Þakgil Canyon

Þakgil

South Coast

About 20 kilometers northeast of Vík, a rough gravel road climbs for roughly 40 minutes before dropping into Þakgil — a compact, moss-covered canyon carved into the flanks of Mýrdalsjökull. The canyon walls close in around a flat grassy floor, which is where the campsite sits. It is genuinely sheltered from the coastal wind, and the green moss against dark lava makes the place feel remote in a way that doesn't match how close it is to the Ring Road. Open from around June 1 to mid-September, the campsite has heated bathrooms, showers, an outdoor kitchen area, and a large natural cave fitted with tables and a grill that serves as a communal dining shelter. Small wooden cabins with private facilities are also available. Hiking trails range from a short easy canyon walk to a full-day 18-kilometer route with glacier views. The access road is passable in a 2WD car with decent clearance in dry conditions, but a high-clearance vehicle is more comfortable. The site can also be visited as a day trip from Vík. It fills quickly on summer weekends, so book ahead or aim for early in the week.

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