Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur

South Coast

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a 2-kilometer canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, cut up to 100 meters deep by the Fjaðrá river through layers of palagonite and basalt — volcanic rock formed when lava meets ice. The canyon winds rather than running straight, a rare shape for such a deep gorge, and the moss-covered walls give it a green-on-black quality that reads well in any season. From Route 1, turn onto Road 206 just west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. A marked rim path runs the canyon's length with several viewing platforms; the full walk takes 45 to 60 minutes. A lower parking lot charges a small fee; the upper lot near the main viewpoint is free. The canyon saw a surge of visitors after appearing in Justin Bieber's 2015 video and later in Game of Thrones — the damage to the vegetation prompted formal paths and fencing. Respect any barriers. The road is paved and accessible in a standard car, about 275 kilometers from Reykjavík. It makes a natural midway stop on a Ring Road itinerary; go early in the morning in summer for the best chance of an uncrowded viewpoint.

Book & Explore

The links below are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this guide free. See our about page for how we keep recommendations independent.