Surtarbrandsgil is of great geological importance, as fossilised remains of the vegetation that covered the land during the Miocene period can be found there, along with fossilised insects and traces of their activity. These remains provide insight into the ancient vegetation and climate of Iceland around 12 million years ago.
Access and visitor information
Protection status
Surtarbrandsgil is a natural monument on the Brjánslækur farm in Barðaströnd, Vesturbyggð. The protected area extends from the mouth of the gorge to its upper rim to the south, west and north. The primary purpose of the designation is to protect fossilised remains of plants and insects preserved in the sedimentary layers, as well as the lignite deposits.
The Surtarbrandsgil natural monument covers 272 hectares.
Fossilised plant remains are a non renewable resource, and once removed they cannot be replaced. There is also a risk of rockfall from the walls of the gorge. For these reasons, access to the gorge is only permitted when accompanied by a ranger. Information about scheduled guided hikes can be found in the exhibition section above.
• Access to the gorge is only permitted when accompanied by a ranger.
• Fossils, including lignite, must not be broken, damaged or removed.
• Geological research requires permission from the Nature Conservation Agency. The Agency may grant exemptions allowing fossils to b