Brimketill Lava Rock Pool - Brimketill lava rock pool
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Brimketill Lava Rock Pool

4.6
·1k reviews·, Iceland

A dramatic natural lava rock pool on Iceland's rugged coast, famous for its powerful waves and breathtaking ocean spray.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Dramatic views year-round

CrowdLow
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Brimketill Lava Rock Pool - Brimketill lava rock pool

Brimketill Lava Rock Pool

Best Time

Anytime

Dramatic views year-round

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic natural lava rock pool on Iceland's rugged coast, famous for its powerful waves and breathtaking ocean spray.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Witness the raw power of the Atlantic as giant waves crash against the lava formations, creating spectacular spray."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocks are sharp and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for exploring the area safely.

🧥 Dress for Wind

Coastal winds can be surprisingly strong and cold, even on a sunny day. Bring layers!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Brimketill Lava Pool

The Brimketill Lava Pool

The natural pool itself

A unique bathtub-shaped pool carved by the sea into the lava rock, offering a dramatic contrast to the crashing waves.

Dramatic Wave Action

Dramatic Wave Action

Viewing platform overlooking the pool

Witness the raw power of the Atlantic as giant waves crash against the lava formations, creating spectacular spray.

Rugged Lava Coastline

Rugged Lava Coastline

Surrounding area

Explore the stark beauty of the volcanic shoreline with its sharp, eroded lava rocks and dramatic ocean views.

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Planning Your Visit

Safety First: Admire, Don't Swim

Brimketill is a stunning natural spectacle, but the powerful waves make swimming extremely dangerous. Stick to the viewing platform and admire the dramatic ocean spray from a safe distance. Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks are sharp and the terrain uneven.

Quick Stop, Big Impact

This spot is perfect for a short, memorable visit. Easily accessible from the parking area, it offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the unique lava rock pool. Combine it with nearby attractions for a fuller experience.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Dramatic views year-round
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Sightseeing advice

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocks are sharp and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for exploring the area safely. Reddit

🧥 Dress for Wind

Coastal winds can be surprisingly strong and cold, even on a sunny day. Bring layers! Reddit

reddit.com

To Do/See in the Blue Lagoon area

reddit.com

12 hour layover in KEF and looking for suggestions

🚗 Easy Parking

Free parking is available right near the viewing area, making access very convenient. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The dramatic waves and unique rock formations offer stunning photo ops, especially during rough seas.

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocks are sharp and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for exploring the area safely. Reddit

🧥 Dress for Wind

Coastal winds can be surprisingly strong and cold, even on a sunny day. Bring layers! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Free parking is available right near the viewing area, making access very convenient. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The dramatic waves and unique rock formations offer stunning photo ops, especially during rough seas.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Brimketill's dramatic natural beauty and the awe-inspiring power of the waves crashing against the lava rock formations. It's praised as a spectacular, easily accessible viewpoint offering breathtaking coastal scenery. Some note that it's a brief stop, and swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents.

"Beautiful viewing spot. Just a few steps from parking but great views of black lava with several natural lava pools. We've seen calm and wild ocean days here. Usually the waves will make a big dramatic spray up rocks!"

Anita einarsson

"Amazing natural spot with dramatic lava rock formations and powerful ocean waves. Not safe for swimming, but the view is spectacular and worth a short stop. Wear good shoes – rocks are sharp and windy conditions common."

Ivan Kristic

"The lava pool looked beautiful, with strong waves crashing continuously against the cliffs and stones. It was awe-inspiring but also a bit scary to think about how powerful the currents must be. The waves even created impressive spouts of water."

Paulomi Roy

What People Like

Dramatic wave action
Unique lava pool
Spectacular coastal views

What People Dislike

Not safe for swimming
Can be very windy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brimketill is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, near Grindavík. It's easily accessible by car, with a short drive from Grindavík town. Free parking is available close to the viewing platform. Reddit

No, Brimketill is not part of the traditional Golden Circle route. It's located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is a separate but equally scenic area to explore.

While possible with organized tours that include the Reykjanes Peninsula, visiting by car offers the most flexibility. Public transport options are limited in this area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Brimketill Lava Rock Pool is a natural attraction and is completely free to visit. Parking is also free. Reddit

Brimketill is an outdoor natural site and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Absolutely not. The waves are extremely powerful and unpredictable, making swimming incredibly dangerous. It's strictly for viewing and admiring the ocean's force. Reddit

Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as the lava rocks are sharp and can be slippery. Dress in layers, as it can be very windy and cold, even on a pleasant day. Reddit

A visit to Brimketill is typically a short stop, around 15-30 minutes, to admire the pool and the coastline. It's often combined with other nearby attractions.

There are no facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Brimketill. You'll find these in the nearby town of Grindavík.

📸 📸 Photography

Anytime with dramatic waves offers great photo opportunities. Overcast days can enhance the moody atmosphere of the lava coastline.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the coastline and waves. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet rocks and enhance the sky. A sturdy tripod is useful if you plan for longer exposures of the waves.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brimketill offers a fantastic, albeit brief, natural spectacle for families. The easy access from the parking lot means minimal walking for little legs. Kids will be mesmerized by the dramatic waves crashing against the rocks, creating impressive spray. It's a great spot to teach children about the power of nature from a safe distance. Remember to keep a very close eye on children, as the terrain can be uneven and the ocean's force is significant. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers

For those exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, Brimketill is an ideal quick stop. It's conveniently located and requires very little time to appreciate its dramatic beauty. Combine it with visits to the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver geothermal area, or the Reykjanesviti lighthouse for a well-rounded half-day excursion. The free parking and easy access make it a hassle-free addition to any itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Geological Marvel: The Formation of Brimketill

Brimketill, meaning 'boiling kettle,' is a testament to Iceland's volcanic activity and the relentless power of the North Atlantic. This unique natural pool is formed within an eroded lava shoreline. Over centuries, the relentless crashing of waves has sculpted the soft volcanic rock, creating a distinct, almost bathtub-like depression.

The surrounding landscape is a dramatic display of Iceland's geological history, with jagged lava fields stretching towards the sea. The contrast between the dark, porous lava rock and the white, frothy spray of the ocean is a photographer's dream. It’s a raw, untamed environment that showcases the dynamic forces shaping the island.

While the pool itself is a marvel, the real spectacle is often the ocean's interaction with it. Visitors often describe seeing massive waves surge and crash, sending plumes of spray high into the air, a truly awe-inspiring sight that underscores the untamed nature of this coastal gem. Reddit

Safety and Respecting the Power of the Ocean

The most crucial advice for visiting Brimketill is to prioritize safety. While the natural pool is visually captivating, the ocean here is incredibly powerful and unpredictable. The waves can surge unexpectedly, and the currents are extremely strong, making any attempt to swim or even get too close to the water's edge highly dangerous.

Travelers consistently emphasize that Brimketill is a viewing spot, not a swimming destination. The sharp lava rocks and the sheer force of the waves mean that slips and falls can have severe consequences. Always stay behind the designated viewing areas and admire the spectacle from a safe distance. Reddit

Respecting the environment is also key. Stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing the delicate lava formations. By being mindful of safety and the natural environment, visitors can fully appreciate the raw beauty of Brimketill without incident.

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