Stuðlagil Canyon, located in the northeastern part of Iceland, is one of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes. This unique gorge is renowned for its impressive basalt columns, reaching heights of several tens of meters.
For many travelers exploring Iceland, Stuðlagil has become a key point on their route, with some considering it one of the most beautiful places in the country. Hiking along the canyon floor, surrounded by majestic basalt formations, allows visitors to understand why this place evokes such widespread admiration.
Interestingly, until recently, Stuðlagil was little known, and its unique basalt structures were largely hidden under the waters of the glacial river Jökla. This changed after the completion of a major dam project, which significantly reduced the river’s flow.
As a result, the once wild and sediment-laden Jökla transformed into a calm, clear stream. Today, the blue waters of the river create a picturesque contrast with the partially red, shimmering basalt columns that surround them, forming an extraordinary scenery.
Stuðlagil Canyon Hike Tour
The trail begins with a convenient gravel road that gradually transitions into a more challenging path leading down to the river. The total distance to cover is about 4.5 km, and the estimated hiking time is roughly one and a half hours. Although the trail is not particularly difficult, it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear to ensure stability on potentially slippery stones.
As you approach the end of the trail, hikers should remain vigilant due to the possibility of rockfalls. Upon reaching the destination, tourists are surrounded by impressive basalt formations, making one feel incredibly small. The calm flow of the Jökla River completes the picture, creating the impression of being transported to another reality.
The tour should take about half a day and includes a visit to the viewing platform and a 9-kilometer walk. However, it is important to account for travel time from the starting point unless beginning from a nearby small campsite.
Stuðlagil Canyon Parking
Visitors to Stuðlagil Canyon have two main parking options. The first, known as Stuðlagil East Side Parking, is located directly adjacent to the bridge by the river. An alternative option is Parkplatz Klastrusel, situated closer to the canyon itself, near the picturesque Stuðlafoss waterfall. To reach this parking lot, you must traverse a rough road beyond the bridge.
Additionally, on the western side of the canyon, near the Grund farm, there is a third parking lot. While it provides access to the viewing platform, it does not offer the best perspectives of the canyon.
Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoint
The first viewpoint is a platform located near the parking lot on the western side of the canyon, close to the Grund farm. From this spot, visitors can admire the canyon from above, seeing the basalt columns and the river. It is a good place for a quick overview of the canyon’s appearance, though it does not offer the best views.
To see the most beautiful part of the canyon, it is worth going to the Stuðlagil East Side Parking, located on the eastern side of the canyon. From there, the trail runs along the river for about 2-3 kilometers, offering increasingly better views of the canyon and its impressive basalt formations.
From the eastern side parking lot, you can first cross the bridge and continue hiking along the gravel road, then follow the path leading down to the river. Although this route is longer and more challenging, it allows access to the most spectacular viewpoints and descent to the canyon floor, where the basalt columns can be admired up close.
Stuðlagil Canyon – When to Visit
The best time to visit Stuðlagil is in the summer, from late May to mid-August, when the weather is most favorable for tourists. During summer, the river flowing through the gorge takes on a beautiful turquoise color, although it can change depending on the weather and melting glaciers. It is important to note that in late summer, the water color may be affected by the nearby hydroelectric plant, giving it a more brownish tint.
The canyon can also be accessed in winter, but visitors should be prepared for more challenging conditions. The drive to the parking lot and the hike itself will be more difficult due to snow and ice. Hiking to Stuðlagil in winter can be risky, especially for less experienced tourists, due to the slippery and dangerous surface. However, for those who decide to visit in winter, the experience is unique, with a snowy landscape and a partially frozen river creating an extraordinary winter scene.
How to Get to Stuðlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon is located in eastern Iceland, in the Jökuldalur valley. The nearest larger town is Egilsstaðir, about 72 kilometers away, which translates to about an hour’s drive. Egilsstaðir also has an airport, Egilsstaðaflugvöllur, serving domestic flights from Reykjavik.
From Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, Stuðlagil Canyon is over 600 kilometers away. The drive from Reykjavik to the canyon takes about 8-9 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
To reach the canyon, follow Route 1 (Ring Road) eastward, then turn onto Route 923. The exact location of the parking lot and the starting point of the hike depends on whether you want to view the canyon from the eastern or western side.
Hike details
- Wear appropriate footwear for stability on potentially slippery stones.
- Remain vigilant for potential rockfalls, especially near the end of the trail.
- Includes a visit to the viewing platform and a 9-kilometer walk in total.
- Surrounded by impressive basalt formations at the destination.
Getting there
- Distance from Reykjavik: Over 600 km
- Driving time: 8-9 hours, depending on conditions
- Driving directions:
Follow Route 1 (Ring Road) eastward
Turn onto Route 923 - Parking and starting point:
Varies depending on whether viewing from eastern or western side
Tips
- The canyon’s unique basalt structures were revealed after a dam project reduced the river’s flow.
- The tour takes about half a day, including a visit to the viewing platform and a 9-kilometer walk.
- Eastern side viewpoint Provides the best views and access to the canyon floor.
- Best time to visit: Summer (late May to mid-August) for favorable weather and vibrant turquoise river color.
