Eldgjá Fissure

Eldgjá

Highlands

The canyon at Eldgjá opened during an eruption around 939 CE that researchers consider the largest effusive volcanic event in recorded history — roughly 18 cubic kilometers of lava spread across the Highlands, and the sulfur released cooled temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere for years after. The canyon runs about 8.5 kilometers, reaching around 600 meters across and 150 meters deep, part of a much longer fissure chain tied to the Katla volcanic system. Inside the canyon, the Ófærufoss waterfall drops in two streams onto the gorge floor — the main destination for most visitors, a roughly one-hour walk from the parking area. The landscape is raw and sparsely vegetated: dark basalt walls, patches of moss, very few other people. Reaching Eldgjá requires the F208 highland road, open roughly July through September and requiring a 4x4 with river-crossing clearance. Budget at least two hours on site. The canyon sits between Landmannalaugar and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, making it a natural stop on a highland traverse. There are no services here, so arrive with food, water, and layers.

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