and deepeing in the past few days, and that it is believed to pose an immediate threat to travellers. The path leading to the edge of the cliff has therefore been closed to ensure there are no people standing on the cliff when the piece finally falls off.
Read more: Reykjanes Geopark: A volcanic wonderland less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavík
The following picture was taken by Eggert Sólberg Jónsson, with Reykjanes Geopark.
Valahnúkur cliff, and the nearby shoreline is a popular tourist destination year round, due to its natural beauty and dramatic views, among which is Eldey island, a tall island stack 15 km (9.25 m) offshore. To get to Valahnúkur you take Route 425, turn left (coming from the south/east) just before the Reykjanes power plant. Drive past Gunnuhver hot springs to the Reykjanesviti lightouse, and continue toward the ocean.
The path to the cliff at Valahnúkur has been closed as a large fracture has formed in the rock, as a huge section of the cliffs is threatening to collapse down into the beach below.
Ólafur Helgi Kjartansson, chief of police in the Suðurns district, told the local news site Vísir that the crack in the cliffs has been expanding and deepeing in the past few days, and that it is believed to pose an immediate threat to travellers. The path leading to the edge of the cliff has therefore been closed to ensure there are no people standing on the cliff when the piece finally falls off.
Read more: Reykjanes Geopark: A volcanic wonderland less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavík
The following picture was taken by Eggert Sólberg Jónsson, with Reykjanes Geopark.
Valahnúkur cliff, and the nearby shoreline is a popular tourist destination year round, due to its natural beauty and dramatic views, among which is Eldey island, a tall island stack 15 km (9.25 m) offshore. To get to Valahnúkur you take Route 425, turn left (coming from the south/east) just before the Reykjanes power plant. Drive past Gunnuhver hot springs to the Reykjanesviti lightouse, and continue toward the ocean.
