A Journey Through Strength, History, and Iceland’s Wild Landscapes
Some trips are about seeing new places. Others are about testing yourself.
My recent journey through Iceland’s legendary lifting stones was both.
Over three incredible days, our group travelled across lava fields, glaciers, remote valleys, black sand beaches, and mountain passes in search of some of the country’s most historic tests of strength. Along the way, we lifted stones that fishermen, shepherds, and travellers have used for centuries to prove their worth.
The challenge was simple: visit all the locations on the itinerary and see what could be lifted.
By the end of the tour, I had successfully lifted 18 of the 30 stones we encountered—a result of which I’m incredibly proud.
More importantly, I experienced some of the most breathtaking landscapes and inspiring camaraderie I’ve ever known.
Day One: Into the Deep End
The adventure began with the Power Stones of England, and it immediately became clear that this would be no ordinary trip.
To reach the stones, we had to carefully shimmy across a pipe spanning a fast-flowing river. It was one of those moments that makes you question your life choices before reminding you why adventures are worth having in the first place.
From there, we travelled through seemingly endless lava fields, past glaciers and hundreds of wild Icelandic horses. Every mile felt like stepping into another world.
The Húsafell Stone
One of the most iconic lifting stones in the world, the Húsafell Stone weighs approximately 186kg and has earned legendary status among strength athletes.
My goal wasn’t to carry it around the famous pen. I simply wanted to get it off the ground.
With guidance and encouragement from Jamie, Ross, Tom and the other guys, I achieved exactly that. I’ve watched my video so many times now and to listen to the support I got from these guys it’s something I will never forget.
For many people, the Húsafell Stone represents years of training and ambition. To finally put my hands on it and move it was a special moment.
Watching experienced lifters complete the full carry around the pen was equally inspiring and provided a glimpse of what true mastery looks like.
Engjasteinar Power Stones
Our next stop took us beneath Falkaklettur Mountain to the Engjasteinar stones.
These rough lava stones are as awkward as they are historic. Unlike modern gym equipment, there is nothing comfortable or predictable about them. Every lift demands full-body commitment.
I successfully chested the Amlóði and managed to get the Hálfsterkur moving, a result with which I was more than happy.
The stones may not look impressive at first glance, but they represent the raw essence of traditional stone lifting: strength without compromise.
Dritvík Fisherman’s Stones
The final stop of day 1 became one of the most memorable experiences of the entire tour.
The famous Dritvík Fisherman’s Stones have been used for centuries to determine a fisherman’s suitability for work at sea. Their weights range from 23kg to 154kg, with each stone representing a different level of strength and status.
What makes these stones especially challenging is their smooth surface. They offer almost no grip.
I arrived determined to chest the 100kg Hálfsterkur.
The first attempts were brutal. Dry stone, loose gravel, and constant slipping made every effort feel impossible. At one point, the sharp black gravel cut the backs of my hands, leaving them bleeding.
Then the weather changed.
Hail began falling, soaking the stone and providing just enough traction.
On the next attempt, the stone finally came up.
Cold, wet, bleeding, and completely exhausted, I achieved my first-ever Hálfsterkur chest lift.
The encouragement from the group throughout the effort was extraordinary. Their support transformed what could have been a frustrating struggle into one of my proudest moments of the tour.
Day Two: Following the Footsteps of Iceland’s Fishermen
Sjómannagarður Power Stones
Our second day began in Hellissandur at the Maritime Museum’s Fishermen’s Garden.
The lifting stones here are replicas of the historic stones at Dritvík and offer visitors a direct connection to Iceland’s fishing heritage.
For generations, these stones served as practical tests of strength. A fisherman who could not lift the required stone simply wasn’t considered strong enough for life at sea.
I managed to lift three of the four stones, another milestone that left me buzzing with excitement.
Reykjavík Open Air Museum
The museum’s collection includes eight historic stones ranging from 80kg all the way to a monstrous 304kg handled block.
I successfully lifted four of the eight stones and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
While my own lifts were rewarding, one of the highlights was watching fellow lifters tackle the heaviest implements. Seeing a 212kg stone lifted with a single hand was a reminder of just how extraordinary human strength can be.
The stones themselves carry fascinating histories, having been gathered around Reykjavík during the 1950s before eventually finding a permanent home at the museum.
Day Three: The Wildest Conditions of the Tour
Hraunbær Power Stones
If there was a location that truly tested resilience, it was Hraunbær.
Rain, hail, wind, and blowing sand combined to create some of the harshest lifting conditions imaginable. Every attempt felt like a battle against both the stone and the elements.
I successfully lifted two stones, including a Hálfsterkur chest lift that almost didn’t happen.
Initially, I was satisfied with simply getting movement beneath the stone. Jamie, however, saw more potential and encouraged me to return for another attempt.
That second effort paid off.
With the support of the group behind me, I completed the lift and created another memory that will stay with me for years.
The Legendary Pakgil Stones
The final destination of the tour was also the most remote.
The Pakgil Stones sit beside an old shepherd’s hut dating back at least to 1918. Reaching them required a 15km drive across a challenging mountain pass, followed by a 2.5-mile trek involving more than a dozen river crossings.
Every step felt like an expedition.
The reward was extraordinary.
The setting is unlike anywhere else in Iceland. Surrounded by towering mountains and vast open wilderness, the stones seem frozen in time.
Standing inside the historic shepherd’s hut before stepping outside to attempt the same stones lifted by generations before us was a powerful experience.
Among the stones are the 100kg Amlóði, 155kg Hálfsterkur, and 180kg Fullsterkur.
I successfully chested the smallest stone and, to the best of my knowledge, may be the first woman in modern times to make the journey and achieve that feat.
It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
More Than Just Stones
On paper, this trip was about lifting rocks.
In reality, it was about much more.
It was about exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes, learning about centuries of history, challenging personal limits, and sharing the experience with people who understood exactly why these ancient stones matter.
Every river crossing, every failed attempt, every successful lift, and every moment of encouragement from the group became part of a story I will never forget.
This tour exceeded every expectation I had.
The stones were incredible. The locations were breathtaking. The people were outstanding.
And the memories will stay with me for a very long time.
Dolores McGuckin
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