Brimketill is a natural phenomenon,a small pool, naturally carved by marine erosion in Staðarberg cliffs, on the southern side of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a short distance west of Grindavík. Brimketill sometimes goes by the name Oddnýjarlaug (Oddnys pool), named after a night troll who was supposed to have bathed up there. Brimketill is a cauldron in the rock at the coast that has been formed over a long period of time due to erosion in the rock from waves, frost weathering and seepage, thus forming a large cauldron on the beach. The lava around Brimketil is rough, cracked and has high, wavy edges and surfaces. It probably ran in the Reykjanesfire in the years 1210-1240.
The sea has a great influence on the landscaping of Reykjanes. By observing the surf crashing on the rocks in the vicinity of Brimketill, you can see the power that resides in the North Atlantic Ocean. The wave works on the solid rock by tightly compressing air in cracks and crevices. During suction, the sea drags the air with it. Then there will be a negative pressure. This curve gradually breaks the rock. Added to this is erosion due to rock fragments that strike sea cliffs and loose rocks, and in addition frost weathering when water in crevices expands as it hardens, and even sandblasting.
The viewing platform overlooking Brimketill is just a few steps away from the parking lot starting with a small set of stairs, making the platform inaccessible to wheelchairs. Standing on the platform you risk the possibility of getting soaked as the waves can almost reach the parking lot. Make sure to watch your step while taking in the amazing view and the unrelenting forces of nature. Utmost caution is recommended, especially when travelling with children.
One legend tells of the night troll Oddnýj who lived in Háleyjabunga, just west of Brimketill, together with her husband Hróar and their son Sölvi. One night she went out to Ræningjasker just east of Brimketill to retrieve a whale carcass that had drifted ashore. On the way back, she rested and bathed in Brimketill. When she finally headed home, she didn’t get far as the sun was coming up around that time thus she was turned into stone as the sun rays hit here. Oddny was seen there for a long time as a tall rock, until the pounding waves of the ocean gradually broke it down. Brimketill has therefore also been named Oddnýjarlaug (Oddnys pool) in reference to the night troll.
The viewing platform has now been extended and gives visitors a better view over Brimketill.
Being at Brimketill in bad weather when the waves are pounding on the rocks is breathtaking
