Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur: mysterious canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a breathtaking canyon in the south of Iceland, characterised by dramatic precipices, a meandering river and lush greenery contrasting with the rugged landscape. Measuring around two kilometres long and up to 100 metres deep, the canyon has been given its extraordinary shape by thousands of years of glacial action and the Fjaðrá River.

Journey through the canyon

A well-maintained trail leads from the parking lot and winds to several viewpoints. Be sure not to miss them. Sometimes the visibility from the trail is limited, but the viewpoints offer a spectacular panorama.

Don’t be fooled by the beginning. After a couple of minutes the canyon will narrow and show you its beauty.

Fjaðrá River stretches far below you, and from the lookout you can see its winding flow and the depth of the canyon. Around it, rocks of different shapes and colours climb up high, especially if you come here at sunrise or sunset.

Morning walk

Making the decision to come here early in the morning was the best thing. As the canyon was gradually waking up to life, the sun was making its way through it, making it difficult to take pictures, but creating an unrepeatable play of lights and shadows on the cliffs

Although you can’t get close to the gorge because the trail only goes above the canyon, you won’t miss anything. The view from the top is magnificent. Even so we flew in the canyon with a drone, this time the view from above was better than from below, which is not often the case with gorges.

Waterfall and the last observation platform

Hidden in the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a small but picturesque waterfall that adds to the beauty of the place. You will come across it at the end of the trail after about half an hour of walking. Although it is not as big a waterfall as Skógafoss or Gullfoss, its presence in the narrow canyon creates a scenic atmosphere. Note the pool of turquoise water below the waterfall and how a mass of water flows over it.

How to get to Fjaðrárgljúfur?

Getting to the canyon is easy and is along the main road number 1, known as the Ring Road. After passing through the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you will continue for about three kilometres on the unpaved F206 road, which will bring you to the canyon car park. Parking is located right at the trailhead, so you don’t have to go far, and there is a 1000 ISK parking fee.

Just a 45-minute drive from the famous Reynisfjara Beach towards Diamond Beach, this magnificent natural gem is a short drive from the Eldhraun lava fields.